A beloved holiday classic is making a much-anticipated return to its original network. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” recognized as the longest-running Christmas special in television history, will air on NBC for the first time in over half a century this month. This comeback includes two showings of an extended version of the cherished tale.
The premiere is scheduled for Friday, December 6, which coincidentally marks exactly 60 years since “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first graced NBC’s screen in 1964. Following its debut, the stop-motion animation aired annually on the channel until 1972.
After more than 50 years, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is set to return to NBC. Here are the important details regarding this festive airing:
The special will be broadcast on Friday, December 6, at 8 p.m. ET, and will be followed by an encore presentation on Thursday, December 12, at the same time.
The story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” began in the 1930s when Robert L. May penned a poem, which later transformed into a song by his brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, in the 1940s. The television special itself was brought to life by the creative team of Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass from Rankin/Bass Productions.
This return to television not only brings nostalgia to older generations but also introduces a new audience to a classic holiday story. The fact that a timeless tale continues to resonate across decades is a testament to its enduring charm. As families gather around their screens this December, “Rudolph” is poised to create heartwarming memories once more, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and joy that embodies the holiday season.