The holiday season is a time for warmth, togetherness, and, of course, indulging in our favorite Christmas specials! As 2021 approached, many were eagerly anticipating the festive lineup of television programs designed to fill our homes with joy and holiday cheer. Let’s take a look back at the Christmas specials that graced our screens in 2021.
Nostalgic Classics: Revisiting Beloved Christmas Tales
There’s something comforting about revisiting the classics during the holiday season. These timeless tales, passed down through generations, evoke feelings of nostalgia and remind us of the true spirit of Christmas.
Animated Adventures for the Whole Family
Many animated classics continued to air in 2021, reminding us of childhood memories and introducing them to a new generation. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” remained a perennial favorite, with its heartwarming message about the commercialization of Christmas. This special, known for its simple animation and jazz soundtrack, never fails to touch the hearts of viewers of all ages. The special aired on PBS and PBS Kids, ensuring accessibility for families across the country.
Another enduring classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” was also a staple of the 2021 holiday season. This stop-motion animation, featuring memorable characters and catchy songs, celebrates the importance of embracing differences and finding your place in the world. CBS traditionally aired this special, making it a family tradition for many.
“Frosty the Snowman,” a delightful tale about a snowman who comes to life, also brought joy to audiences. The story of Frosty’s adventure to the North Pole has been a holiday mainstay for decades, charming viewers with its innocence and heartwarming message. CBS was also the home for “Frosty the Snowman” in 2021.
Live-Action Holiday Favorites
Not to be forgotten are the beloved live-action films that have become synonymous with Christmas. These films, often filled with humor, heart, and a touch of magic, offer a comforting escape during the busy holiday season.
While technically not a “special” in the traditional sense, “It’s a Wonderful Life” remained a must-watch for many. This classic film, with its powerful message about the importance of life and community, was broadcast on NBC and streamed on various platforms.
New Christmas Specials: Fresh Takes on Holiday Cheer
While the classics hold a special place in our hearts, each year brings new Christmas specials that aim to capture the spirit of the season. In 2021, several new specials premiered, offering fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling.
Animated Newcomers
Streaming services played a significant role in delivering new animated Christmas specials in 2021. Many were aimed at younger audiences, providing a fun and engaging way to celebrate the holiday season.
For example, Netflix premiered several original animated specials, including “Robin Robin,” a charming stop-motion adventure about a robin raised by mice. This special, with its stunning visuals and heartwarming story, quickly became a favorite among families.
Apple TV+ also offered a range of new Christmas content, including animated shorts and specials featuring popular children’s characters. These new offerings provided families with more options for holiday entertainment.
Live-Action Adventures
Network television also delivered some new live-action Christmas specials in 2021. These specials often featured holiday-themed movies and limited series, providing viewers with engaging storylines and heartwarming moments.
Hallmark Channel and Lifetime continued their tradition of airing original Christmas movies, offering a continuous stream of festive entertainment throughout the holiday season. While not strictly “specials,” these movies became a staple of holiday viewing for many.
Where to Watch: Navigating the Holiday TV Landscape
With so many Christmas specials available, knowing where to find them was crucial. In 2021, the landscape was diverse, with options ranging from traditional network television to streaming services.
Network Television: A Traditional Approach
Major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC continued to air classic Christmas specials, maintaining a long-standing tradition. These broadcasts often included commercial breaks, but they offered a communal viewing experience for families across the country.
Many networks also promoted their Christmas programming heavily, ensuring that viewers were aware of the schedule. This made it easier to plan holiday viewing and ensure that families didn’t miss their favorite specials.
Streaming Services: A Modern Alternative
Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV+ offered a vast library of Christmas content, including both classic specials and original productions. This provided viewers with more flexibility and control over their viewing experience.
Subscribers could access Christmas specials on demand, allowing them to watch at their convenience. This was particularly appealing for busy families who may not have been able to catch the traditional broadcasts.
The Enduring Appeal of Christmas Specials
Christmas specials continue to hold a special place in our hearts for several reasons. They offer a sense of nostalgia, remind us of cherished childhood memories, and provide a welcome escape from the stresses of everyday life. The stories often convey positive messages about love, kindness, and the importance of family, which resonate deeply during the holiday season. In 2021, even with many challenges around the world, families found comfort in these traditions.
