Fans of Kevin Costner will have a reason to celebrate on December 9, as he returns to network television to host a brand new Christmas special, addressing the demand for his presence on screen since his departure from Yellowstone. The highly anticipated
“Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas”
is set to premiere at 8 PM EST on ABC, placing Costner at the center of a two-hour retelling of Mary and Joseph’s journey and the birth of Jesus—a timely feature for this year’s holiday programming and a prime example of a notable Kevin Costner Christmas special.
This marks Costner’s first appearance on television since his portrayal of John Dutton in Yellowstone, a role that expanded his audience significantly. His early exit from the series created a stir, impacting not just Taylor Sheridan‘s neo-Western saga but also the direction of its concluding episodes. The Yellowstone franchise is pushing forward with various spinoffs, but the absence of Costner left many viewers eager for his return, making this ABC event a significant moment for his followers.
In a recent interview discussing the special, Costner expressed his thoughts on the story at the heart of the broadcast:
“It’s a story I think we all think we know. I think maybe some of us know a lot, maybe you know just a little, maybe you’re a believer, maybe you’re a cynic or maybe — hopefully — you’re just curious to find out the real story that’s behind the tradition.”
– Kevin Costner, Host
The ABC network began its holiday lineup during Thanksgiving weekend, creating a festive atmosphere with a variety of programs throughout December. Alongside Costner’s special, the schedule includes prominent episodes from shows like Abbott Elementary and Shifting Gears, as well as cherished movies such as The Sound of Music and Home Alone. Specials like The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will also feature, highlighting the network’s comprehensive approach to holiday programming this year.
Kevin Costner’s Transition Back to Television from Film Projects
In the period following his involvement in Yellowstone, Kevin Costner concentrated on furthering his filmmaking career. His decision to leave the acclaimed television series was motivated by his desire to devote himself to creating “Horizon: An American Saga,” a sweeping film franchise he both directed and starred in. Set against the backdrop of the American West around the time of the Civil War, Horizon is envisioned as at least a four-part cinematic journey, with each movie running close to three hours.
The saga’s first installment,
“Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,”
originally premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and reached a wider audience on June 28, 2024. Reception, however, was tepid, as it earned a modest 51% score on Rotten Tomatoes and amassed $38,835,702 globally, a figure seen as underwhelming for such an ambitious project.
Despite the challenges, Costner completed
“Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2,”
which debuted at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024. Nevertheless, its general release is on hold, largely due to the lackluster performance of the franchise’s first chapter. Filming on
“Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3”
began in May 2024, but production reportedly hit financial obstacles. According to cast member Danny Huston, much of the filming for Chapter 3 has already been completed, indicating potential for the project to move forward.
Discussing Costner’s unwavering commitment, Huston shared:
“…there’s no stopping him. He’s just unbelievable, and this dream of his is coming to life in a spectacular way. It’s just extraordinary what he does.”
– Danny Huston, Cast Member
The uncertain future of the Horizon series brings an emotional undertone to Costner’s return to television, adding depth to his holiday special appearance. This new ABC presentation arrives at a time when Costner’s film ambitions face significant hurdles, marking his Christmas special as a notable pivot and a moment of reconnection with his audience.
The Impact of Costner’s New Venture and What Awaits Audiences
The debut of
“Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas”
represents a meaningful event for both longtime admirers and the broader television audience, coming at the intersection of Costner’s storied career and current industry challenges. By anchoring ABC’s holiday offerings, Costner brings renewed focus to traditional narratives, engaging viewers with a blend of gravitas and curiosity about the origins of the Christmas tradition and the figures of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.
The significance of this special is heightened by the backdrop of Costner’s turbulent year in film and his enduring popularity from Yellowstone. As the broader Yellowstone universe continues with new projects led by Taylor Sheridan, Costner’s return stands apart, reflecting his ability to move between ambitious cinema and network television. Audiences will witness this transition on December 9, with the promise of an engaging and heartfelt narrative led by one of television and film’s most prominent talents.
