In a move that’s sure to shake up holiday traditions, Christmas classics Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman are leaving their longtime home on CBS after more than 50 years. NBC has secured the broadcast rights to these beloved Rankin-Bass specials in a multi-year licensing deal, marking a rare shift in the typically stable world of holiday programming.
A Homecoming for Rudolph:
While surprising, Rudolph’s move to NBC is actually a homecoming. The special originally premiered on NBC in 1964 as part of The General Electric Fantasy Hour. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Rudolph’s debut, NBC will air an extended 75-minute version on Friday, December 6th at 8 p.m., the same date and time slot as its original premiere.
Frosty’s NBC Debut:
Frosty the Snowman, which has aired on CBS every year since 1969, will make its NBC debut on Thursday, December 5th at 8:30 p.m.
Will Reportedly Not Be Streamed on Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu, & Others:
Despite the network switch, cord-cutters may still face challenges in streaming these holiday classics. Music rights issues have reportedly kept Rudolph and Frosty off subscription digital platforms, though they are available for digital download. However, with NBCUniversal now controlling the distribution rights through DreamWorks Animation, there’s hope that streaming access may improve.
Holiday Programming Shuffle:
This shift marks a significant change in the landscape of holiday television programming. CBS, once dominant in holiday specials, has seen its lineup dwindle in recent years. A Charlie Brown Christmas moved to ABC in 2001 (and later to Apple TV+ in 2020), and NBC acquired How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in 2015.
NBC’s acquisition of Rudolph and Frosty further solidifies its holiday programming lineup, offering viewers a nostalgic and festive viewing experience this Christmas season. While the move may disrupt some long-held traditions, it also promises to introduce these beloved classics to a new generation of viewers.