Wicked is no longer on Peacock as of January 2025

Wicked left Peacock on January 15, 2025, after its initial licensing window ended. The film was available on the streaming service for about two months following its theatrical release in November 2024. If you had it saved to your watchlist, it will no longer play through your Peacock account.

The movie's removal is standard practice—studios license films to streaming platforms for set periods, then move them to other services or back to theatrical windows. Universal Pictures, which produced and distributed Wicked, controls where the film appears and for how long.

This does not mean Wicked is gone from streaming entirely. It has moved to other platforms where you can watch it, rent it, or purchase it depending on your preference and what you are willing to spend.

Key Takeaways

  • Wicked left Peacock on January 15, 2025, after a two-month window that began in November 2024.
  • The film is now available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, typically for $3.99 to $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to $19.99 to buy.
  • Wicked may return to Peacock in the future as part of a later licensing agreement, but no return date has been announced.
  • If you want to watch without paying per rental, check whether your cable or streaming bundle includes access to premium movie channels that may carry it.

Where you can watch Wicked now

Wicked is available for rent or purchase on most major digital platforms. Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu all carry the film. Rental typically costs $3.99 to $5.99 depending on the platform and video quality (standard or 4K). Purchasing the film costs between $14.99 and $19.99.

If you rent, you usually have 24 to 48 hours to watch once you start playing the film. If you purchase, the film stays in your digital library indefinitely, though you can only watch it on the platform where you bought it—a purchase on Apple TV will not transfer to Amazon Prime Video.

Check your current streaming subscriptions before renting. Some cable packages and premium add-ons (like HBO Max or Showtime through your cable provider) occasionally include access to recent theatrical releases, though this varies by provider and changes monthly.

Why Wicked left Peacock

Peacock's license to stream Wicked was temporary. Universal Pictures negotiated a short window—roughly two months—for the film to appear on Peacock before moving to other distribution channels. This is a common strategy for major studio releases: they appear on one streaming service first, then rotate to rental platforms, then potentially to other subscription services later.

The studio does this to maximize revenue across different viewing methods. Viewers who want to watch when ready often rent or buy rather than wait for it to appear on a subscription service they already pay for. Once rental demand drops, the film may move to another subscription platform or return to theatrical re-releases.

Will Wicked return to Peacock?

Wicked may return to Peacock eventually, but no return date has been announced. Universal Pictures controls the licensing schedule, and the studio has not disclosed when or if the film will come back to the platform. Returns depend on negotiations between Universal and Peacock, which happen behind the scenes and are not made public in advance.

If you want to know when Wicked might return, check Peacock's "Coming Soon" section periodically, though it typically shows only films arriving within the next few weeks rather than months ahead. You can also set a reminder on your phone to check back in six to twelve months, as that is a common timeframe for films to rotate back to subscription services.

Renting versus buying Wicked

Renting makes sense if you want to watch once and do not plan to revisit. A $3.99 to $5.99 rental is cheaper than a $14.99 to $19.99 purchase and takes up no permanent storage on your device. The trade-off is the 24- to 48-hour window—if you do not finish in that time, you lose access.

Buying makes sense if you think you will watch more than twice, or if you want to own the film permanently. Digital purchases do not expire, though they are tied to the platform and account where you bought them. If a streaming service shuts down or removes your purchase (rare but possible), you lose access, so buying physical media (DVD or Blu-ray) is the only way to may provide permanent ownership.

Other ways to watch without renting

If you have cable or a live TV streaming service, check whether it includes on-demand access to recent movies. Some cable packages bundle HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz, and these services occasionally carry theatrical releases. Call your cable provider or log into your account to see what is included.

Public libraries sometimes offer free streaming through services like Hoopla or Kanopy, though their film catalogs are smaller and newer releases appear less often. Check your local library's website to see what streaming services it partners with and whether Wicked is available.

Wicked may also air on cable movie channels (like HBO, Showtime, or Starz) during prime time or as part of a movie marathon. If you have these channels as part of your cable or streaming bundle, you can watch for free when it airs, though you cannot choose the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still watch Wicked on Peacock if I downloaded it before January 15?

No. Downloaded content from Peacock expires when the licensing agreement ends, even if you downloaded it while it was available. The file will no longer play after January 15, 2025. You will need to rent or purchase the film on another platform to watch it again.

How much does it cost to rent Wicked on Amazon Prime Video?

Rental typically costs $3.99 for standard definition or $5.99 for 4K, depending on your internet speed and device. Prices can vary slightly by region and may change over time. You have 48 hours to watch once you start playing.

Is Wicked available on Netflix or Disney+?

Not currently. Wicked is a Universal Pictures release, and Universal has its own streaming service (Peacock), so the film is unlikely to appear on Netflix or Disney+ in the near future. It may eventually move to other platforms, but no announcements have been made.

Can I watch Wicked for free anywhere right now?

Only if you have a cable subscription or streaming bundle that includes HBO, Showtime, or Starz, or if your library offers it through Hoopla or Kanopy. Otherwise, you will need to rent or purchase. Check your library's website first—it is free if available.

What is the difference between renting and buying on Apple TV?

Renting costs $3.99 to $5.99 and lasts 48 hours. Buying costs $14.99 to $19.99 and stays in your library permanently. Rentals are cheaper if you watch once; purchases make sense if you plan to rewatch or want to own it long-term.