Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors Repeats its Dominant Run on NBC Christmas Night

Newcomer Alyn Lind portrays the nine-year-old Dolly Parton in 'Coat of Many Colors'
Newcomer Alyn Lind portrays the nine-year-old Dolly Parton in ‘Coat of Many Colors’

Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors completed its sweep of audiences for the second time on Christmas night, dominating viewership among the Big 4 networks. The first showing on December 10 shared similar success to the re-broadcast on Christmas night as reported by HottyToddy.com in an early-December feature.

The statistics for the re-broadcast validate the hard work of the cast and crew; it’s director (Steve Herek), writer Pamela K. Long, executive producers (Parton, Sam Haskell and Long) and everyone else associated with its production.

According to NBCUniversal, in the 18-49-year-old age group, there were four million viewers overall from 9-11 p.m. Eastern Time. This number placed it in a tie for the No. 1 spot in the time period among the Big 4 networks in adults 18-49 years of age as well as adults in the 25-54-year-old age range. It was also ranked No.1 outright among those networks in adults 18-34 years of age, women 18-34 years of age and women 25-54.

Actress, singer and producer Dolly Parton
Actress, singer and producer Dolly Parton
Additionally, the film grew from its first half-hour to its fourth in total viewers by 41 percent or nearly 1.4 million viewers (3.3 million to 4.6 million). And, for its fourth half-hour from 10:30-11 p.m., the film ranked No. 1 or tied for No. 1 among ABC, CBS and NBC in every key demographic.

These impressive stats come as no surprise to many, particularly Oxonian and executive producer Sam Haskell.

“Dolly and I were thrilled with the ratings resulting from the second airing of Coat Of Many Colors on Christmas night,” Haskell said. “America has taken Dolly’s coat and wrapped it around everyone they love. We are honored and blessed with the response to our movie!”

In an earlier interview, Haskell acknowledged the incredible crew that pulled off the success of the film: “From Dolly and me, to our director Steve Herek and producer Hudson Hickman; to our writer Pam Long, our editor Maysie Hoy and musical composer Ray Bunch; to our actors Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Gerald McRaney, Mary Lane Haskell and the rest of our talented; everyone put the best that they had into this movie – and, as a result, we served up a project that has blessed the world.”

With an expected 2016 release date, each of the three remaining films in the planned package of four is a stand-alone in and of itself rather than a continuation of Parton’s life.

Other songs in Parton’s repertoire that will also be adapted into film include: Jolene which will be written by John Sacret Young of West Wing and China Beach notoriety; and The Seeker which will be written by John Tinker who co-produced the TV series, Chicago Hope. The fourth song in the stand-alone series has yet to be determined.


Jeff McVay is a staff writer and graphic designer for Hottytoddy.com. He can be reached at jeff.mcvay@hottytoddy.com.

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  • Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colors’ to Rebroadcast Christmas Night on NBC