Nick Sets Date for New Holiday TV Movie “Albert”

If you might recall, back in late September we here at BSCKids reported on a new upcoming animated television movie headed to Nickelodeon this year. At the time we had only seen a short summary. That of which attached to the Golden Book adaptation based on the upcoming tale. And now with the holiday season creeping in on us faster than we can blink. We not only are finding ourselves faced with new news, but also some updates. Including that of Albert. 

Nickelodeon announced the updates via a press release and here is what we know so far.

Albert is an original TV movie about a little Douglas fir who strives to become the city’s most famous Christmas tree, ever. It is set to premiere Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

The movie follows Albert, a tiny Douglas fir tree with big dreams of becoming Empire City’s most famous Christmas tree. When the search for this year’s tree is announced, Albert hits the road with his best friends Maisie, a persistently positive palm tree, and Gene, an abrasive and blisteringly honest weed, to fulfill his self-determined destiny. With a few prickly situations along the way, and Cactus Pete, out to stop him, Albert learns the true meaning of Christmas. Albert will also feature two original songs, “The Best Thing That Can Happen to Christmas” and “Christmasiest Christmas,” performed by the voice cast.

The festive Christmas film will be an one-hour CG special featuring the voices of comedian Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live) as the heroic evergreen, Sasheer Zamata (SNL), Judah Friedlander (30 Rock) and Rob Riggle (21 Jump Street). Additional voice cast members include Cheri Oteri (SNL) as a TV news correspondent; Breanna Yde (School of Rock) as Molly, Earth Mama’s granddaughter; John DiMaggio (Adventure Time) as Donny, Molly’s father; and Mary Pat Gleason (Mom) as Earth Mama, the owner and caretaker of the nursery.

“Albert is in the great tradition of classic heartwarming holiday stories, and we’re thrilled that it is the first original animated TV movie Nickelodeon has ever made,” said Michael Sammaciccia, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Nickelodeon Original Movies. “Between the hilarious voice cast and the lush CG animation, Albert is a great movie for kids and families to enjoy this holiday season.”

At a first glace it somewhat reminds me of another holiday tale, “Olive, the Other Reindeer”. Mostly as I feel like this either something you are going to love- or hate. And there being no middle ground. Going off what we did see it seems like a lot of humour will be either hit or miss. Humour being subjective as it is. Yet it does strike a chord as being interesting. And worth a watch.

Be sure to tune into Nick on Friday, December 9^th at 7pm ET/PT to check out “Albert”.

Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on “Albert”? Will you be watching December 9^th?