Epic Universe TV Special Hosted by Joe Mangianoello Next Month

A New Journey into the Worlds of Epic Universe

NBC has unveiled an exciting new one-hour special titled Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe, set to debut in August. This unique program is separate from the previously announced three-part documentary, which was originally scheduled for July but has been postponed.

The special will air on Wednesday, August 20, at 9 p.m. ET and will be available to stream the following day on Peacock. Hosted by Joe Manganiello, the special promises to offer a deep dive into the Universal Orlando Resort’s latest attraction, Universal Epic Universe. It explores the imagination, innovation, and storytelling that have shaped this groundbreaking theme park.

A Fan's Perspective on Immersive Storytelling

As a devoted fan of the stories that bring Epic Universe to life, Manganiello will take viewers on an epic journey as he experiences the park for the first time. The special provides unparalleled access to five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

Viewers will be transported through majestic portals with some of the greatest storytellers of all time. The special features appearances from notable figures such as Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers from the Las Culturistas podcast, Mason Thames and Nico Parker from the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon film, and Warwick Davis from the Harry Potter film series. These guests will explore the park and uncover the magic behind each world’s creation, which has taken over a decade to develop.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Guests

The broadcast will also include captivating interviews with several well-known personalities. Jurassic World franchise star Bryce Dallas Howard, Academy Award® winner Michelle Yeoh, Fast & Furious Saga icon Vin Diesel, and director Jon M. Chu, known for Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: For Good, will share their excitement about this new era of themed entertainment.

Legendary filmmaker and Universal Destinations and Experiences Creative Consultant Steven Spielberg will be featured extensively in the program. His extended interview offers insight into the creativity and artistry that make the park truly revolutionary. Universal’s rich history of immersive storytelling has defined entertainment for generations, and the iconic phrase “Ride the Movies,” coined by Spielberg over three decades ago, continues to be a concept celebrated today with several of the immersive attractions of Universal Epic Universe.

Executive Perspectives on the New Era

Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, expressed her enthusiasm for the special. “Universal Epic Universe is truly a first-of-its-kind theme park in connecting the world of beloved characters and stories from popular culture with reality. There is nothing like it,” she said. “Joe’s sense of adventure and ability to connect with fans through cinema and beyond makes him the perfect host to lead audiences on this journey as they experience firsthand the magic in this new chapter of immersive storytelling.”

Manganiello shared his excitement as a lifelong movie fan. “As a kid growing up a huge fan of the movies, I couldn’t be more excited about diving into these immersive worlds that bring some of my all-time favorite characters to life,” he said. “From the iconic monsters of Dark Universe to the super-sized attractions of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

An Unprecedented Experience for Fans

Theme park fans and entertainment lovers of all generations will get a front-row seat to this epic ride. They will step directly inside the stories of the five breathtaking worlds, experiencing unprecedented access to jaw-dropping rides, state-of-the-art attractions, cutting-edge technology, and environmental experiences that bring the park’s next-level storytelling and incredible characters to life in a way no theme park has ever done before.

Behind the Scenes of the Production

The special is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group. It is executive produced by James McKinlay with Ryan Goble as co-executive producer.

In addition to Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe, audiences can continue the adventure with Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks, a three-part docuseries streaming exclusively on Peacock later this year. This series celebrates the history and legacy of Universal Destinations & Experiences. Through unprecedented access, rare archival footage, and intimate interviews with directors, producers, executives, and A-list celebrities, the series will explore Universal’s iconic film and theme park history as well as provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes countdown to the opening of its groundbreaking new theme park, Universal Epic Universe.