A Shared Experience
Watching Christmas specials can be a shared experience, bringing families and friends together to celebrate the holiday season. Whether gathered around the television or streaming content on a device, the act of watching these specials creates a sense of connection and togetherness.
The Power of Nostalgia
Many Christmas specials evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times and cherished childhood memories. This nostalgia can be particularly comforting during the holiday season, when we often reflect on the past and appreciate the traditions that have shaped our lives.
A Celebration of Values
Christmas specials often convey positive messages about love, kindness, generosity, and the importance of family. These messages resonate deeply during the holiday season, inspiring us to be better people and to spread joy to those around us. The specials are a gentle reminder of what the season is truly about.
Popular Christmas Specials Aired in 2021: A Detailed Look
Let’s delve deeper into some of the most popular Christmas specials that aired in 2021.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
This animated classic, based on the “Peanuts” comic strip, tells the story of Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas. Despite the commercialization of the holiday, Charlie Brown seeks to find something authentic to celebrate. The special is praised for its jazz soundtrack, simple animation, and heartwarming message. It’s a constant reminder that Christmas is about much more than gifts and decorations.
It was broadcast on PBS and PBS Kids, and streamed on Apple TV+ (for subscribers), guaranteeing its availability to a wide audience.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)
This stop-motion animated special follows the story of Rudolph, a reindeer who is ostracized for his bright red nose. However, Rudolph’s unique ability becomes crucial when Santa needs help guiding his sleigh through a blizzard. The special celebrates the importance of embracing differences and finding your place in the world.
Aired on CBS, this annual broadcast is a tradition for countless families. The catchy songs and memorable characters make it a favorite for children and adults alike.
“Frosty the Snowman” (1969)
This animated special tells the story of a snowman who comes to life when a magical hat is placed on his head. Frosty and a young girl named Karen embark on an adventure to reach the North Pole before Frosty melts. The special is known for its whimsical animation, catchy songs, and heartwarming message about friendship and believing in magic.
Also broadcast on CBS, “Frosty the Snowman” continues to charm viewers with its innocence and holiday spirit.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966)
This animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic book tells the story of the Grinch, a grumpy creature who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. However, the Grinch’s heart is eventually touched by the Whos’ unwavering Christmas spirit. The special is known for its memorable characters, rhyming narration, and heartwarming message about the true meaning of Christmas.
Available through various streaming services and often broadcast on NBC, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is a holiday staple for many families.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
While technically a movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” has become a traditional Christmas viewing experience for many. The film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who is given the opportunity to see what life would have been like if he had never been born. The film’s powerful message about the importance of life, community, and second chances resonates deeply with audiences.
Broadcast on NBC and available on multiple streaming platforms, this classic film remains a must-watch during the holiday season.
More Than Just Specials: Christmas Movies on TV
Beyond the traditional “specials,” a vast array of Christmas movies also filled the television schedules in 2021.
Hallmark Channel and Lifetime continued their dominance in the Christmas movie genre, offering a non-stop stream of holiday-themed films. These movies often featured heartwarming stories, romantic relationships, and a generous dose of Christmas cheer.
The networks crafted distinct schedules, often themed around specific aspects of Christmas, such as family, romance, or overcoming adversity.
Streaming services also offered a wide selection of Christmas movies, including both classic films and original productions. This provided viewers with even more options for holiday entertainment.
Conclusion: A Festive Look Back
As we look back at the Christmas specials that aired in 2021, it’s clear that the holiday season continues to be a time for cherished traditions and new discoveries. From the timeless classics to the innovative newcomers, these specials offer something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you were gathered around the television with family or streaming content on your own, the Christmas specials of 2021 provided a welcome dose of holiday cheer and reminded us of the true meaning of the season.
What classic animated Christmas specials can I watch on TV in 2021?
Several beloved animated classics were aired on traditional TV networks throughout the 2021 holiday season. You could find favorites like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on PBS and ABC, offering heartwarming tales of holiday spirit and the true meaning of Christmas. Other possibilities included “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” on CBS, providing nostalgic entertainment for families.
