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 Universal Pictures and Peacock have time limits. Once that window closed, Peacock had to take the title down.
This is standard practice across streaming platforms. Movies and shows are licensed for specific periods—usually measured in months—and when that contract expires, the content must be removed unless the platform renews the license. Peacock does not own Wicked; Universal Pictures does, and Universal decides where the film can be streamed and for how long.
Key Takeaways
- Wicked left Peacock in January 2025 because the licensing agreement between Universal Pictures and Peacock expired.
- You can rent or buy Wicked through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
- The film may return to Peacock later, but there is no announced date for when that will happen.
- Checking your Peacock app directly will show you whether Wicked is currently available in your region.
Where you can watch Wicked now
Since Wicked is no longer on Peacock, your main options are rental and purchase through digital storefronts. Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu all carry the film. You can rent it for a lower price (typically $5.99 to $7.99) or buy it permanently (usually $14.99 to $19.99). Prices vary slightly by retailer and whether you want standard or high-definition quality.
Physical media is another route if you prefer to own a copy without relying on streaming. Wicked is available on Blu-ray and DVD through retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. This option costs more upfront but gives you permanent access that does not depend on licensing agreements or internet connection.
Some cable and satellite providers also offer Wicked through their on-demand services. If you have a cable subscription, check your provider's menu to see if the film is available there at no extra cost.
Why streaming movies disappear and come back
Streaming platforms do not own most of the content they show. Instead, they license films and shows from studios for a set period. When Universal Pictures made Wicked available to Peacock, that was part of a time-limited deal. Once the contract window closed, Peacock lost the right to stream it.
This happens because studios want to maximize revenue across multiple platforms. A film might be on Peacock for three months, then move to another streaming service, then become available for rental, then return to Peacock years later under a new agreement. The studio controls this rotation to keep the content valuable and spread it across different revenue streams.
Peacock users have no way to know in advance when a title will leave. The platform does not announce removal dates, and licensing deals are often confidential. The best approach is to watch something while it is available rather than assuming it will stay.
Whether Wicked will return to Peacock
There is no official announcement about Wicked returning to Peacock. Universal Pictures has not stated when or if a new licensing agreement will be made. Streaming rights are negotiated separately each time, and the terms depend on what both companies want from the deal at that moment.
Movies do sometimes return to the platforms they left. Wicked could come back to Peacock in six months, a year, or longer—or it might not return for several years. The studio may decide to license it to a different platform instead, or to focus on rental and purchase revenue for a longer period.
If you want to watch Wicked without worrying about it disappearing again, renting or buying it is the most reliable option. That way, your access does not depend on licensing negotiations between companies.
How to check if Wicked is available on Peacock in your region
Open the Peacock app or website and search for "Wicked" in the search bar. If the film appears in the results with a "Watch" button, it is currently available in your region. If it does not appear at all, or if you see a message saying it is not available, then it has been removed from your area.
Availability can vary by region and country. Wicked might be on Peacock in one country but not another, depending on separate licensing deals Universal has made in each market. If you are outside the United States, check your local Peacock version to see what is currently offered there.
Setting up alerts for when titles return
Peacock does not have a built-in notification system that alerts you when a removed title comes back. However, some third-party websites track streaming availability and can email you when a movie or show returns to a specific platform. Services like JustWatch and Reelgood let you search for a title, select which platforms you care about, and receive notifications when it becomes available.
These tools are free to use and work across most major streaming platforms. They cannot predict when a title will return, but they can catch it quickly once it does, so you do not have to check manually every week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still watch Wicked if I downloaded it to my Peacock app?
No. Downloaded content from Peacock is tied to your active subscription and the licensing agreement. Once Peacock loses the rights to Wicked, the downloaded version becomes unwatchable, even if it is still on your device. You will need to rent or buy the film through another service to watch it again.
Will Wicked come back to Peacock before the Blu-ray release?
The Blu-ray and DVD versions of Wicked are already available for purchase. There is no announced date for Wicked to return to Peacock, so buying or renting it now is the fastest way to watch if you do not want to wait.
Is Wicked free on any other streaming service right now?
Not as of January 2025. Your options are rental, purchase, or physical media. Some cable on-demand services may include it if you have a subscription, but check your provider directly to confirm.
Why did Peacock remove Wicked so quickly?
The licensing window was always limited. Universal likely planned for Wicked to be on Peacock for a set period—usually a few months—before moving to the next phase of its release cycle. This is standard for major theatrical releases, not a sign that Peacock made a mistake.
Can I get a refund if I was watching Wicked on Peacock when it was removed?
No. Peacock's terms of service state that content can be removed at any time due to licensing changes. You are not charged extra for individual titles, so there is nothing to refund. If you want permanent access, purchasing the film is the only may provide.