Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Host 'Wicked: One Wonderful Night' Special New Year's Eve

The New Year’s Eve special ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ re-airs on December 31, 2023, featuring a cast reunion co-hosted by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. This two-hour television event offers fans a recap of memorable performances and behind-the-scenes moments from the musical, originally adapted from Gregory Maguire's novel.

The show first premiered on December 30, 2022, drawing significant viewership with its mix of nostalgia and holiday celebration. It became the second highest-rated New Year’s Eve television special that year, just behind the traditional ball drop event in Times Square.

Previously, Grande and Erivo were part of the cast in the Broadway production of ‘Wicked’, which originally debuted in 2003. Their involvement in both the musical and this special demonstrates a commitment to the show, which has had an ongoing impact on their careers.

According to ratings from 2022, over 7 million viewers tuned in for the first airing of the special, indicating a strong interest in Broadway productions airing on television. The reunion format aligns with a broader industry trend where television specials focus on cast reunions from popular shows and films.

Similar to the 2022 ‘Friends’ reunion special, ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ taps into the entrenched popularity of the source material. Grande recently voiced a character in the animated film ‘Sing 2’ (2021) and will star in the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ alongside Erivo, set to release in November 2024.

Industry sources confirm that airing the special again on New Year’s Eve aims to engage audiences who celebrate both the holiday and musical theatre. The schedule connects with the traditional family viewing during the holiday.

The production team enhances the viewing experience with interactive streaming options on platforms like Peacock. This continued innovation in broadcasting reflects recent trends in media consumption where audiences seek accessible entertainment options from home.

Looking ahead to 2024, viewers can expect further marketing around the ‘Wicked’ film adaptation to build excitement. The cast’s recent reunion likely serves as a strategic promotional push, leveraging nostalgia while laying the groundwork for the film release.