In 2024, CBS surprised fans by dropping beloved Christmas classics from its holiday lineup, leaving viewers to find new ways to enjoy these cherished traditions. Iconic specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and the quirky Robbie the Reindeer series are no longer airing on the network.
This change reflects a broader industry trend of networks shuffling broadcasting rights to attract larger audiences. NBC has now secured the rights to Rudolph and Frosty, while Robbie the Reindeer—known for its stop-motion animation and celebrity voiceovers by stars like Ben Stiller and Britney Spears—remains off the airwaves. In 2024, no U.S. network or streaming platform carries these offbeat adventures, disappointing longtime fans.
Despite the shift, DVDs of Robbie the Reindeer offer a nostalgic option for fans to revisit its charm. Although the future of these specials in the U.S. is uncertain, holiday enthusiasts remain optimistic that they will one day return to their rightful place in the Christmas season, bringing joy and festive cheer for generations to come.