Return of the King: Elvis’ Comeback Special Revived a Legend

This new Netflix documentary Return of the King seems to be doing more than just rehashing Elvis’s story.
It’s really diving deep into the pivotal moment of his 1968 Comeback Special, and why it mattered so much.
It’s easy to forget that Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, was once in danger of fading away.
By the late ’60s, he was stuck in a rut, churning out cheesy movies and losing ground to newer artists like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.
He was at a crossroads, and this comeback special was his chance to prove he still had it.
Return of the King shows how much work Elvis put into this special.
He lost weight, reconnected with his bandmates, and embraced a raw, intimate performance style that was way ahead of its time.
It’s cool that they have footage of the rehearsals, showing his vulnerability and how much he cared about making it a success.
Return of the King wasn’t just a success – it was a turning point. The special reminded everyone why Elvis was a legend.
He showed that he could evolve, connect with his audience on a deeper level, and bridge the gap between his early rock and roll days and the changing music scene.
Return of the King includes perspectives from people like Bruce Springsteen, Baz Luhrmann, and Priscilla Presley makes it even more compelling.
It’s like getting a glimpse into Elvis’s world through the eyes of those who were there or who were deeply influenced by him.
Read more – ‘Return of the King’ doc gives inside story of Elvis Presley’s explosive 1968 comeback special via Chicago.Suntimes.com
Other sources:
- The Times – Interview with Priscilla Presley on Elvis’s Comeback Special and relationship with Colonel Tom Parker.
- Rolling Stone – “Elvis Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special: Why It Still Resonates” (Detailed feature on the special’s legacy)
- Hehir, Jason. Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley. Netflix Documentary, 2024.
- Guralnick, Peter. Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley (Biography covering Elvis’s later years and career challenges).
- Priscilla Presley Interview Archives – Comments on her experience watching Elvis perform live during the 1968 special.
- The Guardian – “Why Elvis Presley’s 1968 Comeback Was More Than Just a TV Special” (Context on the cultural impact of Elvis’s comeback).
- New York Times – “The Evolution of Elvis: From Rebel to Comeback King” (An analysis of Elvis’s career trajectory leading up to the ’68 special).
- Springsteen, Bruce. Rolling Stone Interview on Elvis Presley’s Influence on Modern Rock