Live from New York, it's NBC's effort to compete with Hulu, Netflix and everybody else in the streaming subscription market.
The peacock network announced Thursday its first entirely online subscription service, a $3.99-per-month platform devoted to comedy. Called Seeso, the service will feature a mixture of original content and previously broadcast TV series and late-night shows.
[seealso slug=http://sale-online.click/2014/10/16/cbs-digital-subscription-service/%5D%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3EThe new service is NBC's entree into the crowded, competitive world of online streaming. In addition to stalwarts like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, CBS launched its own standalone service in October 2014. NBC must hope that a focus on comedy can help its product stand out.
The service is currently in beta mode, so you can submit your email to get an invite. It will go live to everyone in January.
NBC has a rich comedic pedigree, having broadcast Saturday Night Live since 1975 and hosted some of TV's most-watched and critically-acclaimed sitcoms -- including Seinfeld, Cheers, Friends, 30 Rock, The Office, Parks and Recreation and plenty of others.
The network has also procured exclusive digital access to the libraries of Monty Python's Flying Circus and Kids in the Hall. Seeso will feature a deep lineup of original shows -- reportedly more than 20 -- including a show from the Upright Citizens Brigade and a series from former Daily Show correspondent Wyatt Cenac.
And now for something completely different... #Seeso is here. #YouGetIt http://t.co/xsgmsYxQzd pic.twitter.com/9jnS28oEf1— Seeso (@SeesoTV) October 15, 2015
NBC is owned by the cable conglomerate Comcast, which recently made its own foray into the streaming world with Watchable. Unlike Seeso, Watchable is free, and less a traditional streaming service than a collection of online video efforts from a variety of contributors -- including Mashable.
The network is also heavily invested in Hulu, which also counts 20th Century Fox and the Walt Disney Company among its backers. Hulu has provided an online outlet for NBC shows previously, but Seeso represents the network's first foray into operating its own service.