The Peacock Tax: Why Streaming With Ads Is Now More Expensive Than Cable
If you thought cutting the cord was saving you money, Peacock just made it personal. As of today, Peacock’s ad-supported Premium plan jumps to $7.99 a month, matching the price of its ad-free tier from just last year. This isn't a bug—it's a feature designed to squeeze your wallet. You're now paying more to watch commercials than you did for a basic cable package in many markets. While Comcast, Peacock's parent company, reports record profits from subscriber growth, average customers are being priced out of the "cheap" streaming alternative. The real kicker? Industry insiders predict this "Peacock effect" will ripple across other major streamers, meaning your monthly bill for Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+ could soon follow suit. Check your renewal date now—there's a chance you've already been silently upgraded to a higher price without a single email warning. The golden age of cheap streaming is over, and it’s your wallet that’s bleeding.