Wicked: One Wonderful Night

Wicked: One Wonderful Night is a 2025 American television special that celebrates Universal Pictures' two-part film adaptation of the stage musical Wicked. Airing on NBC on November 6, 2025, and streaming on Peacock the following day, the two-hour event was filmed at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, transformed into an Emerald City-inspired set with a 37-piece live orchestra led by Stephen Oremus. The special blends concert performances, cast interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive previews of the sequel Wicked: For Good.

Hosted by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the special features the main cast performing songs from the 2024 film, with some performed live for the first time. Choreographer Christopher Scott reimagined dance numbers specifically for the event. The broadcast also debuted two new original songs written by Stephen Schwartz for the sequel. A live album of the night's performances was released shortly after.

The special was conceived by NBCUniversal executives Donna Langley, Pearlena Igbokwe, and Michael Moses as a way to unite the fandom and create a cultural moment. It attracted 3.6 million viewers on NBC. Critics highlighted the vocal performances of Erivo and Grande and the seamless integration of promotional material, calling it an effective and entertaining preview of the two-film saga. [edit]

Wicked: One Wonderful Night is a television special that celebrates the story of Wicked, which follows two young women who meet as roommates at Shiz University in the magical land of Oz. Elphaba, born with green skin, is intelligent and passionate but often misunderstood. Glinda is popular and ambitious, initially more concerned with social status. Despite their mutual animosity, captured in the song "What Is This Feeling?", they form an unlikely and profound friendship. Their bond is tested by the corrupt political machinations of the Wizard of Oz and Madame Morrible, who manipulate public opinion to paint Elphaba as a wicked threat while elevating Glinda as a beloved figure. The musical explores themes of friendship, prejudice, propaganda, and the nature of good versus evil.

The special is structured as a celebratory concert event rather than a narrative. It features performances of songs from the 2024 film, with cast members introducing each piece and sharing personal reflections on what the musical means to them. The show also includes world premiere clips from Wicked: For Good, featuring two new original songs by Stephen Schwartz. Throughout the broadcast, the tone remains consistently celebratory and theatrical, leaning into the musical's themes of friendship and self-discovery.

The event was conceived as a way to unite the fandom and flex NBCUniversal's ability to deliver cultural moments, according to Jen Neal, EVP of live events and specials. The choreography, reimagined by Christopher Scott, includes captivating dance numbers inspired by the films. The special also features appearances from director Jon M. Chu, Stephen Schwartz, and surprise guests.[edit]