Experience the Magic: ‘Wicked’ Airs on NBC in Exclusive Deal to Celebrate ‘For Good’ Theatrical Release!

Amid rapid changes in how we watch movies, Universal Pictures’ Wicked is set to air on NBC on November 19, just days before its theatrical release on November 22, 2024. This strategic move comes as part of the promotional campaign for Wicked: For Good, which premieres soon after.

Securing this broadcast wasn’t easy. With traditional movie release windows getting shorter, films are arriving on streaming services roughly three months post-theater release. Wicked started its window on NBCUniversal’s Peacock in March, then moved to Prime Video four months later. Normally, the wait for a TV airing can stretch to two years, so NBCUniversal had to negotiate carefully with Amazon to secure this airing right in the heart of Wicked‘s exclusive release period.

In addition to the film, NBC will also showcase a music special called Wicked: One Wonderful Night on November 6. This special features performances by stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, among others.

Originally, Wicked was a massive success, earning $756 million worldwide. It broke records for Broadway adaptations and garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars notable actors like Erivo, Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh.

Wicked: For Good continues the story of the beloved witches of Oz, Elphaba and Glinda. This time, they find themselves facing the consequences of their past decisions when a Kansas girl enters their lives. Together, they must confront their differences and work to change both themselves and Oz for the better.

Interestingly, this strategy reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry. With audience viewing habits shifting, films are often optimized for streaming release sooner than in the past. According to a recent survey by the Motion Picture Association, 79% of viewers prefer streaming movies at home over going to theaters. This change in preference is prompting studios to rethink their release strategies.

As movies continue to adapt, viewers can expect more innovative approaches like this one, where streaming and traditional broadcasting intersect to meet new demands in entertainment consumption.

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