Beyond those mentioned, keep an eye out for other animated gems such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (the original cartoon) on various networks throughout December. Check your local listings for specific dates and times to ensure you didn’t miss these timeless holiday treasures. Streaming options are also often available if you prefer on-demand viewing.
Where could I find a schedule of Christmas movies and specials airing on TV in 2021?
Many websites dedicated to TV listings and holiday programming provided comprehensive schedules of Christmas movies and specials airing in 2021. Sites like TV Guide, Zap2it, and individual network websites (ABC, NBC, CBS, Freeform, Hallmark) offered detailed information about air dates, times, and synopses of holiday-themed content. These resources were constantly updated, so checking them regularly was crucial.
Furthermore, you could often find articles and lists compiled by entertainment news outlets like Entertainment Weekly, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter that highlighted notable Christmas programming events. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook also frequently featured user-generated lists and reminders of upcoming holiday specials. Combining these resources would have given you the most complete picture of the 2021 Christmas TV lineup.
Did Hallmark Channel and Lifetime have their usual lineup of Christmas movies in 2021?
Yes, both Hallmark Channel and Lifetime continued their tradition of airing a significant number of original Christmas movies in 2021. Hallmark Channel, known for its “Countdown to Christmas” and “Miracles of Christmas” events, presented a vast selection of new and returning holiday films. These movies typically feature feel-good storylines, romantic comedies, and themes centered around family and Christmas traditions.
Lifetime also offered its own slate of Christmas movies under its “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” programming block. While often similar in tone to Hallmark’s offerings, Lifetime’s Christmas movies sometimes explored slightly different themes or featured more diverse casts. Both channels were highly popular destinations for viewers seeking comforting and festive holiday entertainment throughout November and December.
Were there any new Christmas specials premiering on streaming services in 2021?
Absolutely! Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max offered a wide array of new Christmas specials and holiday-themed content in 2021. These ranged from animated adventures and family-friendly comedies to romantic dramas and holiday cooking competitions. Streaming services often invested heavily in original Christmas programming to attract and retain subscribers during the holiday season.
Specifically, you could expect to find new movies starring big-name actors, animated specials based on popular children’s characters, and festive episodes of existing TV series. Many streaming services also offered curated holiday collections, making it easier for viewers to discover Christmas-themed content across different genres. Checking the “new releases” sections and holiday categories on each streaming platform was the best way to find these new offerings.
Could I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on TV in 2021?
Yes, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the perennial Christmas classic, was aired on television in 2021. Traditionally, NBC has the rights to air the movie around the holiday season. You could typically find it scheduled for at least one or two airings during December, often around Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
In addition to its broadcast on NBC, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was also available to purchase or rent on various digital platforms and streaming services. This provided viewers with multiple options for watching this heartwarming film, ensuring that it remained a part of their holiday traditions. Checking NBC’s schedule and digital retailers was the best way to confirm viewing options.
Were there any Christmas-themed episodes of regular TV shows aired in 2021?
Yes, many popular TV shows across various genres often aired Christmas-themed episodes in 2021 as part of their regular seasons. Sitcoms, dramas, and even animated series embraced the holiday spirit with special episodes featuring festive storylines, holiday decorations, and heartwarming messages. These episodes were often highly anticipated by fans of the respective shows.
To find these Christmas-themed episodes, it was best to check the TV schedules for your favorite shows in December. Network websites and TV listing guides would typically indicate whether a particular episode was Christmas-themed. Streaming services that hosted past seasons of these shows also usually grouped holiday episodes together, making them easier to find.
Where could I find Christmas specials suitable for young children in 2021?
Several options existed for finding Christmas specials specifically tailored for young children in 2021. PBS Kids offered a variety of holiday-themed episodes from its popular children’s shows, often focusing on themes of kindness, sharing, and the joy of the season. These programs were generally age-appropriate and educational, making them a great choice for younger viewers.
In addition to PBS Kids, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video also had extensive libraries of Christmas specials and movies designed for children. These included animated features, holiday-themed episodes of popular kids’ shows, and live-action productions suitable for family viewing. Parental controls and age ratings were available on most platforms to help parents select appropriate content.