Via NBC's press release
"How Murray Saved Christmas”
Friday, Dec. 5 (8-9 p.m. ET)
From four-time Emmy-winning writer and executive producer Mike Reiss (“The Simpsons”), “How Murray Saved Christmas” is based on Reiss’ best-selling children’s book of the same name and is cleverly written entirely in rhymed verse. Featuring original songs by Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated composer Walter Murphy (“Family Guy,” “Ted”), the story centers on cranky deli owner Murray Weiner (Jerry Stiller), who is forced to fill in for Santa (Kevin Michael Richardson) one Christmas and, with the help of Edison Elf (Sean Hayes), does a weirdly wonderful job. The special also stars the voice talents of Dennis Haysbert, Jason Alexander and John Ratzenberger.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 (8-9 p.m. ET)
Starring four-time Emmy Award winner Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) as Buddy, this original stop-motion hour-long animated special is based on the popular film “Elf” and the hit Broadway show “Elf: The Musical.” Santa narrates the story of Buddy’s travels to New York City to meet the father he never knew he had. Along the way his unrelenting cheer transforms the lives of everyone he meets and opens his father’s eyes to the magic of Christmas. With nine new songs, the special features a voice cast including Mark Hamill, Ed Asner, Fred Armisen, Jay Leno, Matt Lauer, Gilbert Gottfried, Kate Micucci, Rachael MacFarlane, Max Charles and Steve Higgins.
All tho not an animated title NBC is planning on showing
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
Saturday, Dec. 6 (8-11 p.m. ET) and Wednesday, Dec. 24 (8-11 p.m. ET)
The NBC annual tradition continues as the iconic 1946 film once again returns to primetime. Directed by Frank Capra, “It’s a Wonderful Life” stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, who contemplates suicide before a guardian angel intervenes and allows him to see all that is right in his world.
