ABC is gearing up for a festive season packed with programming, and among the highlights is a beloved action classic that has become an unlikely holiday tradition. The network has unveiled its full holiday lineup, which kicks off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through New Year's Eve, featuring a mix of TV specials and blockbuster films.
One of the most anticipated airings is Die Hard, the 1988 action thriller directed by John McTiernan and written by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza. The film, which stars Bruce Willis as NYPD detective John McClane, will be broadcast on ABC on December 6, 2026, from 8:02 to 11:00 p.m. as part of the Wonderful World of Disney presentation. It will follow an episode of America's Funniest Home Videos titled "Festive Flops, Santa's Knee, and Holiday Hijinks," which airs from 7:00 to 8:02 p.m.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, Die Hard follows McClane as he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper while visiting his estranged wife at a Christmas Eve party. The film's blend of high-octane action and holiday setting has made it a perennial favorite, often debated as one of the best Christmas movies ever made.
The cast is a who's who of late-'80s cinema, with Alan Rickman delivering a memorable performance as the villain Hans Gruber, alongside Alexander Godunov, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, William Atherton, Paul Gleason, and Hart Bochner. The film's success spawned a franchise, with four sequels following McClane's exploits, collectively grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide. The original, however, remains the highest critically acclaimed, holding a 94% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it "the definitive holiday action classic."
ABC's holiday schedule also includes specials like CMA Country Christmas, iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2026, the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, The Year: 2026, and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. This diverse lineup ensures there's something for everyone during the festive season.
For fans of action cinema, Die Hard is a must-watch, and its inclusion in ABC's holiday programming is a treat. If you're looking for more adrenaline-pumping picks, check out our list of the most suspenseful movies ever made. And if you're in the mood for other classic films, you might also enjoy Rocky's 50th anniversary theatrical return.
Mark your calendars for December 6, 2026, and get ready to yell "Yippee-ki-yay" as Bruce Willis takes on the role that defined his career. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with a bang.
