When and How to Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on NBC This Season

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer returns to NBC this month with two scheduled broadcasts on December 5 and December 11. The holiday classic also appears multiple times on Freeform as part of its seasonal programming slate. Fans can stream it across several platforms throughout December.

The Rankin Bass stop motion special remains one of the most watched Christmas programs each year. NBC confirmed its return for a second straight season after reclaiming the special from CBS in 2024. The network is pairing Rudolph with other animated favorites to anchor its holiday lineup.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Broadcast Schedule

NBC will air Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on Friday, December 5, at 8 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation on Thursday, December 11, at the same time. These prime time placements reflect the continued demand for legacy holiday programming. NBC executives have said seasonal specials remain among the most reliable family viewing events.

Freeform is also featuring the classic throughout December as part of its 25 Days of Christmas schedule. Viewers with cable access can watch Rudolph on the following dates:

• December 6 at 9:10 p.m. ET
• December 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET
• December 18 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• December 19 at 4:10 p.m. ET
• December 21 at 5:45 p.m. ET
• December 22 at 1:35 p.m. ET
• December 24 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• December 25 at 5:00 p.m. ET

The special originally premiered on NBC in 1964 before shifting to CBS, where it remained for over fifty years. Ratings strength and renewed nostalgia helped drive its return to NBC last year.

How to Stream Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in 2025

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Pluto TV, and Tubi. On Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play, viewers must purchase the film. These platforms are offering it for individual purchase but not as part of existing membership libraries.

Pluto TV and Tubi will carry the special at scheduled times while it airs on traditional broadcast channels. These ad supported services allow viewers without cable subscriptions to watch during the holiday season. The film continues to draw strong streaming interest, especially from parents introducing the 1960s classic to younger audiences.

Why Rudolph Remains a Holiday Tradition

The enduring appeal of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer comes from its distinct animation style and its message about acceptance. The characters remain iconic, including Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Misfit Toys. Families often revisit the special as part of holiday rituals, and broadcasters rely on it to boost seasonal ratings.

Networks have increasingly leaned on recognizable Christmas programming in December as competition for viewer attention grows. Rudolph’s consistent performance has made it a cornerstone of annual holiday schedules. The special’s return to NBC has strengthened the network’s December lineup and drawn wide audience engagement.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer will remain widely accessible this season on broadcast television and streaming platforms. The classic continues to anchor holiday programming and attract viewers across multiple generations.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When can I watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on NBC?

You can watch it on December 5 at 8 p.m. ET and again on December 11 at 8 p.m. ET. Both broadcasts air nationwide on NBC.

Q2: How can I stream Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?

The special is available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Pluto TV, and Tubi. Purchase is required on most paid platforms.

Q3: Is Rudolph part of Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas?

Yes, Freeform will air the special several times throughout December. Viewers can check the full schedule for exact times.

Q4: Why did Rudolph return to NBC?

NBC reacquired the broadcasting rights in 2024 after decades on CBS. The move aligns with the network’s holiday programming strategy.

Q5: Who voices the characters in the classic special?

Burl Ives narrates as Sam the Snowman, with Billie Mae Richards voicing Rudolph and Larry D. Mann as Yukon Cornelius.