The beloved holiday classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will make its television return this week for its 60th anniversary, but fans will need to tune in to NBC instead of CBS, where it has aired for the past 50 years. NBC announced that a special 75-minute edition of the stop-motion animated story will air on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Viewers can catch the show from 8 PM to 9:15 PM EST. For those who miss the initial airing, a repeat is scheduled for December 12 on the same NBC affiliate station in Indianapolis, WTHR. Additionally, Freeform will feature “Rudolph” as part of its “25 Days of Christmas” lineup, providing several additional viewing opportunities throughout December.
For those looking to stream the iconic film, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” can be found on platforms like Apple TV+, Google Play, and Sling TV. It is not available on Netflix or Hulu, but it can be purchased for $7.99 on Amazon Prime Video.
The story of Rudolph originated as a children’s book in 1939, created by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward as part of a holiday promotion. The tale of Rudolph, who is initially shunned for his bright red nose but ultimately saves Christmas by guiding Santa’s sleigh through foggy weather, has resonated with audiences for generations, demonstrating themes of acceptance and heroism.
Burl Ives famously narrates the beloved film, bringing his character, Sam the Snowman, to life through both narration and song. The film expands upon May’s original poem and introduces a cast of characters, including Hermey the elf and Yukon Cornelius, who join Rudolph on his journey.
As the holiday season approaches, memories tied to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will surely bring warmth and nostalgia to viewers of all ages.
Summary: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” returns to NBC on December 6, 2024, for its 60th anniversary in a special 75-minute edition, moving from its long-time home on CBS. Additional showings are scheduled on Freeform and streaming options are available on several platforms. The classic tale continues to inspire with its themes of acceptance and redemption during the holiday season.
This season, embrace the spirit of togetherness and celebrate the timeless message of Rudolph as families gather to enjoy this cherished classic.