The Wizard of Oz is coming back to broadcast TV.
The exclusive broadcast rights to the 1939 classic, once a staple of broadcast TV, have been snapped up by MeTV.
The classic TV network will air the MGM musical in October, marking the film’s first appearance on free broadcast television since its final CBS telecast nearly 30 years ago, on May 9, 1998. It began airing annually on broadcast in 1956, particularly around certain holidays.
The beloved musical has experienced a resurgence, thanks in part to the film adaptations of the musical Wicked. The Wizard of Oz also has become a blockbuster attraction at Las Vegas’ Sphere.
The movie will air multiple times in primetime and throughout October as part of MeTV’s Halloween BOO-Nanza, a monthlong celebration of classic horror, sci-fi and family-friendly favorite films, including a marquee Saturday night showcase hosted by Svengoolie and The Sven Squad.
“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,” said Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting. “We are thrilled to bring the film back to broadcast television this October on MeTV. It will be presented without any edits and will be surrounded by surprises we will announce later, making the film the centerpiece of our expanded annual MeTV Halloween BOO-Nanza programming event, which has become hugely popular with our audience. We know they are going to love this incredible addition to the schedule.”
Directed by Victor Fleming, The Wizard of Oz stars Judy Garland, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Jack Haley as the Tin Man and Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion.
MeTV, owned by Weigel Broadcasting Co., is available on broadcast television over the air in 98 percent of the country, on select cable and satellite systems, and streaming on Frndly TV, Philo, Fubo, DirecTV Stream and Sling TV.
