NBCUniversal’s premium streaming service Peacock is rolling out a new feature called “Watch With” that will present special episodes of programs with a new YouTube-like live interactive viewing experience.

The feature will let viewers watch these “special episodes” alongside realtime split-screen commentary of talent offering reactions, behind-the-scenes perspective and unfiltered interactive Q&A with the viewers.

The first Watch With presentation is set to launch February 24th directly following the Season Two premiere of Peacock’s drama series “Bel-Air,” with Jabari Banks and Olly Sholotan, the service announced Wednesday.

The feature will then extend to Eurovision with two-time Olympian and NBC correspondent Johnny Weir, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip with Candiace Dillard Bassett and Marysol Patton, plus more to be announced, the company said.

Peacock said Watch With was developed as a new user experience that will enable show producers and marketers to take fans behind the scenes of their favorite programs and engage with the stars, directors and creators.

Peacock said special events are intended to present a seamless split-screen view through which viewers can engage with show stars and creators to have questions answered in real time.

Users will enter the livestream and be taken to a video overlay of talent providing commentary on the episode, alongside a count of how many fans are watching.

Samsung 2022 QD OLED Now On Sale

Shop Wireless Speakers and Speaker Systems at SVSound.com

Save on eligible LG Appliance Packages during Abt’s Savings Event!

See What Your 4K UHD TV Can Really Do With The Spears & Munsil 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc, $39.95.

Portrait Displays Calman Display Calibration Software Available Here

Amazon’s Best Selling 4K Ultra HDTVs

Amazon’s Camera, Photo & Video Deals

Amazon Fire TV Cube Media Adapter with Alexa

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Alexa Voice Remote

Amazon Echo Smart Speaker with Premium Sound, Alexa Voice Control

Amazon Echo Show 15 Alexa Voice Controlled Smart Screen

Amazon Echo Dot with Clock Voice Controlled Speaker

Amazon Echo Studio 3D Audio Alexia Smart Speaker

Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround SystemsBest Selling Blu-ray Players

Using the feature, the event producers will be able to keep pulse on all live social chatter, to bring the most noteworthy moments and questions to the attention of the talent in real-time.

With ongoing testing for continual optimization, the Watch With feature first appeared in beta form on the platform last year with beloved Miami Housewives, Larsa Pippen and Marysol Patton.

“After exceeding our viewership forecasts, we’re highly encouraged by the first test of ‘Watch With’ as a way to super-serve fans with a live communal viewing experience,” said John Jelley, Senior Vice President, Product & UX, Peacock and Direct-to-Consumer, NBCUniversal. “As we work to build an unrivaled audience experience at Peacock, we’re looking to continue experimenting with in-product innovations that enhance the streaming experience and break into the cultural zeitgeist.”

The Watch With announcement seems to be part of the growing trend with streaming services looking to engage fans interactively through their platforms. The subscription-based live TV streaming service YouTube TV also announced this week that it will be bringing a similar interactive feature to NFL Sunday Ticket, with the special out-of-market football game package begins on its new home this fall.

Similar to Watch With, that feature component will bring subscribers realtime live commentary, chats, polls and more to supplement the games.

Online purchases made using links provided on this site might generate a small commission for HD Guru.com. We thank you for your support!

By Greg Tarr

Have a question for the HD Guru? HD GURU|Email

Copyright ©2023 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HD GURU is a registered trademark.