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One of the most beloved films in cinematic history is finding its way back home. For the first time in almost 30 years, the beloved 1939 musical fantasy 'The Wizard of Oz' will be shown on free aired television. The reintroduction of Dorothy and her trip down the Yellow Brick Road, which has been mostly limited to cable networks and home media for decades, is a nostalgic moment for devoted fans and a unique first-time viewing experience for a new generation of viewers.
A Timeless Classic Returns to the Small Screen
This October, 'The Wizard of Oz' will make a comeback to free broadcast television for the first time in almost thirty years. Since its last CBS broadcasting on 9th May, 1998, the 1939 MGM musical fantasy—long regarded as one of the most iconic movies in American cinema—has been largely absent from over-the-air broadcasts, ending a tradition that started in 1956.
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As part of its yearly Halloween BOO-Nanza celebration, MeTV, the vintage television network owned by Weigel Broadcasting, has acquired the exclusive rights to re-broadcast the iconic movie. Celebrated by viewers young and old, this marks a nostalgic moment for families and classic movie lovers alike, reviving a communal viewing ritual that spanned decades before the rise of cable and streaming.
The Magic of Oz: Plot, Cast, and Legacy
'The Wizard of Oz' follows the daring voyage of Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland), a young child who is carried into the mystical Land of Oz from her Kansas home by a tornado. While avoiding the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), Dorothy is accompanied by her new friends, the Tin Man (Jack Haley), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), and the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), as she looks for the wise Wizard to assist her in getting back home.
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The film, which was directed by Victor Fleming and is renowned for its innovative use of Technicolor, memorable songs like 'Over the Rainbow,' and moving performances, has endured as a part of popular culture around the world. With its eternal message of bravery, camaraderie, and home, it inspires generations and has an impact on music, theater, and even theme park attractions.
From the late 1950s until the early 1990s, watching 'The Wizard of Oz' on television became a popular yearly ritual in the US that brought families together around the TV. After cable networks like TNT and TBS took over airing rights following its departure from broadcast TV in 1999, many viewers lamented the loss of the shared tradition.
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In addition to reviving that feeling of shared experience, the movie's return to free broadcast television brings it to new viewers who might have only watched it at special events or on streaming services.
Broadcast Details and What to Expect
Halloween BOO-Nanza on MeTV will include The Sven Squad and horror icon Svengoolie will organize a major Saturday night screening of 'The Wizard of Oz' throughout October. The film's original charm and integrity, which have been treasured by generations, will be preserved in the unedited broadcast. Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting, summed up the excitement: "The Wizard of Oz is more than a movie; it is a shared American experience that was defined by the annual tradition of gathering around the television set."
Air dates and exact times will be announced closer to October, but the film's return already has fans reminiscing about past viewings and will have to look forward to re-experience the Yellow Brick Road adventure together.
