When Is ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ on TV This Year?
What To Know
- The classic 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas will air on NBC on December 4 and December 25, 2025, as well as on TNT and TBS at various times.
- Directed by Chuck Jones and narrated by Boris Karloff, the 26-minute special faithfully adapts Dr. Seuss’ beloved book.
- Viewers can also stream the original animated special anytime on Peacock and Max.
For many of us, Christmas doesn’t officially begin until we hear Boris Karloff‘s deep narration and see the Grinch slither across the floor with that devious little smile.
Nearly six decades after its debut, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas remains one of the most beloved holiday specials of all time, and this year there are plenty of chances to catch it on TV.
Here is a look at how, where, and when to catch the beloved Christmas toon.
Where and when can you watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
NBC will air How the Grinch Stole Christmas on December 4, 2025, at 8/7c, with an encore on December 25 at 8/7c.
The special originally premiered on CBS in December 1966 before eventually finding a new home on NBC, where it has become a long-running holiday tradition.
What is How the Grinch Stole Christmas about?
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is about a grouchy creature whose “heart was two sizes too small.” He tries to ruin the holiday for all of Whoville by stealing all their presents and decorations, only to discover that Christmas is about more than gifts.
It was directed by Chuck Jones, the same legendary animator behind Looney Tunes, and featured Karloff as both the narrator and the voice of the Grinch, with the now-iconic song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” performed by Thurl Ravenscroft.
Everett Collection
While it runs just 26 minutes, the special captures the heart of Dr. Seuss’ 1957 book so faithfully that it is often credited with helping define what a TV holiday special could be. How the Grinch Stole Christmas became an instant classic and has since inspired Jim Carrey‘s 2000 live-action film and Benedict Cumberbatch‘s 2018 animated remake, The Grinch.
If you miss the NBC broadcasts, both TBS and TNT will offer multiple airings as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s annual holiday lineup.
On TNT, The Grinch will air on:
November 10 at 7:30/6:30c
November 21 at 7:30/6:30c
November 23 at 11 a.m./10c and 10:30 p.m./9:30c
December 20 at 12 p.m./11c
On TBS, The Grinch will air on:
November 15 at 11:30 a.m./10:30c
November 23 at 6:30/5:30c
December 13 at 4/3c
December 14 at 10 a.m./9c and 10:30 p.m./9:30c
December 21 at 7:30/6:30c and 10:30/9:30c
If you prefer to stream it, the 1966 animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas is also available on Peacock and Max, so you can visit Whoville any time of year.
Remind 
PUZZLER: Holiday Movies
December 2022
Enjoy hours of fun as you puzzle along to all these holiday classics. The issue is packed with trivia, crosswords, word finds, Sudoku, scrambles, criss crosses and more!
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