NBC GREETS THE SEASON WITH STOCKING STUFFER OF HOLIDAY SPECIALS, SERIES AND CLASSIC MOVIE EVENTS BRIMMING FULL OF CHRISTMAS CHEER

BURBANK, Calif. -- November 15, 2004 -- NBC rings in the holidays and jingle-bell rocks with holiday cheer as it presents a festive assortment of Thanksgiving, Christmas and other seasonal programs, including specials starring the cast of "Seinfeld," Clay Aiken, Tim McGraw, traditional favorites "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" and "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" and the holiday classics "It's a Wonderful Life," as well as new series episodes from "ER," "American Dreams" and "Will & Grace," among others.

Other bright and shiny programming events include a new musical movie musical version of "A Christmas Carol" (starring Kelsey Grammer), theatrical film hits such as "Shrek" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," and NBC's airing of the traditional holiday classic "Miracle on 34th Street."

Following are some of the programs, dates and times featured during the 2004 holiday season (all times ET):

WEDNESDAY NOVEMER 17

LAX -- (8-9 p.m.)
"Secret Santa"

SANTA'S STEALING CHRISTMAS -- When a fugitive Santa Claus wanted for armed robbery leads police on a high-speed chase at LAX, Harley (Heather Locklear) and Roger (Blair Underwood) work with the LAPD to track down Kris Kringle among the departing passengers. However, when Santa ditches his red coat and white beard, the airport chiefs have to think fast to stop him form boarding an outbound flight. Meanwhile, Harley faces the frightening proposition of moving in with her boyfriend and Roger attempts to save his marriage after falling off the wagon by placing a large sports bet and losing big. Paul Leyden, Frank John Hughes, Wendy Hoopes and Daivd Paetkau also star.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21

AMERICAN DREAMS -- (8-9 p.m.)
"Tidings of Comfort & Joy" (presented commercial-free by Ford)

KELLY CLARKSON REPRISES ROLE AS BRENDA LEE, AND JOJO GUEST-STARS AS A YOUNG LINDA RONSTADT -- In a commercial-free episode sponsored by Ford, JJ (Will Estes), barely alive in the jungle, finds a Christmas miracle in the form of a fellow American soldier, Joey Tremain (guest star Chris Pine) as they encourage each other to stay alive. Meanwhile, Helen (Gail O'Grady) teaches Beth (Rachel Boston) some important tips on caring for her new baby but Beth becomes infuriated when Helen invites her estranged father over to the house to meet his new grandson. When Meg (Brittany Snow) gets upset that Army recruiters are visiting the campus, she finds herself in a dangerous situation when Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) decides to take matters into his own hands at the recruiting center. Kelly Clarkson ("American Idol") reprises her role as Brenda Lee singing "Rock Around the Christmas Tree," and singer JoJo guest-stars as a young Linda Ronstadt who auditions for "Bandstand." "Extra" co-host Dayna Devon and Nick Warnock ("The Apprentice") also guest-star. Tom Verica, Jonathan Adams, Arlen Escarpeta, Vanessa Lengies, Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24

TIM MCGRAW: HERE AND NOW -- (8-9 p.m.)

TIM MCGRAW: HERE AND NOW -- On the heels of his box office success with "Friday Night Lights" and Billboard chart-topping CD, "Live Like You Were Dying," music superstar Tim McGraw returns to NBC for his second music special, which includes a duet with his wife -- music superstar Faith Hill -- and a special appearance by Green Bay Packers' quarterback Brett Favre. Also included is a duet with Nelly of their #1 single, "Over and Over." Tim McGraw and Anthony Eaton are executive producers of this special from Tall Pony Productions.

THURSDAY (THANKSGIVING), NOVEMBER 25

THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE -- (9 a.m.-12 p.m.-all time zones)

MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE CONTINUES ANNUAL TRADITION ON NBC -- 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. Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, and Al Roker will host the event

THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA -- (12- 2 p.m.- all time zones)

JOHN O'HURLEY HOSTS ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT WITH 'THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA' -- Hosted by John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld), "The National Dog Show" takes place as part of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia's annual dog show, one of the oldest and most prestigious sporting events in North America, and one of only six remaining "benched" dog shows where the public can interact with the show dogs. The show is expected to feature more than 2,000 of the nation's leading canines in a wide variety of more than 150 breeds and varieties, all vying for "Best in Show" honors.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET -- (2-4 p.m.)

NBC PRESENTS ORIGINAL HOLIDAY 'MIRACLE' -- NBC continues its tradition of bringing home the holiday classics with this Academy Award-winning feature. Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn)--the real Santa Claus--is hired to play himself at Macy's Department Store in New York City. His gentle, joyous spirit and magical powers soon transform those around him including a little girl (Natalie Wood) and her cynical mother Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara). However, Kris' attempts to spread the true meaning of Christmas in a cynical world land him in the psychology ward with only lawyer (John Payne) on his side.

