Wicked is no longer on Peacock as of January 2025
Wicked, the 2024 film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, was removed from Peacock in early January 2025. The movie had been available on the streaming service since its digital release in November 2024, but licensing agreements between NBCUniversal (Peacock's parent company) and Universal Pictures set an expiration date. Streaming rights for theatrical films typically last between 4 and 18 months depending on the contract terms.
The removal was not a surprise — Peacock had always listed an end date for the film. If you watched it before January, you may have seen a countdown timer on the title page. Once a film leaves a streaming service, it does not automatically return unless a new licensing deal is negotiated.
Key Takeaways
- Wicked left Peacock in January 2025 because the streaming license expired, which is standard for theatrical releases.
- You can rent or buy Wicked through digital retailers like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu.
- Some cable and satellite providers include Wicked in their on-demand libraries if you have an active subscription.
- Wicked may return to Peacock in the future, but there is no announced date and it depends on whether NBCUniversal and Universal Pictures reach a new deal.
Where you can watch Wicked now
The most straightforward option is to rent or purchase the film through digital storefronts. Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu all carry Wicked in both rental and purchase formats. Rental typically costs $5.99 to $7.99 and lets you watch for 24 to 48 hours. Purchasing costs $14.99 to $19.99 depending on the platform and whether you want the standard or 4K version.
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, check your provider's on-demand library. Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, and other major providers often include theatrical releases in their included content for a limited window. Log in with your provider credentials on the Apple TV app or the provider's own app to see if Wicked is available at no extra cost.
Physical media is also an option. Wicked was released on Blu-ray and DVD in early 2025. You can purchase these at retailers like Target, Walmart, or Amazon, or rent them through services like Redbox kiosks or your local library.
How streaming licenses work for theatrical films
When a studio releases a film in theaters, it does not automatically go to streaming. Instead, the studio licenses the film to specific streaming services for a set period. Universal Pictures, which produced Wicked, has a deal with Peacock that gives the service first access to its theatrical releases — but that access has an expiration date built in.
The timeline typically works like this: a film arrives in theaters, then moves to premium video-on-demand (PVOD) services like Apple TV and Amazon for rental, then goes to a streaming service like Peacock for a limited window, then may cycle to other platforms. Wicked followed this pattern. It was available for rental starting in November 2024, arrived on Peacock shortly after, and was removed when the license expired.
The length of a streaming window varies widely. Some films stay on a service for only a few months; others remain for over a year. The specific terms are negotiated between the studio and the streaming service and are not made public.
Whether Wicked will return to Peacock
There is no announced date for Wicked to return to Peacock. Whether it does depends on whether NBCUniversal and Universal Pictures negotiate a new licensing deal. Sometimes studios rotate films between streaming services to maximize revenue — a film might leave Peacock, appear on another platform for a window, then return to Peacock later. Other times, a film does not return to its original service.
If you want to know when Wicked might come back, there is no official source to check. Peacock does not publish future licensing schedules. Your best option is to check Peacock periodically or set up a notification on a movie tracking app like JustWatch, which alerts you when a specific title becomes available on a service you choose.
Why films leave streaming services
Streaming services do not own the films they host — they license them. That means the studio can pull the film when the contract ends, and the streaming service cannot stop it. Studios do this for several reasons: they may want to license the film to a competitor for a higher fee, they may want to create scarcity to drive sales or rentals, or they may be renegotiating terms.
From Peacock's perspective, licensing costs money. The service has to decide whether keeping a film on the platform is worth the licensing fee, especially as the film gets older and fewer people watch it. Once a film has been available for several months, the studio and the service may both decide it is time to move on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Wicked for free anywhere?
Not legally. Wicked is not available for free on any major streaming service right now. If you have a cable subscription, your provider's on-demand library may include it at no extra charge — check your provider's app. Otherwise, you will need to rent or buy it through a digital retailer or watch it on physical media.
Will Wicked come back to Peacock?
It may, but there is no announced date. Streaming licenses expire and are renegotiated, so it is possible Wicked could return to Peacock in the future. Check Peacock periodically or use a movie tracking app like JustWatch to get notified if it becomes available again.
Is renting cheaper than buying?
Yes. Renting costs $5.99 to $7.99 and gives you 24 to 48 hours to watch. Buying costs $14.99 to $19.99 but lets you keep the film permanently in your digital library. If you only plan to watch once, renting is the better deal.
Can I watch Wicked on any other streaming service?
Not currently. Wicked is not on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or other major services. It is only available for purchase or rental through digital retailers and on physical media. Peacock had exclusive streaming rights for a limited time, which have now expired.