'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist' holiday TV movie coming to Roku

Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist will get an encore in the form of a holiday TV movie.

Roku announced in a press release Wednesday that it is developing a new feature-length film, Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas, based on the musical comedy-drama series.

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist aired for two seasons on NBC. The series starred Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Andrew Leeds, Alice Lee, Michael Thomas Grant, Mary Steenburgen, Peter Gallagher and Bernadette Peters, who will return for the new movie.

"Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist is the kind of show that doesn't just entertain people, it speaks to them," Roku head of original scripted programming Colin Davis said. "The show has a healing power about it, which is brought to life by the incredibly talented cast through music and dance. The connection with the audience is what makes bringing a holiday-themed film like Zoey to life with the original cast so special."

Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas is the first Roku Original feature-length film for The Roku Channel. The project will begin production in Vancouver this month and will air for free on The Roku Channel in the U.S. during the holidays.

The new film picks up where Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Season 2 left off, following Zoey (Levy) as she navigates work, family, love, and everything in between.

"I am so extremely grateful to The Roku Channel for helping us get Zoey to sing again. I can't think of a more appropriate time to hear someone's heart song than the holidays. And Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas will be an opportunity to provide the fans and new viewers a like a chance to all tap their toes and get in the holiday mood," series creator Austin Winsberg said.

"This show has always been about empathy, compassion and the triumph of the human spirit," he added. "The Roku Channel has sure lifted mine and I hope that our film can have the same effect on viewers everywhere."

Winsberg will write and executive produce the film. Richard Shepard, who directed the Zoey's Extraordinary Play pilot, will direct the movie.