Peacock Trained TikTokers, Now 4 Creators Get Original Shows

Peacock has taken a unique approach to content creation by training TikTok influencers in storytelling and production, preparing them for bigger roles in entertainment. As a result of this initiative, four of these creators have been selected to lead their own original series on the streaming platform. This move highlights how streaming services are increasingly tapping into social media talent to develop fresh, engaging content and connect with younger, digitally native audiences in new and innovative ways.

Three years back, NBCUniversal launched a bold initiative to bridge the gap between digital creators and traditional television by helping TikTok influencers transition into full-fledged TV show creators. This program was designed to harness the raw talent of social media personalities and provide them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to break into mainstream entertainment. It represented a forward-thinking investment in the future of storytelling, where content isn't limited by traditional media boundaries but expands across platforms and formats.

From this program, four standout TikTok creators have now taken a significant leap in their careers. These individuals are preparing to debut their very own original television series on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform. Their shows represent the culmination of years of training, experimentation, and creativity nurtured under this development initiative.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming slate includes “The Warehouse Phase” by Charlie Curtis-Beard, a creator known for his quick wit and musical stylings; “The Kouncil,” created by Katie Florence, whose content often blends comedy and commentary; “Older Hotter Wiser,” a series by Serena Kerrigan, who has built a strong personal brand around confidence and female empowerment; and “People Like Me,” developed by Daren Vongirdner, who often uses humor to explore identity and cultural experiences.

These four shows are all scheduled to premiere on May 19, marking a significant moment not only for the creators themselves but for the broader entertainment industry. It signals a shift in how talent is discovered, developed, and showcased in the era of digital-first storytelling.

The rise of TikTok has completely changed the entertainment landscape, giving new creators a direct path to visibility and fame that once seemed out of reach without agency representation or Hollywood connections. Today, platforms like TikTok aren’t just launching pads - they're full-fledged talent incubators. What used to be considered a space for bite-sized, casual content is now being recognized as fertile ground for cultivating the next generation of screenwriters, actors, and producers.

This transformation is especially apparent as TikTok increasingly gains the nickname “the new TV.” The platform’s ability to draw millions of viewers and shape popular culture rivals traditional television networks, and in some ways, surpasses them. Creators can now generate high levels of engagement with minimal equipment, relying instead on strong storytelling, charisma, and authenticity - qualities that audiences crave in a media-saturated world.

One example that illustrates this shift is Boman Martinez-Reid, who rose to prominence with his comedic reenactments of the Kardashian family’s most dramatic moments. His TikTok fame translated into real-world opportunities, including a role on television, proving that social media can indeed serve as a credible stepping stone into traditional media careers. His content, once confined to short-form videos, has evolved into professionally produced work, showing the versatility and adaptability of social media stars when given the right platform.

Another example is the viral success of “Group Chat,” a TikTok-based show that captivated millions of users and eventually catapulted its creator into mainstream media, including an appearance on the Today Show. This kind of cross-platform success is becoming more common as audiences begin to blur the lines between online entertainment and network programming. Viewers no longer distinguish between what is “real TV” and what’s made for social media - they simply consume what they enjoy, regardless of the origin.

Peacock’s decision to spotlight these four creators and give them full control over their own series underscores the streaming service’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving digital age. Rather than sticking solely to traditional methods of content development, the platform is leaning into new ways of discovering talent, embracing the cultural relevance and built-in fanbases of popular TikTokers.

This also reflects a broader trend in the industry, where streaming services are increasingly scouting talent from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. These creators often bring not just creative content, but entire communities of loyal followers - something that can be incredibly valuable for platforms looking to increase engagement and subscriber numbers.

The move is also strategic from a storytelling standpoint. Social media creators are often excellent at crafting narratives that resonate with their audiences in short bursts of time. They understand pacing, engagement, and how to keep viewers coming back - skills that are incredibly transferable to television and long-form storytelling when refined. Giving these creators the chance to stretch their talents over a full series allows them to explore new depths in character development, plot, and production quality.

Moreover, by empowering these voices, platforms like Peacock are giving rise to more inclusive and representative storytelling. Many social media creators come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in traditional Hollywood, and their perspectives often bring a fresh, authentic touch to stories that resonate with a wide range of viewers.

As these new shows prepare to hit screens, it’s clear that the lines between social media and traditional entertainment are continuing to blur. What was once a clear divide is now a fluid exchange of talent, ideas, and innovation. The success of this initiative could very well set a precedent for other studios and streaming services, encouraging them to tap into the immense creative potential that lives online.

Ultimately, this moment isn’t just about four new shows - it’s about a new era of content creation. It celebrates the evolution of storytellers, the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry, and the power of platforms like TikTok to open doors that were once closed to so many.

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Source: techcrunch‍