'The Wizard of Oz' Courtesy of Everett Collection Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Logo text 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. Related Stories Movies Dorothy's Cameo in 'Wicked: For Good' Explained -- and How the Film's Ending Honors the Broadway Classic Lifestyle 'The Wizard of Oz' Experience Has Hit the Las Vegas Sphere -- These Are the Best Ticket Deals 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. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Sports Figure Skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics: How to Watch the Team Event Online Emmy Awards Bill Nye to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honor at Children's & Family Emmy Awards Live Feed Steve Carell's HBO Comedy 'Rooster' Releases Trailer, Sets Premiere Date Live Feed TV Ratings: 'High Potential' Scores a Series Best in Cross-Platform Numbers Live Feed 'Dark Winds' Scores Early Season 5 Renewal at AMC The Dinosaurs Stegosaurus Will Mess Your Whole Day Up in Trailer for Steven Spielberg's Netflix Docuseries 'The Dinosaurs' Sports Figure Skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics: How to Watch the Team Event Online Emmy Awards Bill Nye to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honor at Children's & Family Emmy Awards Live Feed Steve Carell's HBO Comedy 'Rooster' Releases Trailer, Sets Premiere Date Live Feed TV Ratings: 'High Potential' Scores a Series Best in Cross-Platform Numbers Live Feed 'Dark Winds' Scores Early Season 5 Renewal at AMC The Dinosaurs Stegosaurus Will Mess Your Whole Day Up in Trailer for Steven Spielberg's Netflix Docuseries 'The Dinosaurs'