One of the biggest blockbusters in recent memory will soon be coming to network TV ahead of the anticipated sequel this November. In a strategic move by Universal, Variety reports that the company will air Wicked for the first time ever on linear TV on November 19, just two days before the release of Wicked: For Good. The 2024 hit will make its debut on NBC ahead of the new sequel in the hopes that it will entice people into theaters to see the epic conclusion to the story.
Wicked was the fifth highest grossing film of 2024, earning a worldwide total of $756 million. Its domestic take alone was $473 million, a figure no other movie has hit since. The musical fantasy was also front and center at the Academy Awards earlier this year with 10 nominations and two wins. Wicked was not only a commercial hit, but a critical one, as well. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a Certified Fresh rating of 88%, and a Verified Hot score of 95%.
Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Wicked explores the early relationship between Elphaba (Erivo), the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her dormitory roommate Galinda (Grande), who becomes Glinda the Good. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film adapts the first act of the hit stage play, and following its tremendous success, it now has the distinction of being the most profitable Broadway film adaptation of all time.
‘Wicked’ Isn’t the Only Thing Universal and NBC Have Planned
The move to air Wicked on linear TV ahead of the sequel isn’t a new strategy in Hollywood, but it is one that’s proven to be successful. Paramount explored the same thing with the hit Taylor Sheridan series, Tulsa King, by airing the first season on CBS ahead of the Season 2 premiere on Paramount+. This resulted in an increase in subscribers, which propelled the premiere of Tulsa King Season 2 to a record 2 million global views in its first 24 hours.
While Universal is hoping that airing Wicked on NBC will help bolster Wicked: For Good‘s box office, they aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. The company also has a network special planned for November 6, titled Wicked: One Wonderful Night. The two-hour musical celebration will feature Grande and Erivo belting out hit songs from the movie alongside their cast mates, as well as behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and a sneak peek at the sequel. The special will be able to stream on Peacock the following day.
In addition to Wicked and Wicked: One Wonderful Night airing on NBC, Universal is also in the midst of a huge marketing campaign for Wicked: For Good. They’ve pulled out all the stops this year to include numerous product partnerships, themed merchandise, media blitzes, and social media initiatives.
Whether all that translates to box office gold remains to be seen, but it’s safe to say that the upcoming sequel has definitely been given every chance it has to succeed. Now, it’s up to the fans, who will be able to vote with their wallets when Wicked: For Good hits theaters on November 21, 2025.
- Release Date
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November 21, 2025
- Writers
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Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire
- Producers
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Marc Platt