Where to watch 'Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer' before Christmas: TV, streaming and more
The holiday season is already nearing its end as Christmas looms just days away. For those trying to squeeze every bit of cheer out of December, there is still a chance to catch some fan-favorite Christmas specials on TV and streaming, including "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
The beloved stop-motion animation special tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer ostracized for being born with a glowing red nose. After leaving home and meeting up with a ragtag team of Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius the prospector, a gaggle of misfit toys, and the Abominable Snow Monster, Rudolph returns home to save Christmas using his nose to guide Santa's sleigh through adverse weather.
Burl Ives lent his iconic voice to the 1964 film, narrating the story as Sam the Snowman and singing the TV movie's theme song, which has since become the quintessential Christmas recording.
For the first time in five decades, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was broadcast on NBC rather than CBS, where its been shown since 1972. Even if you missed those showings, however, there are still other places to get your "Rudolph" fix before the calendar ticks over to Dec. 26.
Here's how to catch "Rudolph" on TV and streaming before Christmas.
Where to watch 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' on TV before Christmas
Originally, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" hit the airways on NBC in 1964 but moved over to CBS in 1972, where it remained for five decades until coming home this year. Earlier this month, it aired on NBC twice.
Luckily, the special is also airing on Freeform throughout the rest of the season, meaning cable watchers can still see it there.
How to catch 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' on TV before Christmas
While the NBC primetime special airings of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" have passed, it is part of Freeform's "25 Days of Christmas" lineup, meaning it will air multiple times on the channel leading up to Christmas.
Cable, satellite and fiber TV subscribers can catch the classic on Freeform on the following schedule:
- Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Dec. 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT
How to stream 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' before Christmas
Non-cable fans are not out of luck: "Rudolph" will also be available on streaming services this holiday season.
The stop-motion classic is available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Tubi TV and Pluto TV. However, you will have to pay to purchase the movie outright on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, both of which offer it for $7.99. It is not available as part of existing paid memberships or for rent on these platforms.
You can stream it live on Tubi and Pluto while it airs on TV.
Get Amazon Prime Video: https://amzn.to/3sGJHzk
Get Apple TV+: https://apple.co/45ZP1vN
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' voice cast
- Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman
- Larry D. Mann as Yukon Cornelius and Abominable Snow Monster
- Billie Mae Richards as Rudolph
- Paul Soles as Hermey
- Stan Francis as Santa Claus and King Moonracer
- Alfie Scopp as Charlie-In-The-Box, Fireball and Other Reindeer
- Janis Orenstein as Clarice (voice)
- Paul Kligman as Donner, Clarice's Father and Comet the Coach
- Carl Banas as Head Elf, Spotted Elephant and Other Toys
- Corinne Conley as Doll and Others
- Peg Dixon as Mrs. Donner, Mrs. Claus and Others
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