The Wizard of Oz Returns to US TV This October

MeTV brings back The Wizard of Oz for five broadcasts in October 2026 — its first free TV run since 1998.

By The Long Shot3 Oct 20261 min read

Current hype level47

The Wizard of Oz is back on American TV — and not just once. MeTV’s October 2026 schedule has turned the 1939 classic into a full-blown event, with five broadcast airings across the month. The first was Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m. ET, hosted by Lisa Whelchel. It marked the film’s return to free broadcast television for the first time since CBS aired it in May 1998.

That’s nearly 28 years of silence. Now, the network’s Halloween BOO-Nanza programming is giving fans multiple chances to relive Dorothy’s journey down the yellow brick road. Next up: Saturday, October 3 at 7 p.m. ET, hosted by Svengoolie. Then two more slots on Sunday, October 25, morning and evening.

Both hosted by Whelchel. And finally, a spooky encore on October 31 at 7 p.m., again with Svengoolie. The network isn’t stopping there. On that same Sunday, The Wiz airs at 1:30 p.m., followed by the 1990 documentary The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic at 4:30 p.m., hosted by Angela Lansbury.

Behind-the-scenes interviews, original vignettes, and expert commentary are part of the package. Just Jared reports MeTV secured exclusive rights earlier this year. Daniel Radcliffe even recalled a pitch for a remake during the Harry Potter days, but that’s another story. For now, the real magic is happening on screen.

If you missed Friday’s showing, your next chance is Saturday. Check local listings. The Oz train rolls on.