‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ Review: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Shine in Peacock’s Magical Live Spectacle

‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ brings Broadway’s beloved story to living rooms across America, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading a dazzling televised event on Peacock and NBC. The live musical special aired on November 6, 2025, and offers fans a spellbinding preview of the upcoming movie sequel, Wicked: For Good.

This pre-taped live event celebrates the magic, music, and meaning of Wicked, revisiting its most iconic songs through a fresh, cinematic lens. For fans of musical theatre and film alike, the question now is clear — should you stream it or skip it?

Everything to Know About ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’

‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ is a televised concert experience showcasing the musical’s greatest hits before the release of Wicked: For Good. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the production merges Broadway energy with film-style spectacle. Both stars’ powerhouse vocals elevate classics like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” offering a blend of nostalgia and novelty.

Filmed in advance, the NBC and Peacock special features stunning choreography, cinematic lighting, and imaginative re-creations of beloved Wicked moments. The event includes performances from Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Ethan Slater (Boq), Marissa Bode (Nessa Rose), and Bowen Yang (Pfannee). Each actor contributes a unique flair to the reimagined musical numbers, reminding audiences why this story has endured for over two decades.

According to NBC’s promotional statement, the goal was to “celebrate Wicked’s timeless themes of friendship and empowerment while giving audiences an exclusive look at what’s to come.” The broadcast also teases the first glimpse of “For Good,” Erivo and Grande’s much-anticipated duet from the upcoming movie sequel.

Performance Highlights and Audience Reactions

Ariana Grande’s sparkling vocals blend effortlessly with Cynthia Erivo’s soulful power, creating a vocal chemistry that fans have praised as “once-in-a-generation.” Their rendition of “The Wizard and I” stands out as a moment of pure vocal magic. Meanwhile, Bowen Yang surprises viewers with unexpectedly strong vocals, earning him the title of the special’s “sleeper star.”

Even with Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero) unable to attend, the ensemble’s clever staging ensures that his absence doesn’t dull the show’s energy. Dance-driven numbers like “Dancing Through Life” and “One Short Day” maintain their grandeur, capturing the spectacle fans associate with Wicked’s Broadway and Hollywood incarnations.

Critics from major outlets describe the special as “a joyful celebration” and “a love letter to musical theatre,” reinforcing that Wicked remains one of the most beloved cultural touchstones of its generation. NBC’s tradition of live musical events continues to impress, echoing the success of earlier productions like Hairspray Live! and Jesus Christ Superstar Live.

Our Verdict: Stream It

If you’re a fan of Wicked, there’s little reason to skip this. Wicked: One Wonderful Night is a vibrant showcase of talent, nostalgia, and anticipation. It’s family-friendly, beautifully produced, and the perfect prelude to Wicked: For Good. The special may not replace the full film experience, but it’s the next best thing — an enchanting night of music that will leave fans “changed for good.”

Verdict: STREAM IT. This Peacock event is a heartfelt tribute to the story that taught the world about friendship, courage, and defying expectations.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ about?

It’s a pre-taped musical special showcasing songs from Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, aired on NBC and Peacock.

Q2: When did ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ premiere?

The special premiered on November 6, 2025, ahead of the release of Wicked: For Good.

Q3: Who stars in ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’?

The cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Bowen Yang.

Q4: Is ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ family-friendly?

Yes, the special is rated PG and designed for family viewing, focusing on music and theatrical spectacle.

Q5: Where can you stream ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’?

It’s available to stream on Peacock following its NBC broadcast.