NBC to Air Live “Wicked” Musical Special Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Ahead of Anticipated Sequel
In a magical lead-up to one of this year’s most highly anticipated movies, NBC has announced a live musical TV special featuring “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, set to air this November. The announcement was made by the director during NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall.
“Wicked”: Immense Success and Upcoming Live Special
The special is designed to celebrate the cultural impact of the hit 2024 film and build excitement for its follow-up, “Wicked: For Good”, which premieres in theaters on November 21, 2025.
“Wicked” was finally brought to life with an all-star cast including Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. It opened in theaters on November 22. It quickly became a global sensation, earning $755.3 million at the worldwide box office on a $150 million budget. Critics praised its visual grandeur and emotional depth, and audiences embraced its fresh take on a well-loved story. The film was named one of the best of the year by the American Film Institute, won Best Film at the National Board of Review, and secured ten Academy Award nominations—including Best Picture—ultimately winning for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
The upcoming TV special is not only a celebration of the franchise’s success but also a testament to the enduring appeal of the musical and the cinematic experience. With Erivo and Grande returning to perform live, fans can expect a visually stunning and emotionally resonant event that honors the story’s legacy and teases the next chapter.
As “Wicked: For Good” prepares to continue the saga in theaters this fall, NBC’s live special promises to cast a new spell over audiences—just in time for the holiday season.
