or


[05/17/04 - 12:00 AM]
2004 Broadcast Upfront Presentations: Nbc, Part 3
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)

NBC ANNOUNCES UPCOMING 2004-05 LONGFORM PROJECTS WITH MUSICAL MOVIE BASED ON 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' AND 'HERCULES' MINISERIES

Emmy Winner Robert Halmi to Serve as Executive Producer of Both Classic Tales

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- NBC announced the first of its 2004-05 longform projects with two classic tales -- a two-hour movie musical based on "A Christmas Carol" (starring Kelsey Grammer of "Frasier") and an epic, four-hour miniseries version of "Hercules" -- both produced by Emmy Award-winning Robert Halmi ("Gulliver's Travels," "The Odyssey"). In addition NBC will also showcase such special programming as "The 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards" and the popular beauty pageants "Miss Universe," "Miss Teen USA" and "Miss USA."

The announcement was made by Jeff Zucker, President, NBC Universal Television Group and Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"NBC has not abandoned the longform format and in fact, we have been quite successful recently in keeping the genre healthy," said Zucker. "Considering Robert Halmi's Emmy-winning track record and reputation for quality, we expect that the best is yet to come."

NBC will also offer traditional and festive holiday specials such as "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?," "The National Dog Show," "Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular" and "The 115th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade" on January 1, 2005.

Following are program descriptions for "A Christmas Carol" and "Hercules."

A CHRISTMAS CAROL -- NBC offers a holiday gift with a two-hour movie musical based on the long-running Madison Square Garden stage production, "A Christmas Carol" -- starring Emmy Award winner Kelsey Grammer (NBC's "Frasier") as Scrooge ? in the timeless classic by Charles Dickens with Emmy Award-winner Robert Halmi ("Gulliver's Travels") as executive producer. Tony Award winner Jason Alexander ("Jerome Robbins' 'Broadway,'" "Seinfeld") stars as Jacob Marley, while Jesse L. Martin (NBC's "Law & Order"), Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski ("Nine the Musical," "Ally McBeal"), and three-time Golden Globe nominee Geraldine Chaplin ("Mary, Mother of Jesus," "Mother Teresa") star as the ghosts of Christmas Present, Past and Future, respectively. Jennifer Love Hewitt ("Heartbreakers," the upcoming "Garfield: The Movie") also stars as Emily, Scrooge's lost love. The musical also features a creative pedigree that includes music by Oscar and Tony Ward-winning composer Alan Menken ("Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast") with lyrics from Tony winner Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime," "Anastasia") and a book by the late Mike Ockrent ("Crazy for You") and Ahrens (who wrote the teleplay). Emmy winner Arthur Allan Seidelman ("Like Mother, Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes") directs this project from Hallmark Entertainment.

HERCULES -- This epic, four-hour miniseries chronicles the most popular hero in Greek mythology in "Hercules," brought to life by Emmy winner Robert Halmi ("The Odyssey"). Based on the spectacular exploits of the super-strong mythological figure fathered by Zeus, the production to be filmed amid the breathtaking scenery in New Zealand will follow Hercules as he is compelled to redeem himself by completing several classic challenges, including slaying the multi-headed Hydra and dreaded Nemean lion. "Hercules" will sweep viewers away on a memorable adventure beyond imagination.

Specials:

THE 62nd ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS -- For the tenth consecutive year, NBC will showcase the glittering awards ceremony that has become known as Hollywood's hottest ticket event for its intimate setting and relaxed, festive atmosphere. At 62, the Golden Globes have blossomed into not only a solid indicator of TV's Emmy and feature film's Oscar prospects, but also as an internationally recognized honor in its own right for both the film and television industries. On no other night can Hollywood's A-list of film and television stars be found celebrating together in one location. Originating "live" from the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, the special will be produced by dick clark productions in association with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Lorenzo Soria is President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Dick Clark (NBC's "American Dreams") and Barry Adelman are the executive producers.

CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER -- NBC continues a holiday tradition with its live, seventh-annual national telecast of the 72nd celebration of the world's most famous Christmas tree in "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," a star-studded one-hour special from Rockefeller Center in New York City. The popular musical lineup will include a mix of current hits along with holiday music. "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" is produced for a national audience by TWI, the television division of IMG (International Management Group), and WNBC. Steve Mayer and Adele Rifkin are executive producers.

MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE -- The 78th anniversary of America's favorite Thanksgiving Day parade features all the spectacular pageantry, fun and surprises that have made this annual New York City extravaganza a perennial favorite. Heralding the start of the Christmas season, this beloved holiday parade features colorful grand floats, lively marching bands, amazing character balloons and special performances by some of today's hottest stars and Broadway performers -- plus an appearance by Santa Claus. Brad Lachman is the executive producer of this live (in some time zones), three-hour special from NBC Entertainment.

THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW -- NBC unleashes its third annual Thanksgiving holiday special "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina," a two-hour, canine-friendly event for broadcast immediately following the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade." The annual dog show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious sporting events in North America, and is one of only six remaining "benched" dog shows where the public can interact with the show dogs. "The National Dog Show" takes place at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia's annual show that is expected to feature over 3,000 of the nation's leading canine from various breeds, all vying for "Best in Show" honors. "The National Dog Show" television special will be presented by Purina? brand pet foods (also a sponsor of the Philadelphia event) and will be produced by NBC.

