A beloved holiday tradition is making its way back to NBC after more than five decades. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the longest-running Christmas special in television history, will be broadcast on the network for the first time in over 50 years this December. This festive return will feature an extended version of the much-loved special, delighting audiences young and old.
The premiere is set for Friday night, December 6, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the show’s original debut on NBC in 1964. Following its initial airing, this enchanting stop-motion animation became a staple of holiday viewing, airing annually on the network until 1972.
Fans of “Rudolph” can look forward to two showings: the first will air on Friday at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. PT, followed by an encore presentation on Thursday, December 12 at the same time.
The origins of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” trace back to a poem written by Robert L. May in the 1930s. It was later transformed into a song by his brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, in the 1940s. The television special was brought to life by the creative team of Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass from Rankin/Bass Productions, previously known as Videocraft International.
This heartwarming tradition serves as a reminder of the enduring magic of the holiday season and the joy of storytelling that brings families together.
In summary, the upcoming return of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to its original network offers not only nostalgia for long-time viewers but also an opportunity for new generations to experience this classic tale. With the holiday spirit in the air, this special showcase is bound to spread cheer and warmth to audiences everywhere.