What Is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”?
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” began as a Dr. Seuss book about a reclusive, bitter Grinch who steals the Whos’ holiday decorations and presents, only to realize that Christmas is about community and goodwill rather than material things.[1][3] The story’s arc, in which the Grinch’s heart grows when he hears the Whos singing despite having no gifts, has become one of the most recognizable holiday narratives in American pop culture.[1][5]
On screen, the title refers to three main adaptations: the 1966 animated TV special, the 2000 live‑action feature starring Jim Carrey, and the 2018 animated film often titled simply “The Grinch.”[1][3][5] Each version keeps the core plot and themes while updating visuals, humor, and pacing for contemporary audiences, ensuring that new generations continue to discover the character every December.
Why the Grinch Still Trends Every Holiday Season
Every year, searches for “how the grinch stole christmas” spike as viewers try to figure out which service has each version and when it will air on TV.[1][2][3] In 2025, the 1966 special streams on Peacock and premium live‑TV bundles while still airing repeatedly on NBC and Turner networks like TNT and TBS, so it remains both a nostalgic broadcast staple and an on‑demand favorite.[1][2][3][5]
The 2000 Jim Carrey film and the 2018 animated “The Grinch” are central to streaming and cable holiday lineups, appearing on platforms like Peacock and Amazon Prime Video and in event blocks such as Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas.”[1][3][5] New licensing deals, rotating streaming rights, and occasional theatrical re‑releases keep the franchise in the news, while its themes of generosity and community resonate in a period when many people seek comforting, familiar entertainment.
Where to Watch Every Version Now
Currently, the 1966 animated special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is available to stream with a subscription to Peacock and through certain premium live‑TV services, and it also airs multiple times on national networks over the holiday season.[1][2][3][5] This mix of linear and on‑demand access lets families choose between traditional scheduled viewing and flexible streaming marathons.[1][3]
The 2000 live‑action film “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” can be streamed on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video, and it is widely offered for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Vudu, and YouTube.[1][3][4] The 2018 film “The Grinch” likewise streams on Peacock and appears across holiday cable programming, with rental and purchase options on major digital storefronts.[1][2][3] As availability can change from year to year, many viewers now use the title as a seasonal search term to check which services are carrying their preferred version.