The beloved holiday classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is making a return to television for its 60th anniversary, airing a special 75-minute edition on NBC. This year marks a notable transition for the animated special, which has been a cherished part of Christmas traditions on CBS for half a century. Originally premiering on NBC on December 6, 1964, the show has now come full circle.
Scheduled for its broadcast on Friday, December 6, 2024, “Rudolph” will air from 8 to 9:15 p.m. EST. For those unable to catch it then, NBC-affiliate station WTHR in Indianapolis will also present a repeat showing on Thursday, December 12.
Additionally, viewers can enjoy “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” as part of Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” programming. The schedule includes multiple airings on various dates, ensuring plenty of opportunities to indulge in this nostalgic favorite throughout the holiday season.
While “Rudolph” isn’t available for streaming on popular platforms like Netflix or Hulu, fans can find it on Apple TV+, Google Play, and Sling TV. For those looking to own a copy, it can be purchased for $7.99 on Amazon Prime Video.
The story of Rudolph began as a children’s book created by Robert L. May in 1939 for the department store Montgomery Ward. It was designed as a promotional giveaway and quickly became popular, leading to millions of copies being distributed. The tale of Rudolph, a reindeer bullied for his glowing red nose, captures themes of acceptance and bravery, making it a timeless narrative for all ages. Santa’s request for Rudolph to guide his sleigh through a foggy night not only saves Christmas but transforms him into a hero.
Burl Ives narrates the stop-motion adaptation, bringing charm to the story while also performing the iconic theme song. The film extends the original poem into a heartwarming adventure filled with memorable characters.
This return of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” not only rekindles nostalgia but also reinforces the spirit of Christmas, reminding audiences of the values of bravery, acceptance, and the importance of helping others.
In a hopeful light, this anniversary is a wonderful opportunity for families to share the joy of this classic story, sparking conversation about kindness and inclusion during a season focused on giving and coming together.