Christmas TV History, episode 3: Made-for-TV Movies

"The first TV movies were also just as likely to be adapted from literature, short stories, and successful stage plays, as they were original works for TV. Many of the familiar writers, producers, directors, and actors from dramatic anthologies continued their careers into TV movies. Young actors on their way up in the industry as well as older actors looking to extend their careers turned to TV—and TV movies—as a way to work their craft. And, the best of the early TV movies continued to tell small, internal stories—with close-up shots of characters faces." In this 30-minute podcast, author Joanna Wilson explores the history of Christmas made-for-tv movies from the earliest dramatic anthologies, to what is arguably the first made-for-tv Christmas movie—1964's Carol for Another Christmas (written by Rod Serling)—through the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s to today's made-for-tv Christmas movies, which are numerous and spearheaded by Hallmark's prolific yearly output. Joanna Wilson is the author of Tis the Season TV: the Encyclopedia of Christmas-themed Episodes, Specials and Made-for-TV Movies. She has been researching AND writing about Christmas on TV for nearly 20 years. Wilson is finalizing the updated, 2nd edition of the encyclopedia which will come out next year in 2020. She is the author of Triple Dog Dare: Watching & Surviving the 24-Hour Marathon of A Christmas Story, The Christmas TV Companion, and Merry Musical Christmas: Vol. 1: The Best Musical Performances in Sitcoms and Dramas. Her books are available at ChristmasTVHistory.com