How NBC Brought Live Musicals Back to Television
NBC revived the live television musical with *The Sound of Music Live* in 2013, after a long gap in the format. The production drew a far larger audience than the network expected and helped NBC use live musicals and other major events to strengthen its profile.
New entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt, who had Broadway producing experience, backed the project with producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Carrie Underwood starred as Maria, and Stephen Moyer as Captain von Trapp; more than 18 million people watched, against an internal goal of at least 10 million. NBC went on to stage *Peter Pan Live*, *The Wiz Live*, *Hairspray Live* and *Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert* during Greenblatt’s tenure.
- NBC’s 2013 live musical drew more than 18 million viewers.
- *The Sound of Music Live* helped revive the TV musical format.
- NBC staged four more live musicals during Bob Greenblatt’s tenure.