NBC To Move 'Days of Our Lives' To Streaming Platform

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the changing TV times as another longtime viewing habit will soon be disrupted, reports The L-A Times.

“Days of Our Lives,” the daytime soap that has aired on NBC since 1965, is moving to network parent Comcast’s streaming platform Peacock on Sept. 12.

NBC announced Wednesday it will replace “Days” with “NBC News Daily,” a daytime newscast that will use the anchors from its live streaming news channel NBC News Now.

The anchors for the program will depend on the time zone, as the newscast will be live across the country, using the hours shown on the NBC News Now stream. Stations will get the team of Morgan Radford and Vicky Nguyen or Kate Snow and Aaron Gilchrist.

The move reflects a continuing trend in the television business where scripted programs that have a shelf life are moving to streaming and on-demand platforms, while traditional TV is the domain for live news and sports.

“Days,” which is produced by Sony Television Pictures, will be available on NBC parent Comcast’s Peacock — immediately becoming the best known franchise to migrate exclusively to the platform.

Having a serial drama that has generations of fans could generate new subscriptions for Peacock, which has failed to grow at the rate of rivals Disney+, HBO Max and Paramount+ or generate much buzz.

“Days of Our Lives” is the last daytime drama on NBC’s schedule. ABC is down to one with “General Hospital,” while CBS has two, “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

The genre was once the most durable and profitable in network TV, but audience levels declined rapidly once DVR usage reached critical mass among consumers, enabling them to watch their favorite shows any time of day. Streaming has accelerated the decline.