Entertainment

From Bob Hope to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’: How NBC Became America’s Home for TV Specials

Variety · October 14, 2026 at 11:15 AM

From Bob Hope to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’: How NBC Became America’s Home for TV Specials

It didn’t get great reviews.

The host was awkward on camera as he navigated the emerging medium.

The musical numbers and sketches didn’t translate well to the home screen.

But none of it mattered.

Bob Hope’s first-ever television special for NBC — “The Frigidaire Star Spangled Revue” — was a big hit with viewers when […]

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From Bob Hope to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’: How NBC Became America’s Home for TV Specials

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