Inside the Epic Universe: Special Arrives on NBC and Peacock

A New Era of Storytelling with Universal Epic Universe

NBC is offering audiences an unforgettable journey into the heart of a groundbreaking theme park with Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe, a one-hour special that premieres on Wednesday, August 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will be available to stream the following day on Peacock. This exclusive event brings viewers up close and personal with the imaginative world of Universal Epic Universe, a new destination that promises to redefine immersive entertainment.

Hosted by Joe Manganiello, the special dives deep into the creative process behind the park’s five distinct 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. With unparalleled access, Manganiello explores each of these realms, sharing his own excitement as a lifelong fan of the stories that bring them to life.

Audiences will be transported through magical portals that connect them to the most beloved characters and narratives in pop culture. The program features appearances from a variety of stars, including Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers from Las Culturistas, Mason Thames and Nico Parker from the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon film, and Warwick Davis, who has brought the Harry Potter universe to life on screen. These guests offer unique perspectives as they uncover the artistry and innovation behind each world, which took over a decade to create.

The special also includes interviews with some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Jurassic World 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 — share their insights and experiences with the park. Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who has been a long-time creative consultant for Universal, appears in an extended interview, offering a glimpse into the vision that has made Universal Theme Parks a cultural cornerstone.

Spielberg’s iconic phrase “Ride the Movies,” coined over three decades ago, continues to inspire the storytelling approach of Universal Epic Universe. Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, emphasized the significance of this project. “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. She also praised Manganiello for his ability to engage fans and lead them through this new chapter of immersive storytelling.

Manganiello, a lifelong movie fan, expressed his excitement about the experience. “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,” he said.

Fans of theme parks and entertainment enthusiasts of all ages will get a front-row seat to the magic of Universal Epic Universe. The special offers unprecedented access to the park’s jaw-dropping rides, state-of-the-art attractions, and cutting-edge technology that bring its next-level storytelling to life.

Expanding the Adventure: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

In addition to Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe, audiences can continue their journey with Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks, a three-part docuseries streaming exclusively on Peacock later this year. This series delves into the rich history of Universal Destinations & Experiences, celebrating its legacy and providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Universal Epic Universe.

Through rare archival footage, intimate interviews with directors, producers, executives, and A-list celebrities, the docuseries highlights the evolution of Universal’s iconic film and theme park history. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the park’s development and offers a unique perspective on how it has become a revolutionary destination for storytelling and entertainment.

Produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe is executive produced by James McKinlay, with Ryan Goble as co-executive producer. The special marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between NBC and Universal, showcasing the power of immersive storytelling and the enduring appeal of beloved characters and narratives.