NBC Bringing $756M Blockbuster to Network TV Ahead of Sequel Release This November

by

The hugely popular movie Wicked is heading to network television soon, as part of a promotional push for its upcoming sequel. According to Variety, Universal will broadcast Wicked on NBC for the first time ever on November 19th – just two days before Wicked: For Good hits theaters. This move is designed to get audiences excited about the new film and encourage them to see how the story concludes.

The movie Wicked was a major success in 2024, bringing in $756 million worldwide. In the United States and Canada, it earned $473 million, a total no other film has reached since its release. The film also received significant recognition at the Academy Awards, earning 10 nominations and winning two awards. Critics loved Wicked too, giving it an 88% ‘Certified Fresh’ rating and a 95% ‘Verified Hot’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

I’m so excited about Wicked! It tells the story of how Elphaba, who everyone knows as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda – later Glinda the Good – first met as roommates. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are amazing in the roles! The movie is directed by Jon M. Chu, and it’s based on the first part of the incredibly popular stage show. It’s become a huge success and is now the most profitable movie ever made from a Broadway musical!

‘Wicked’ Isn’t the Only Thing Universal and NBC Have Planned

Broadcasting the musical Wicked on traditional TV before its sequel hits theaters isn’t a novel idea in Hollywood, but it’s a tactic that’s worked before. Paramount+ previously used this strategy with the popular series Tulsa King, airing its first season on CBS before launching Season 2 on their streaming service. This helped boost subscriptions and led to a record-breaking 2 million viewers worldwide watching the Tulsa King Season 2 premiere within the first day.

Universal Pictures is promoting the upcoming movie Wicked: For Good in multiple ways. In addition to airing the original Wicked on NBC, they’ve created a two-hour special called Wicked: One Wonderful Night which will air on November 6th. This show will feature Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and the rest of the cast performing songs from the film, plus behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and a preview of the next movie. Viewers will also be able to stream the special on Peacock starting the next day.

Along with broadcasts of Wicked and Wicked: One Wonderful Night on NBC, Universal is heavily promoting the new film Wicked: For Good. They’re going all out with a massive marketing push that includes partnerships with various brands, special merchandise, widespread media coverage, and a strong presence on social media.

It’s still uncertain if the new movie will be a financial success, but the filmmakers have certainly done everything possible to make it one. Now, it’s up to audiences to decide when Wicked: For Good is released in theaters on November 21, 2025.

Read More

2025-10-24 18:32