COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — This holiday season, NBC4 viewers will be treated to an additional holiday special that is returning to the network after more than 50 years.
In a media alert, NBC announced that the vintage stop motion classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will air in a special 75-minute broadcast on Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. The network noted that this endearing story of Santa’s favorite reindeer is scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of its 1964 NBC premiere as part of the “General Electric Fantasy Hour.”
Narrated by Burl Ives in the role of Sam the Snowman, the animated program tells the tale of Rudolph, a reindeer shunned by members of his species because he was born with a glowing red nose. On Rudolph’s journey to self-acceptance, he joins Hermey the elf, prospector Yukon Cornelius and a host of Misfit Toys while trying to avoid the Abominable Snow Monster.
According to the network, “Rudolph,” which aired on NBC from 1964 through 1971, became the longest-running holiday special in history. It is also recognized as one of the most-watched Christmas programs and is “beloved by many generations.”
NBC said it will also air another seasonal classic, “Frosty the Snowman,” on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8:30 p.m., which viewers can watch on NBC4.