THE 116th ANNUAL TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE -- Live from Pasadena, California, NBC presents "The 116th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade." For 78 years, NBC has been broadcasting the annual New Year's Day event, beginning on radio in 1927 and then televising the popular event beginning in 1954. The event will feature lavish floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and lively marching bands from all over the country, as well as this year's Rose Queen and her court. Arthur Forrest is the executive producer/director.

MACY'S FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR -- Once again, NBC and Macy's join to celebrate the country's birthday with the "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular," an hour-long patriotic special featuring colorful pyrotechnical displays live from various locations around New York City. The event includes additional celebrity guests, Broadway musical performances and more than 20 minutes of awe-inspiring fireworks over the skies of New York. The special is produced by NBC Entertainment in association with Broadway Video.

NBC will once again broadcast Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in 2005. These live, two-hour primetime telecasts will be broadcast from locations around the world. NBC and Donald Trump-equal partners in the Miss Universe Organization, which produces the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants, continues to introduce production changes to redefine the competition for 21st century women.





  [may 2004]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
      


· ALLY MCBEAL (FOX)
· AMERICAN DREAMS (NBC)
· CHRISTMAS CAROL, A: THE MUSICAL (NBC)
· FRASIER (NBC)
· HERCULES (NBC)
· LAW & ORDER (NBC)
· LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON: THE STRANGE STORY OF SANTE AND KENNY KIMES (CBS)
· MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS (NBC)





[06/20/25 - 12:00 PM]
"Sinners" Begins Streaming Exclusively on Max July 4
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

[06/20/25 - 10:15 AM]
ESPN Major League Baseball Schedule Update: Chicago Cubs to Host Two Marquee Matchups in Early July
On Wednesday, July 2, José Ramírez and the Cleveland Guardians will visit Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

[06/20/25 - 10:00 AM]
Video: Starz Shares a First Look at the Action-Packed Third and Final Season of "Power Book IV: Force," Premiering Fall 2025
Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora) is back with an ever-growing list of enemies.

[06/20/25 - 08:31 AM]
Netflix's "Outer Banks" - The Fifth and Final Season Starts Production
Across its four seasons, "Outer Banks" has received nearly 200M views and has been featured on the Top 10 English TV List 25 times.

[06/20/25 - 08:10 AM]
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" Announces Star-Studded Lineup of Summer Guest Hosts
Fan favorite Diego Luna will kick off the summer as guest host the week of June 23.

[06/19/25 - 06:01 AM]
Great American Media Announces World Premiere of "Grounded in Love," Starring Danica McKellar and Trevor Donovan, Streaming on Great American Pure Flix, August 7, Premiering on Great American Family, September 27
In the film, Annie (McKellar), a spirited, Manhattan-based flight attendant, thrives on adventure and freedom, until an unexpected airline merger grounds her career and a breakup with a self-absorbed boyfriend leaves her questioning everything.

[06/19/25 - 01:01 AM]
Video: "Catalog" - Official Teaser - Netflix
A recently widowed workaholic clumsily navigates life with his kids, guided by his late wife's online tips. Can he ace this crash course in parenthood?

[06/18/25 - 05:01 PM]
Video: "Wall to Wall" - Official Teaser - Netflix
A man who poured his life savings into a new apartment discovers its walls are full of disturbing noises, hostile neighbors and unsettling secrets.

[06/18/25 - 04:59 PM]
ID Unveils Premiere Date for "A Killer Among Friends," New True Crime Series Narrated and Executive Produced by Jennifer Love Hewitt
The six-part series will explore a group of interconnected individuals who are collectively haunted by a murder of one of their own, serving as the catalyst to unravel secrets, suspicions, and betrayals between friends.

[06/18/25 - 01:38 PM]
A Special Edition of 20/20: "Karen Read: The Verdict" Airs Tonight, Wednesday, June 18 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, Next Day on Hulu
Moments after a verdict is reached in her second trial, ABC News chief national correspondent Matt Gutman brings viewers the latest details on the trial as well as interviews with O'Keefe's friends, family members, and those at the center of the case that has captivated the country.

[06/18/25 - 01:05 PM]
Great American Media Enters 2025-2026 Upfront with New Partnerships, Original Content, and Growing Audiences
New and fan favorite series include "Crossroad Springs," "County Rescue," and "When Hope Calls," alongside marquee events like the Rose Parade and "Great American Rescue Bowl."

[06/18/25 - 11:59 AM]
Lifetime Announces New Movies Centered on Women Finding Resilience Through Their Faith Despite Harrowing Circumstances
Chrissy Metz, Alexa PenaVega, Kat Graham and Paula Patton are among the featured talent.

[06/18/25 - 11:31 AM]
Video: "People and Places" - Official Trailer - Disney+
The world is full of wonder - and it's closer than you think.

[06/18/25 - 11:14 AM]
First Look: Hulu's "Zarna Garg: Practical People Win"
The comedy special premieres Friday, July 18 on Hulu.

[06/18/25 - 11:01 AM]
Video: "Trainwreck: Balloon Boy" - Official Trailer - Netflix
A homemade flying saucer lifts off, and a 6-year-old boy might be inside. National panic ensues - but what truly happened? This documentary investigates.