Who narrated the original Grinch?

Boris Karloff, famous for playing Frankenstein's monster and horror villains, narrated the original 1966 Grinch special and voiced the Grinch character. His distinctive voice perfectly captured both the Grinch's grumpy cynicism and his eventual warmth. Thurl Ravenscroft sang 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch' though he went uncredited.

Who directed the Grinch special?

Chuck Jones, the legendary animator behind Looney Tunes classics, directed How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Jones was a three-time Academy Award winner who brought exceptional artistry to the special. He stayed faithful to Dr. Seuss's visual style while adding new scenes and creating fluid, expressive animation that has not aged in nearly 60 years.

How long is the original Grinch special?

The original 1966 animated special runs 26 minutes, perfect for a half-hour television time slot with commercials. This relatively short runtime makes it accessible and rewatchable, contributing to its status as annual holiday viewing. The concise storytelling keeps both children and adults engaged throughout.

Is the Grinch based on a book?

Yes, the TV special is based on Dr. Seuss's 1957 children's book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The book was 64 pages with Dr. Seuss's signature rhyming verse and whimsical illustrations. Chuck Jones expanded the story for television while maintaining Dr. Seuss's distinctive style and narrative voice. Dr. Seuss remained involved and even wrote additional lyrics for songs.

What is the message of the Grinch?

The Grinch's central message is that Christmas is about community, love, and joy rather than material possessions. When the Grinch steals all presents and decorations but the Whos still celebrate joyfully, he realizes Christmas 'doesn't come from a store.' The story also shows redemption is possible through the Whos' forgiveness and inclusion of the reformed Grinch.

Where can I watch the original Grinch?

The 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! currently airs on NBC during December and streams on Peacock year-round. It may also be available on other streaming platforms. NBC typically broadcasts it multiple times during the holiday season. Check local listings or streaming services for current availability.

Did the Grinch win any awards?

Yes, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program. It received critical acclaim for its animation quality, faithful adaptation, and Boris Karloff's performance. The special is widely regarded as one of the greatest holiday television programs ever made and influenced countless subsequent holiday specials.

December 18, 1966: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! First Aired

Dr. Seuss's beloved character comes to life on television

On December 18, 1966, CBS aired the animated TV special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for the first time, creating an instant holiday classic that has aired annually for nearly 60 years.

Key Facts

Air Date

December 18, 1966

Network

CBS

Runtime

26 minutes

Director

Chuck Jones

Narrator

Boris Karloff

Original Author

Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)

Book Published

1957

Production Studio

MGM Animation/Visual Arts

Theme Song

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Emmy Awards

Outstanding Children's Program

Annual Airings

Every year since 1966

Viewership

Millions annually

Quick Stats

Attribute	Value
Premiere Date	December 18, 1966
Original Network	CBS Television
Episode Length	26 minutes
Director	Chuck Jones
Voice of the Grinch	Boris Karloff
Years on Air	58+ consecutive years
Emmy Wins	1 (Outstanding Children's Program)
Based on Book	1957 Dr. Seuss story
Current Streaming	Peacock, NBC platforms

About December 18, 1966: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! First Aired

On December 18, 1966, CBS broadcast the animated television special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for the first time, introducing millions of viewers to the green, grouchy creature who tried to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.

From Page to Screen

Dr. as a children's book in 1957. He had concerns about how animation would handle his distinctive artistic style and whether a 64-page book could sustain a half-hour program. Dr.

Chuck Jones's Masterful Direction

Chuck Jones brought exceptional artistry and attention to detail to the Grinch special. He studied Dr. Jones's animation in the Grinch special represented television animation at its finest, proving that TV cartoons could match theatrical quality.

Boris Karloff's Iconic Narration

The production cast Boris Karloff as both narrator and the voice of the Grinch, a decision that proved brilliant. Karloff narrated most of the special in rhyming verse taken directly from Dr. Seuss, became one of the most recognizable Christmas songs.

Instant Success and Critical Acclaim

The special won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program. The special achieved something rare in television: it appealed equally to children and adults. Its 26-minute runtime made it perfect for television scheduling and family viewing.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The success of the 1966 Grinch special transformed Dr. The special's success led to a 2000 live-action film starring Jim Carrey, which became a box office hit, and a 2018 animated film by Illumination Entertainment. These adaptations introduced the Grinch to new generations while the original 1966 special continued airing.

Themes and Message

The special suggests that community, love, and shared joy define the holiday, not consumption. This anti-commercial message resonated in 1966 and remains relevant as holiday shopping grows more frenzied. These themes give the special depth beyond simple entertainment, allowing it to resonate emotionally across ages and cultures.

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Did You Know?

•

Boris Karloff, famous for playing Frankenstein's monster, voiced the Grinch and narrated

•

The special has aired every single year since 1966, nearly 60 consecutive years

•

Chuck Jones directed after winning three Academy Awards for other animated shorts

•

Thurl Ravenscroft sang 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch' but went uncredited

•

Dr. Seuss wrote new lyrics specifically for the TV special's songs

•

The Grinch's heart grows three sizes, one of pop culture's most famous phrases

Frequently Asked Questions

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! first aired on CBS on December 18, 1966. It was an immediate success and has been broadcast annually every year since, making it one of the longest-running holiday television traditions. The special continues to air on NBC and streams on Peacock and other platforms.