The Ultimate Guide: When Is Wicked: Part One (2024) Streaming On Peacock? (Digital Vs. Subscription Dates)
The wait to stream the highly anticipated musical event of the year, Wicked: Part One, finally has a confirmed timeline, but you have two distinct opportunities to watch it at home. As of today, December 19, 2025, the film—a spectacular adaptation of the beloved Broadway show—has two separate release dates for home viewing: a Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) release and a later subscription streaming debut.
The first chapter in the untold story of the Witches of Oz, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, premiered exclusively in movie theaters on November 22, 2024. Fans eager to revisit the Emerald City and Munchkinland from their couches will be thrilled to know the digital purchase option arrives before the new year, while the subscription streaming date on Peacock is set for early spring 2025.
The Official Streaming Timeline for Wicked: Part One (2024)
For a blockbuster of this scale, Universal Pictures has opted for a tiered home release strategy, separating the digital purchase window from the subscription streaming debut. This is common for major releases and means you can watch it sooner, but at a cost.
1. Digital Release (PVOD) Date: Buy or Rent
- Digital Release Date: December 31, 2024
- Platform: Available for purchase or rent on all major digital retailers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, etc.).
- The Window: This fast-track digital release means the film will be available for purchase just 39 days after its theatrical debut, allowing fans to watch it over the New Year holiday.
This PVOD (Premium Video on Demand) option is the quickest way to watch Elphaba and Glinda’s journey at home. While the price will initially be set for a premium purchase (likely around $19.99), it gives immediate access to bonus content and the ability to watch the film repeatedly.
2. Subscription Streaming Date: Peacock
- Subscription Streaming Date: March 21, 2025
- Platform: Exclusively on Peacock, the dedicated streaming service for Universal Pictures films.
- The Window: This date is approximately four months after the theatrical release, a much longer window than the 45-day minimum Universal often uses for its other films.
The March 21, 2025, date is the one fans of the musical who subscribe to Peacock should mark on their calendars. This longer theatrical and PVOD window indicates that Universal is maximizing box office and digital rental revenue before releasing the film to the general subscription audience.
Why the Long Wait for Peacock Streaming?
The typical streaming window for Universal Pictures films, which are distributed by NBCUniversal, is a minimum of 45 days before they arrive on Peacock. However, for a major, highly-anticipated blockbuster like Wicked: Part One, the studio often extends this window significantly.
The strategy is simple: maximize profit across all revenue streams. By holding the film until March 2025 for its Peacock debut, Universal ensures:
- Extended Theatrical Run: The film can continue to draw audiences to theaters through the holiday season and into the new year without the threat of a free streaming option.
- Maximized Digital Sales: The December 31, 2024, PVOD release captures fans who are willing to pay a premium to watch it sooner, generating substantial digital revenue.
- Peacock Subscriber Drive: The March 2025 release provides a massive incentive for new subscribers to sign up for Peacock just in time for the spring.
This extended window is a testament to the studio's confidence in the film's success, which has already broken records for the biggest opening for a movie based on a Broadway show.
The Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team Behind Wicked: Part One
The success and anticipation surrounding the Wicked film adaptation are largely due to its incredible cast and the creative team bringing the world of Oz to life. The film is directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on other successful musical adaptations. The screenplay was penned by Winnie Holzman, the original book writer for the Broadway musical, ensuring the film remains true to the source material. The iconic music and lyrics are, of course, by Stephen Schwartz.
Key Cast and Characters (Topical Entities)
The film’s cast is a powerhouse of talent, featuring:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood, green-skinned young woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland, the popular and ambitious young woman who grows up to become Glinda the Good.
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, the charming and carefree prince who captures the attention of both witches.
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, the manipulative headmistress of Shiz University.
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz, the mysterious ruler of the Emerald City.
- Ethan Slater as Boq, a Munchkinlander who is infatuated with Glinda.
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Elphaba's sister, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East.
Fans can expect to hear beloved songs from the musical, including "Defying Gravity," "Popular," "The Wizard and I," and "One Short Day," all brought to life by this incredible ensemble.
What About Wicked: Part Two (For Good)?
The story of Elphaba and Glinda is so expansive that the original musical has been split into two cinematic parts. This means the streaming question doesn't end with Part One.
- Theatrical Release Date for Wicked: Part Two (For Good): November 26, 2025
- Expected Peacock Streaming Date for Part Two: Following the same four-month window as the first film, Wicked: Part Two would likely begin streaming on Peacock in late March or early April 2026.
The second film, subtitled For Good, will conclude the story, leading up to the events of The Wizard of Oz. Until then, fans can look forward to the digital release of Part One on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2024, and its official subscription streaming debut on Peacock on March 21, 2025. This timeline ensures that the magic of Oz will be available for home viewing just in time for spring.
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