Frosty Returns Won’t Air or Stream This Holiday

Say it ain’t snow! The beloved animated holiday special Frosty Returns is officially off the air for 2024. NBC has snagged the rights to Rankin/Bass classics Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, leaving Frosty Returns—the quirky 1993 follow-up—completely out in the cold.

For decades, Frosty Returns was a CBS holiday staple, usually paired with the 1969 classic Frosty the Snowman. But this year, CBS’s holiday lineup is shockingly slim, featuring only a handful of festive episodes for shows like NCIS and The Equalizer. And here’s the kicker: Frosty Returns isn’t available on any streaming platform. That’s right—no Hulu, Disney+, or even Prime Video for this snowman sequel.

If you’re feeling nostalgic for Frosty Returns, your only option is physical media. The special is included in the Original Christmas Classics Collection on DVD and Blu-ray, alongside Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more holiday favorites.

As for where to catch the OG Frosty the Snowman? It’s airing on NBC on December 5 at 8:30 p.m., with an encore December 11 at 8 p.m. If streaming’s your thing, it’s available on Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video with a subscription.

Looking for other Frosty fun? Frosty’s Winter Wonderland is part of AMC’s Christmas Magic Marathon, while The Legend of Frosty the Snowman is currently streaming on Peacock.

It’s disappointing news for fans who’ve loved Frosty Returns for its quirky charm and throwback vibes. But who knows—maybe this hiatus will make the special’s eventual comeback even sweeter.