In a major shift of holiday programming, NBC has gained the rights to broadcast two beloved animated Christmas specials starting this season. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman will return to NBC after long runs on CBS. Rudolph, which first aired on NBC in 1964, will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a broadcast on December 6. Frosty the Snowman will make its NBC debut on December 5.
Rudolph is the story of a young reindeer bullied for his glowing nose. Narrated by Burl Ives, it follows Rudolph as he journeys with outcasts Hermey the elf and prospector Yukon Cornelius. They encounter dangers like the Abominable Snow Monster but also find the Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph proves his worth guiding Santa’s sleigh through a storm. For 52 years it aired on CBS, but NBC will now show the 75-minute Rankin/Bass production on its anniversary date.
Frosty the Snowman is a 1969 animated special narrated by Jimmy Durante. It tells the magical story of a snowman brought to life with a magical hat. After premiering on CBS in 1969, Frosty will make the move to NBC for the first time this season on December 5.
While both specials can still be rented or purchased, they won’t be available on streaming platforms this holiday season. However, NBC will offer an encore of Rudolph on December 11 and another showing of Frosty on December 12.
By acquiring the rights to these classics, NBC aims to attract larger holiday audiences with programming that families know and love. The move signifies a major change for the long-time broadcasting of Rudolph and Frosty, as they leave CBS after decades to start new chapters on NBC this Christmas season.
