‘Wicked’ concert special to air on NBC before sequel’s november release

Wicked takes the stage again on live TV

Get ready for a magical event that’s stirring up major buzz before the holidays. A beloved musical is returning to the spotlight in a whole new way, this time, as a live concert experience on network TV.

With fan-favorite stars taking center stage and surprises rumored to unfold, this special is more than just a performance. Here’s what you need to know before the curtain rises.

Concert special announcement

NBC has officially announced a two‑hour Wicked Concert Special scheduled for November 6, 2025, just two weeks before the sequel’s release. The live concert will be broadcast from the historic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

It will feature Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande leading the performances. The event will also stream on Peacock the following day for on‑demand viewing.

Hosts – Erivo & Grande

The special will be hosted and fronted by Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo and Grammy winner Ariana Grande. These two stars became instant icons after leading the first Wicked movie.

Their vocal chemistry and ability to engage the audience promise a captivating show. Fans are especially excited to see them reprise their roles as Elphaba and Glinda.

Venue – Dolby Theatre

The concert will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, best known for hosting the Oscars. This venue adds a sense of prestige and grandeur to the event.

The stage’s design will enhance performances from both the original film and possible sequel previews. Streaming from this iconic stage sets high expectations for visual and sound quality.

Date & time

The live show is set for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. It will air before the sequel “Wicked: For Good” hits theaters on November 21, 2025.

Viewers in other time zones can catch it the next day via Peacock. This timing ties in perfectly with holiday season buzz and early gift planning.

Peacock streaming

Peacock will offer next‑day on‑demand streaming of the special starting November 7. This gives fans a second chance if they miss the live broadcast.

Peacock also currently streams the first Wicked film, keeping fan engagement high until the next release. The platform connection helps promote the movie’s sequel and drives subscriptions.

Celebrating first film

The concert will feature iconic songs from the first Wicked movie, such as “Defying Gravity.” These hits are beloved by both fans and Broadway newcomers.

Anticipation is high for live renditions from the powerful cast. Bringing these songs to a live audience recreates the emotional impact of the film and engages the audience.

Sneak peeks of sequel

NBC teases that the special may include sneak‑peek performances from the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good. Fans are eager for a glimpse of new music and story arcs.

The mention “maybe, just maybe” hints at exclusive content. This will build excitement and conversation among audiences ahead of the theatrical release.

Sequel info – Release date

The sequel, Wicked: For Good, is set to premiere in theaters on November 21, 2025. It continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda as their destinies evolve.

Plot teasers suggest deeper conflict, new alliances, and powerful ballads. Fans are already speculating about new characters like a reimagined Dorothy and further Oz mythology.

Strong box‑office performance

The first Wicked movie grossed over $750 million worldwide, making it the most successful Broadway adaptation ever. That record‑breaking success sets a high bar for the sequel.

The massive earnings also made it a top title for Universal’s PVOD and Peacock streaming. Box‑office geeks and analysts are closely watching if the sequel can match or exceed those records.

Awards & nominations

Wicked earned 10 Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. The sequel’s success hinges partly on its ability to reach award‑season status.

The special performance will likely highlight these winning designs and themes. Awards buzz will increase ticket sales and streaming numbers.

Executive producers

The NBC special is executive-produced by Ben Winston and Raj Kapoor, with Fulwell Entertainment. These producers bring experience from a variety of concerts and musical events, leading to high expectations.

Their involvement suggests high production values and creative staging. Fans expect a seamless mix of theatrical flair and broadcast polish.

Supporting cast

Beyond Grande and Erivo, other cast members and surprise guests are expected to join the performance. The sequel cast includes Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, among others.

Broadway stars may end up joining for original tunes. Fans hope to see a vibrant ensemble performance celebrating the franchise’s depth.

Legacy of NBC specials

NBC previously aired “A Very Wicked Halloween” in 2018 and a behind‑the‑scenes special in 2024. Those events drew strong audiences and social media buzz.

This historical success makes the upcoming concert highly anticipated. NBC hopes to recreate that buzz to support sequel marketing. In other news, ‘Law & Order,’ ‘Law & Order: SVU’ renewed at NBC.

Viral campaign impact

The first film’s press tour sparked viral moments like the “holding space” meme, increasing fan interaction. That kind of momentum is expected again for the concert special.

Social media will light up with clips, quotes, and live reactions. A few memorable moments could propel the show into trending topics.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.