The beloved holiday classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is making its way back to television this week for a special 60th anniversary airing, but this time, it won’t be on CBS where it traditionally aired for half a century. NBC announced that a special 75-minute edition of the stop-motion animated film will air on Friday, December 6, honoring its original premiere date of December 6, 1964.
For those who may miss the initial broadcast, additional encore presentations are scheduled later in December. The primary airing on NBC will take place from 8 PM to 9:15 PM EST. In Indianapolis, viewers can catch the special on WTHR, with a repeat scheduled for Thursday, December 12.
Beyond its NBC airing, “Rudolph” will also feature in Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” lineup. Viewers can check Freeform’s website for a detailed schedule of additional airings throughout December.
While “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is not available for streaming on popular platforms like Netflix or Hulu, it can be found on services such as Apple TV+, Google Play, Sling TV, and is available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
Originally created by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward in 1939 as a children’s story, “Rudolph” captures the tale of a reindeer shunned for his unique glowing red nose. His journey takes a heroic turn when he saves Christmas by guiding Santa’s sleigh through a foggy night, ultimately emphasizing themes of acceptance and the importance of being different.
The charming narration by Burl Ives as “Sam the Snowman” enhances the film’s nostalgic appeal, and it continues to be a holiday favorite that resonates with audiences of all ages.
As the festive season approaches, the return of this classic serves as a reminder of the joy and spirit of Christmas, making it an opportune time for families to gather and celebrate together.
Don’t miss this opportunity to share in the heartwarming tale of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and create new holiday memories.