TL;DR: Peacock is the "comfort food" of streaming, but it’s also home to some very grown-up content (looking at you, Yellowstone and Poker Face). To keep things safe, you need to do three things: Create a Kids Profile, set a Parental PIN to lock your own profile, and adjust Maturity Ratings for the older kids who have outgrown the "Little Kids" section but aren't ready for TV-MA.
Check out our full breakdown of streaming service safety ratings
If Netflix is the giant mall of streaming and Disney+ is the high-security theme park, Peacock is the neighborhood block party hosted by NBCUniversal. It’s where all the stuff we grew up with lives—think The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Saturday Night Live.
But for parents in 2026, Peacock is more than just a nostalgia trip. It’s the exclusive home for massive franchises like Despicable Me, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and pretty much everything from DreamWorks Animation. It also carries live sports, including the Olympics and WWE, which can be a mixed bag of "inspiring athleticism" and "wait, did he just hit him with a steel chair?"
Kids usually find their way to Peacock for one of three reasons:
- The Minions. Universal’s grip on the under-10 demographic is iron-clad.
- The "Office" Effect. Middle schoolers have an inexplicable obsession with Dwight Schrute. It’s basically their version of "vintage" culture.
- Live Events. Whether it’s a specific sporting event or a holiday parade, Peacock is the digital antenna for the modern home.
The challenge is that Peacock’s interface is designed to keep you scrolling. If your 8-year-old finishes an episode of Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, the "Up Next" algorithm might be smart, but it’s not always "parent-approved" smart. Without the right locks, they’re only two clicks away from a TV-MA true crime documentary.
Peacock’s parental controls are actually quite robust, but they aren't "on" by default. You have to be intentional about setting them up. Here is the play-by-bit-play.
1. The Master PIN (Your First Line of Defense)
Peacock allows you to set a Parental PIN. This is a four-digit code that prevents your kids from switching from their restricted profile into your unrestricted one.
- Pro-Tip: Do not use your phone unlock code or your birth year. Kids are digital ninjas; they’ve seen you type your passcode a thousand times. Pick something unique.
2. Creating a "Kids" Profile
When you create a profile, you can toggle the "Kids" switch. Peacock breaks this down into two categories:
- Little Kids: Strictly TV-Y, TV-Y7, and G. This is the "safe zone" for the Curious George crowd.
- Older Kids: Includes PG and TV-PG. This is where Trolls Band Together and most DreamWorks content lives.
3. Maturity Ratings (The Granular Control)
If you have a "tween" who is in that awkward phase where Bluey is "for babies" but they aren't ready for the violence of Five Nights at Freddy's, you can set specific maturity ratings on a per-profile basis.
Learn how to set up specific maturity ratings on Peacock
Not all "Kids" content is created equal. Some of it is high-quality storytelling, and some of it is just "brain rot" with a higher production budget. Here’s what we’re recommending on Peacock right now:
For the Little Ones (Ages 3-7)
- Honestly? This is a masterpiece. It handles themes of mortality and friendship in a way that’s actually profound, and the animation style is gorgeous.
- A solid, sweet show about creatures and kindness. It’s low-stress viewing for parents.
For the Tweens (Ages 8-12)
- If your kid likes Among Us, they will probably love this. It’s a reality competition show based on social deduction. Just be aware there’s some "adult" drama, so maybe watch the first episode together to see if they can handle the saltiness.
- The ultimate "get off the couch and try to do a pull-up" show. It’s wholesome, athletic, and promotes a great "try, fail, try again" mentality.
For the Teens (Ages 13+)
- It’s the quintessential teen show of the 2020s (despite being from 2005). It’s mostly harmless, though some of the humor from the early seasons hasn't aged perfectly. It’s a great "bridge" show to watch with your teen.
Ask our chatbot for more Peacock show recommendations based on your kid's age
Here is the "No-BS" part: Peacock has a "Channels" feature. This is essentially live-streaming TV. Even if you have a Kids profile set up, the "Channels" section can sometimes feel a bit like the Wild West.
While the content should be filtered based on the profile rating, live broadcasts (like news or sports) can feature commercials or live moments that aren't pre-rated. If you’re worried about your kid seeing a trailer for a R-rated horror movie during a football game, the only real solution is co-viewing.
A Note on WWE
If your kid is into wrestling, Peacock is the place they’ll be. WWE is technically "sports entertainment," but it features stylized violence, some suggestive themes, and a lot of trash-talking. It’s not "bad," but it’s definitely something that requires a conversation about what’s real and what’s "stunt work."
Setting up PINs and filters is great, but it’s the "digital fence," not the "digital coach." Eventually, they’ll be at a friend’s house where the Peacock account is wide open.
Try saying this: "Hey, I put a PIN on my Peacock profile because there are some shows I watch that are meant for adults—kind of like how some tools in the garage are only for me to use. If you ever accidentally click on something that feels 'too old' or makes you feel weird, just exit out. You won't be in trouble; I just want to make sure your brain isn't getting overloaded with 'grown-up' stress before it needs to be."
It’s not about being the "Screen Police." It’s about being the "Screen Guide."
Peacock is a fantastic value for families, especially if you’re already in the Universal/NBC ecosystem. Its parental controls are better than average, but they require about 10 minutes of manual setup to be effective.
- Set your Parental PIN immediately.
- Audit the "Older Kids" profile to make sure you’re okay with PG-13/TV-14 content.
- Keep an eye on the "Channels" feature during live events.
Check out our guide on how to talk to your kids about "brain rot" content
Next Steps: Open your Peacock app right now, go to "Settings," and look for "Parental Controls." If you can't find it, or if you're wondering if a specific show like Poker Face is okay for your 14-year-old, just ask our Screenwise bot. We've got the data to help you decide.