In a significant shift for the media landscape, The Wizard of Oz is returning to free broadcast television for the first time in 27 years. MeTV announced yesterday that it has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to the 1939 MGM classic, ending a long period where the film was primarily siloed on premium cable and subscription streaming services.

The move marks a return to tradition for the Judy Garland-led musical. Starting in 1956, the film became an annual television event on CBS, serving as a cultural touchstone for generations who gathered to watch it during the holidays. That tradition ended on May 9, 1998, when the film made its final appearance on broadcast TV before moving to the Turner family of networks (TBS, TNT, and TCM).

MeTV, owned by Weigel Broadcasting, plans to anchor its “Halloween BOO-Nanza” programming in October with the film. The network has confirmed that the movie will air in its original, unedited format. Additionally, the film will be featured in a special Saturday night showcase hosted by Svengoolie and The Sven Squad.

This broadcast revival comes at a time of renewed cultural interest in the Land of Oz. The success of the Wicked film adaptations and the “Wizard of Oz” attraction at the Las Vegas Sphere have kept the 87-year-old property at the forefront of the entertainment conversation.

While Trevor Decker News typically focuses on the rapid evolution of streaming platforms, the return of such a foundational piece of cinema to over-the-air television is a rare and notable event. MeTV is currently available to 98 percent of the country via antenna, as well as on various cable systems and streaming bundles like Philo and Frndly TV, making this the most accessible the film has been to the general public in decades.

Follow Trevor Decker News for more updates on the scheduled airtimes for this television event.