15 TV Specials That Only Aired Once

Television history is filled with programs that aired once and then vanished. Some of these specials became cult legends, while others disappeared. However, they remain as fascinating glimpses into what networks once tried. Here’s a look back at 15 TV specials that only aired once and left a lasting mark on pop culture.

1. The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

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This infamous special was intended to celebrate the franchise but ended up becoming a campy disaster. Awkward musical numbers and bizarre storylines baffled viewers. George Lucas himself reportedly hated it, and it never re-aired.

2. Heil Honey I’m Home! (1990)

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This British sitcom pilot tried to parody dictators by casting Adolf Hitler in a comedic setting. The concept was widely condemned and pulled immediately. Only one episode ever made it to air before being shelved permanently.

3. Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue (1990)

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This anti-drug special featured beloved cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and the Smurfs teaming up. It was promoted heavily but only shown once as a cross-network event. Its dated style makes it more of a curiosity today than a classic.

4. The Day After (1983)

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This TV movie depicted the aftermath of nuclear war with brutal realism. It terrified audiences and sparked national debates about nuclear policy. While it became historic, networks chose not to replay it often due to its intensity.

5. Cathy’s Valentine (1989)

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Based on the popular comic strip, this animated special aired only once. Despite its heartfelt story, it didn’t catch on with audiences. Unlike the Christmas Peanuts specials, this one quickly disappeared, with only a few people remembering that it aired.

6. The Will (2005)

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ABC aired this reality special in which contestants competed to inherit a wealthy man’s estate. It was so badly received that it was canceled right after its debut in 2005. It’s remembered as one of the fastest TV flops ever.

7. The Spirit of Christmas (1995)

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This crude animated short was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone before they created South Park. It was only aired once but spread like wildfire on VHS tapes. The buzz eventually led to their groundbreaking series.

8. The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1976)

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The Brady family tried to reinvent themselves in a glitzy musical format. The strange mix of comedy, singing, and awkward dance numbers didn’t land. It was aired once as a special before quickly disappearing.

9. Rockin’ Eve with The Monkees (1969)

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In an effort to ride the wave of The Monkees’ popularity, NBC created a live New Year’s Eve special. The group performed energetic sets, but audiences didn’t respond as hoped. Ratings were low, reviews were mixed, and the broadcast never resurfaced.

10. Ghostwatch (1992)

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This BBC Halloween special was presented as a live ghost investigation, complete with anchors and camera crews. Its realistic execution fooled many viewers, sparking panic across the UK. Complaints flooded in, and the BBC quickly banned it from re-airing.

11. The Magic Man (1974)

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This children’s fantasy special followed a magician defending his town from comically odd villains. Its uneven tone, caught between whimsical and eerie, left audiences baffled. Neither kids nor adults knew what to make of it, and critics weren’t kind. It was quietly shelved after its first and only showing.

12. The Donny and Marie Christmas Special (1979)

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Though Donny and Marie Osmond were household names, this particular holiday special didn’t strike the right note. The extravagant sets and overproduced numbers felt out of touch with audiences. Viewers tuned out, and critics labeled it a “cheesy misfire.”

13. Grinch Night (1977)

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Also known as Halloween Is Grinch Night, this darker prequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas aimed to capture spooky fun. Instead, it came off unsettling, lacking the charm of the original. The creepy visuals and grim tone didn’t sit well with families.

14. The Paul Lynde Halloween Special (1976)

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Packed with odd celebrity guests and campy humor, this variety special was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. It included appearances by KISS and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch. Despite its cult appeal today, it only aired once.

15. Once Upon a Wheel (1971)

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ABC tapped Paul Newman, a real-life racing enthusiast and movie star, to host this ambitious special about the history of car racing. Unfortunately, the pacing dragged, and the presentation felt more like a lecture than entertainment.

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