NBC plans 'Madagascar' holiday special

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- NBC says it is joining with DreamWorks Animation SKG to air two new animated holiday specials based on the films "Madagascar" and "Monsters vs. Aliens."

The first of the 30-minute specials is called "Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space." The Halloween program -- featuring the voices of film cast members Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland and Rainn Wilson -- is to air Oct. 28.

"Merry Madagascar," featuring the voice talents of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cedric The Entertainer and Andy Richter, is to premiere Nov. 17 and repeat Nov. 28.

Angela Bromstad, president of prime time entertainment at NBC and Universal Media Studios, announced the specials Wednesday.

"This is a major coup for NBC to join together with the esteemed artists at DreamWorks Animation as we bring to life new holiday stories based on these popular and lovable characters," Bromstad said in a statement. "We are intent on providing original, family-friendly programs that reflect the quality that big-screen audiences have come to expect from these franchises."

"We are thrilled to have two new DreamWorks Animation shows on NBC this holiday season," said Ann Daly, chief operating officer of DreamWorks Animation. "The creative teams from the hit feature films were reunited to make these new specials, and we hope they will become annual holiday favorites for families."