16 Old-Fashioned TV Specials That Have Been Forgotten
Here's a list of 16 old-fashioned TV specials that used to be popular but are rarely seen today.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
These TV specials were once holiday favorites but have faded over time. Some aired just once, others every year. Each one brings back a forgotten moment in television history.
1. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
1972-75 on Wikimedia Commons
This quirky Rankin/Bass special shows Santa taking a break from Christmas. It introduced the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, two characters who stole the show with their catchy songs. The story was playful but had a message about belief and community.
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Videocraft International, Ltd. on Wikimedia Commons
This stop-motion classic used to be a yearly tradition on network TV. Burl Ives narrated as the lovable snowman, guiding Rudolph through his journey. While it is still known, it no longer plays the same big role on television as it once did.
3. Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
Deceased relative of Infrogmation of New Orleans. Preferred attribution: “Family photos of Infrogmation of New Orleans.” on Wikimedia Commons
Before the big-name holiday classics took over, this was the first animated Christmas special made for television. Magoo’s quirky version of Scrooge charmed families with catchy songs and bold animation. Now, it is barely mentioned during the holidays.
4. The Stingiest Man in Town (1956)
Edison Studios on Wikimedia Commons
This was a full-color live musical take on A Christmas Carol, aired once and nearly lost to time. It featured Broadway-level performances that amazed viewers at the time. Unless you stumble across an old recording, you might never know it existed.
5. Hansel and Gretel (1958)
Paramount Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
This musical fantasy turned the fairy tale into a lavish TV event with new songs and big stars. Red Buttons and Barbara Cook led the cast in a one-night-only broadcast. After that, it was shelved and barely remembered.
6. ’Twas the Night Before Christmas (1977)
ABC Television Network on Wikimedia Commons
Paul Lynde led this quirky special filled with comedy, chaos, and a heartfelt poem. It had that mix of wild ’70s humor and old-fashioned charm. However, once it aired, it vanished from holiday schedules.
7. The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold (1981)
BrankaVV on Pexels
This stop-motion special tried to mix Irish folklore with Christmas magic. It told the story of a leprechaun guarding treasure while dealing with a holiday spirit. Even fans of Rankin/Bass often forget this one ever aired.
8. A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)
Katrien Grevendonck on Pexels
Elves, dinosaurs, and singing raisins all came together in this strange and charming special. It was a showcase of stop-motion talent that felt creative and fun. These days, hardly anyone remembers it aired on network TV.
9. A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986)
Josh Hild on Pexels
Dolly Parton starred as a country singer hiding out in a cabin and bonding with orphans. It had music, mountain magic, and even a witch in the woods. It was beloved once but is now hard to find anywhere.
10. A Christmas to Remember (1986)
Father of Don O’Brien on Pexels
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers sang holiday duets and shared heartfelt moments in this special. It mixed music with a cozy story set in the mountains. Now, it feels like a hidden gem in their long careers.
11. Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
Own work based on unknown original creator on Wikimedia Commons
This infamous special introduced Chewbacca’s family and featured musical numbers that confused even the most loyal fans. It aired once and was never rebroadcast by the network. Many people wish they could forget it, but it still comes up every year.
12. Paul Lynde Halloween Special (1976)
It is unspecified as to whether the press materials were authored by a personal publicity agency employed to promote the subject, or if they were authored by a company promoting a project the subject was involved with, circa 1974. on Wikimedia Commons
This was a Halloween variety show packed with costumes, celebrities, and sketch comedy. Paul Lynde gave it his signature flair, making it both weird and memorable. Today, it survives mostly through old clips online.
13. Garfield’s Halloween Adventure (1985)
Sony Pictures on Pexels
Garfield and Odie go trick-or-treating and end up in a haunted mansion full of ghost pirates. It had just the right mix of funny and creepy for kids. Although it was once a yearly favorite, it is rarely shown today.
14. Bugs Bunny’s Howl-oween Special (1978)
Warner Brothers on Pexels
This was a collection of classic Looney Tunes segments strung together by a Halloween theme. Bugs Bunny and Witch Hazel brought laughs with every scene. It used to be a go-to cartoon special but now flies under the radar.
15. The Halloween Tree (1980)
oatsy40 on Wikimedia Commons
Based on Ray Bradbury’s story, this animated special taught kids about different cultural traditions tied to Halloween. Leonard Nimoy narrated with a spooky but gentle tone. It aired a few times before drifting into obscurity.
16. Ziggy’s Gift (1982)
Julian Tysoe on Wikimedia Commons
Ziggy, the quiet cartoon everyman, starred in this touching story about giving during the holidays. It had a soft, emotional message that stood out from louder specials. Today, hardly anyone remembers it ever aired.