When and Where is It’s a Wonderful Life on TV in 2016?

It's A Wonderful Life NBC

You might recall the days of being able to watch It’s a Wonderful Life on TV a LOT. The 1946 Frank Capra classic was in the public domain at that time, about 20 or 30 years ago, and it seemed to air nearly nonstop in syndication between Thanksgiving and Christmas (including some awful versions that were colorized, which was a hot and terrible trend for a while in the ’80s).

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For the past several years, rights to It’s a Wonderful Life have belonged to NBC, so airings of the film have become more of a special viewing occasion, with the network usually airing it twice during the Christmas season. And they are doing so again in 2016, with a few more showings also added to sister channels USA Network and Universal HD:

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” 2016 TV AIRINGS (All Times ET/PT)

NBC: Saturday, Dec. 3, at 8pm; Saturday, Dec. 24, at 8pm

USA Network: Saturday, Dec. 10, at 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 11, at 9am; Friday, Dec. 16 at 8pm

Universal HD: Friday, Dec. 30, at 8pm; Saturday, Dec. 31, at 12pm

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE — (FROM NBC) The NBC annual tradition continues as the iconic 1946 film once again returns to primetime. Directed by Frank Capra, “It’s a Wonderful Life” stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a discouraged and despairing savings and loan manager who contemplates suicide before a guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), intervenes and allows him to see what his small town of Bedford Falls would be without him — and all that is right in his world. The film, which earned Oscar nominations for best picture, director, actor and film editing, was produced and directed by Capra, and is based on the short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore also star.

17 Comments

  1. So how does a film that was in the “public domain” get taken from the public and “owned” by a major media corporation that provides very limited viewing? Used to be on many, many times during the Christmas season. Bummer.

    • I am totally repulsed by the infrequent airing of the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life during the season or all year. I didn’t get to see it once this season so far. I think it is the greatest movie ever made.

  2. It needs to be shown more,I never get to it watch it working two jobs 16 hours a day,it put in peaceful and relaxing place !!!

  3. I just wish the tv would tell us when its coming on so I could record it. Ive gone to 6 diff websites to find out what day and what time, since i have directv and no advance warning of the oldies coming up

  4. I believe if George decided he wanted to face what life had to offer, he DID apologize to the teacher. He had apologized to her husband when he brought money by the house when the WHOLE town thought he was going to prison!

    • In color SUCKS! It’s a classic movie that needs to be seen in its original best! I’ve seen it at least 70 times and I’m not even 50 yet!

      • Ms. Waller: I’m with you. Color makes a lot of these B&W movies lose their mystery and elegance – makes them look cheesy.

      • Elizabeth Waller: I’m with you. Color makes a lot of these B&W movies lose their mystery and elegance – makes them look cheesy.

      • This is one show that never gets tiring to watch. Also one show that all the characters made it so wonderful to watch. Since I found out the truth about Santa (no presents-lol)this is the most entertaining thing that I look forward to at Christmas. Great show!!!

    • OH IT WOULDN’T BE QUITE THE SAME – IT WOULD LOSE THE NOSTALGIA THAT
      THE OLD BLACK AND WHITE FILM GIVES IT! ALL THE OLD MOVIES WERE IN BLACK AND WHITE… THOUGH I’D STILL LOVE IT JUST AS MUCH!!

  5. Hi, Did George,Ever ‘Apologize/Make up with his children’s teacher????Maybe in full movie?????????

    • This is one show that never gets tiring to watch. Also one show that all the characters made it so wonderful to watch. Since I found out the truth about Santa (no presents-lol)this is the most entertaining thing that I look forward to at Christmas. Great show!!!

    • At the end where everyone came in to donate money’s, and to sing; I do believe the teacher, and her husband came in and everything was worked out. Will pay attention when it shows Dec. 24th at 8:00PM

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