Today in Television History (December 3rd, 1968): Elvis Makes A Comeback During His "Comeback Special"!

On December 3rd, 1968, Elvis Presley made a media comeback during his televised "Comeback Special" on NBC! Often referred to as the "'68 Comeback Special", it marked Presley's return to live performing after a seven-year hiatus to focus on his film career. Although originally intended as a Christmas special by Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, it was later changed to a concert that reflected musical trends of the time in order to appeal to a younger audience. The special received positive reviews and topped the Nielsen ratings for that week, and became the most-watched show of the television season, earning approximately 42% of the television audience. Later referred to as the "Comeback Special", it is considered to be the reason of a newfound popularity in Presley's singing career.