NBC presents Wicked: One Wonderful Night, a special live event celebrating the upcoming release of Wicked: For Good. The broadcast airs Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Featuring star performances from Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, and Ethan Slater, the event combines live musical numbers with behind-the-scenes insights. Fans can stream the special online using cable or streaming services, including free trial options from DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV. The two-hour event offers a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the magic of Wicked from home.
Main Details
Wicked: One Wonderful Night serves as a prelude to Universal Pictures’ upcoming film Wicked: For Good, set to premiere nationwide on November 21, 2025. The special features a mix of live performances, interviews, and trivia from the making of the show.
Key performers include:
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
Ariana Grande as Glinda
Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
Ethan Slater as Boq
NBC’s official statement describes the event as “a once-in-a-lifetime musical celebration,” designed to pull back the Emerald City curtain and immerse audiences in the Wicked universe. The special also offers a possible sneak peek of the cinematic release, building excitement among fans of the Broadway musical and movie franchise.
Quotes and Reactions
NBC emphasized that the special is meant to connect audiences to the global phenomenon of Wicked, noting that the live format allows fans to engage with their favorite characters in real time.
Entertainment analysts suggest that the timing of the broadcast is strategic. By showcasing the original Broadway cast and high-profile guest stars, NBC is not only promoting the upcoming film but also reinforcing its prime-time programming lineup. Industry observers predict that Wicked: One Wonderful Night could become a template for future live musical events on broadcast television.
Impact Analysis
The live special carries several implications for both NBC and the Wicked franchise. For NBC, the event may boost ratings for Thursday night prime-time programming and encourage new subscriptions for streaming platforms offering NBC access. For the franchise, the event increases visibility for Wicked: For Good, potentially translating to higher box office revenue.
The special also strengthens fan engagement by providing exclusive content that cannot be experienced in traditional theaters, bridging the gap between Broadway and home audiences. Streaming service trials offer budget-friendly ways for fans to tune in, expanding the viewership beyond traditional cable subscribers.
How to Watch Online
For viewers without cable, the event is available on multiple streaming services:
DirecTV: Five-day free trial; $39.99/month after trial
Fubo: Five-day free trial; $84.99/month after trial with $30 off first month
Hulu + Live TV: Three-day free trial; $82.99/month after trial
Sling Blue: $45.99/month; 50% off first month
Peacock: $7.99/month; live and on-demand NBC content
Each service allows viewers to stream the special live, providing flexible options for audiences nationwide.
What’s Next
After Wicked: One Wonderful Night, fans can look forward to the release of Wicked: For Good in theaters on November 21, 2025. NBC and Universal may also release additional behind-the-scenes content and interviews online, sustaining engagement among the musical’s fan base. Streaming platforms offering NBC access will continue to provide trial periods, allowing new subscribers to explore NBC programming beyond the special.
Sources
NBC Official Press Release
Rolling Stone – Alexis Mikulski Ruiz, November 6, 2025
Peacock Streaming Service Information
