Mediaby Cynthia Littleton
How NBC Brought Live Musicals Back to Television
Key Takeaways
- Comcast's 2011 acquisition of NBC initiated a new era of entertainment leadership under Bob Greenblatt.
- Greenblatt revived NBC's legacy of broadcasting live theatrical specials, drawing on his Broadway background.
- The Sound of Music Live, starring Carrie Underwood, premiered in December 2013 to massive public and critical success.
- The landmark broadcast proved that live musical events could capture modern audiences on social media and traditional TV.
In 2011, NBC was struggling under General Electric until Comcast's acquisition brought in new leadership led by Bob Greenblatt. To revitalize the network, Greenblatt leveraged NBC's history of entertainment specials by introducing live television musicals. Partnering with veteran producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, Greenblatt spearheaded the ambitious production of The Sound of Music Live starring Carrie Underwood. The massive success of the December 2013 broadcast captivated audiences and celebrities alike, successfully bringing live theatrical events back to modern television.
Recommended for you
Tools and services we trust to boost productivity and content workflows.
Browse picks