Editing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (section)

==== Stop-Motion Animation Television Special (1964) and Sequels (1976–1979) ====
Main article: [[Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV Special)]]

The most iconic adaptation of Rudolph’s story is the 1964 stop-motion television special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. Created using "Animagic" stop-motion animation at Tadahito Mochinaga’s MOM Productions in Tokyo, the screenplay was written by Romeo Muller, with sound recordings supervised by Bernard Cowan at the RCA studios in Toronto, Canada. Premiering on NBC, the special reimagined Rudolph’s story, using only Johnny Marks’s song as its source material.

This retelling explores Rudolph’s ostracization due to his glowing red nose, his decision to run away, and his eventual redemption. Rudolph is joined by [[Hermey the Elf|Hermey]], an elf who dreams of becoming a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, a prospector seeking treasure. Along their journey, they encounter the Bumble (an abominable snow monster), Rudolph’s love interest [[Clarice (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)|Clarice]], and the Island of Misfit Toys—a refuge for defective and abandoned toys. Ultimately, Rudolph returns home to save his family from the Bumble, helps Santa navigate a stormy Christmas Eve with his luminous nose, and earns universal admiration.
[[File:Hermey the elf and Rudolph-min (1).jpg|alt=1964RedRudo|center|thumb|300x300px|Young Rudolph and Hermey the Elf as seen in the 1964 TV special]]


Originally, the special ended with gifts being dropped from Santa’s sleigh, but viewer feedback led to a revised ending where Santa delivers the Misfit Toys to children’s homes. Since its debut, the special has aired annually, moving to CBS for decades before returning to NBC for its 60th anniversary in 2024. It also airs on Freeform as part of their ''25 Days of Christmas'' lineup. The special’s unique characters and heartwarming story have become cultural touchstones, inspiring countless parodies and tributes.

The success of the 1964 special resulted in sequels, including ''Rudolph's Shiny New Year'' (1976), which expanded on his adventures, and ''Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July'' (1979), which connected Rudolph’s story with Rankin/Bass’s ''Frosty the Snowman'' (1969). Rudolph also made cameo appearances in other Rankin/Bass "Animagic" specials, such as ''Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town'' (1970), ''Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey'' (1977), and the cel-animated ''The First Easter Rabbit'' (1976). These projects cemented Rudolph’s place as one of Rankin/Bass’s most beloved characters.