65 Years Ago Today, The Twilight Zone Released a Tragic Christmas Episode (Starring a Hollywood Legend)

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It’s unusual to think of Christmas and The Twilight Zone together, but the classic sci-fi series actually aired a memorable and touching holiday episode over 60 years ago. Throughout its original run from 1959 to 1964, The Twilight Zone told self-contained stories typically focused on the supernatural or aliens, creating a spooky mood and surprising twists. While the show isn’t always associated with Christmas, several episodes center around the winter holiday, and one particularly heartbreaking installment is well worth watching this December.

“The Night of the Meek,” a classic episode from Season 2 of the original Twilight Zone, unfolds on Christmas Eve. Art Carney plays Henry Corwin, a man who takes a job as a department store Santa. After a rough night and losing his job, Corwin finds something unexpected that could make his Christmas wish come true. Originally aired 65 years ago, the story was revisited by the 1980s Twilight Zone revival, but the 1960 version remains a beloved holiday tradition.

“The Night of the Meek” Is a Great Christmas Episode

“The Night of the Meek” is a touching story about Christmas and those struggling with poverty. Corwin, who works as a Santa Claus for the holidays, loses his job, leading him to express his wish that the less fortunate could experience the joy of the season. Soon after, he discovers a magical bag that produces any gift he names. He begins sharing these gifts with people in need, but the police arrive, suspecting him of theft. When they search the bag, however, they only find trash. Corwin continues giving gifts to children in his neighborhood until the bag is empty.

After a special evening with a neighbor, Corwin simply wants to be the greatest gift-giver ever and continue his Santa Claus duties each year. The episode ends with Corwin discovering a sleigh, reindeer, and an elf who calls him Santa. As they drive home, a police officer and Corwin’s old boss witness Santa’s sleigh flying through the sky. In a final narration, Rod Serling reflects on the magic of Christmas, emphasizing the power of kindness and humility, stating that nothing is stronger than gentleness.

The Twilight Zone episode “The Night of the Meek” beautifully captures the real spirit of Christmas. It’s easy to get swept up in the shopping and festivities, but the story reminds us that true Christmas joy comes from helping others. The character Corwin’s journey to become Santa Claus is driven by his sincere compassion for those less fortunate. While many enjoy lighthearted Christmas movies like Elf or A Christmas Story, “The Night of the Meek” offers a deeply satisfying experience. This bittersweet yet hopeful Twilight Zone episode deserves to be a holiday tradition for more families.

Art Carney’s The Twilight Zone Appearance Deserves Recognition

Art Carney’s performance in “The Night of the Meek” is a major reason why the episode is considered a holiday classic. He beautifully portrays Corwin’s sadness and intoxication on Christmas Eve, then convincingly transforms that despair into joyful wonder when his character gets to live out his dream of being Santa Claus. It’s no surprise Carney excelled in this Twilight Zone episode, given his talent for heartwarming roles. He was beloved for his wholesome performance as Harry Coombes in Harry and Tonto, and famously played the endearing Ed Norton in The Honeymooners. Carney was perfectly suited for the role of Corwin, and Twilight Zone fans should definitely watch “The Night of the Meek” this Christmas.

You can watch every season of The Twilight Zone on Paramount+, Prime Video, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

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2025-12-23 20:43