WILL & GRACE -- (8-9 p.m.)
"Everybody Loves Vince"

SECRETS REVEALED FOR THE HOLIDAY-'THE SOPRANOS' JAMIE-LYNN DISCALA AND BOBBY CANNAVALE GUEST-STAR -- When Vince's (guest star Bobby Cannavale) mother injures her leg and is unable to make her traditional Italian Thanksgiving, Will (Eric McCormack) comes to the rescue by offering to make his own special dinner -- but Vince's slap-happy mother refuses to give Will any credit. Meanwhile, Jack (Sean Hayes) gives Vince's sister Ro (guest star Jamie-Lynn DiScala, "The Sopranos") a few pointers on a big secret she is keeping from her family and fiance. Elsewhere, Grace (Debra Messing) and Karen (Megan Mullally) get very cozy with Vince's much younger brother.

THE 'SEINFELD' STORY -- (10-11 p.m.)

CLASSIC 'SEINFELD' CELEBRATED WITH SERIES RETROSPECTIVE -- NBC will celebrate the best memories of one of television's all-time classic comedies with a special retrospective commemorating the mega-hit "Seinfeld." Title star Jerry Seinfeld will host and others who are interviewed will include fellow cast members Jason Alexander, Michael Richards and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as well as co-creator and executive producer Larry David ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"). During interviews, each cast member will talk about the series' genesis and concentrate on the first four years when "Seinfeld" formed its unique style until it emerged as an acclaimed comedy classic. In addition, notable recurring characters will be seen in vintage clips. The special will be telecast in high definition (HDTV). As a result of new film transfers, this will mark the first time that "Seinfeld" has ever been broadcast in the advanced quality format of HDTV.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27

NBC MOVIE OF THE WEEK -- IT'S A WONDEFUL LIFE -- (8-11 p.m.)

NBC marks a milestone for the nation's visually impaired as the network presents this exclusive and special telecast of Frank Capra's 1946 holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Through a process of Descriptive TheatreVision, the special presentation will be described for the blind and visually impaired by former President George Bush. Bush's description will inform the viewer of what is occurring on the screen, filling the blanks where no dialogue or other sounds tell a visually impaired person what is happening during a television presentation. The film follows the life of George Bailey (Stewart) from childhood to maturity in the town of Bedford Falls. On what might be his last Christmas Eve, a discouraged Bailey wants to throw his life away. Fortunately, Clarence (Henry Travers), a second-class angel, is sent to show him the value of life. After Clarence gives Bailey a view of Bedford Falls without him, Bailey realizes how precious his life is and gets a second chance. He comes to learn that Clarence was right when he said, "No man is a failure who has friends." The film, which earned Oscar nominations for best picture, director, actor and film editing, was produced and directed by Capra.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28

NBC MOVIE OF THE WEEK -- SHREK -- (7-9 p.m.)

NBC PRESENTS SUCCESSFUL ANIMATED TALE OF 'SHREK' WITH FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED IN THEATRICAL VERSION -- The mega-hit animated film "Shrek" come to NBC featuring a strange and colorful land populated by fairy-tale characters. An ogre named Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) must go on a quest to rescue the fair princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz) from a dark tower guarded by a dragon so that she can live happily ever-after with the allegedly valiant Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow). Along for the adventure is Shrek's "noble steed" Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) who battles alongside the ogre as he fights for the noblest of motives -- to rid his beloved swamp from unwanted storybook creatures in the hopes of living a happy and completely lonely existence. The animated tale will feature extra scenes deleted from the theatrical release as well as the in-store DVD.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL -- (9-11 p.m.)

MUSICAL VERSION OF 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' STARS KELSEY GRAMMER -- This two-hour movie musical based on the long-running Madison Square Garden stage production, "A Christmas Carol" -- stars Emmy Award winner Kelsey Grammer (NBC's "Frasier") as Scrooge -- in the timeless classic by Charles Dickens and is executive-produced by Emmy-winning Robert Halmi Sr. ("Gulliver's Travels"). Tony Award winner Jason Alexander ("Jerome Robbins' 'Broadway,'" "Seinfeld") stars as Jacob Marley, while Jesse L. Martin ("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 Madison Square Garden production of "A Christmas Carol" features a creative pedigree that includes music by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Alan Menken ("Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast"), lyrics from Tony winner Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime," "Anastasia"), and a book by the late Mike Ockrent ("Crazy for You") and Ahrens (who also wrote the teleplay). Emmy Award winner Arthur Allan Seidelman ("Like Mother, Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes," "An Enemy Among Us") directs this production from Hallmark Entertainment.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER -- (8-9 p.m.)

NBC CONTINUES A HOLIDAY TRADITION WITH ITS LIVE, SEVENTH-ANNUAL NATIONAL TELECAST OF THE 72ND CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS CHRISTMAS TREE -- "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," hosted by Al Roker (NBC's "Today") and Nancy O'Dell ("Access"), is a star-studded, one-hour special from Rockefeller Center in New York City. The popular musical lineup for the special will include a mix of current hits and favorite holiday music with performances by Hilary Duff, Kenny Chesney, Clay Aiken, Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey, Chris Isaak, Michael Buble, Vanessa Williams and the Radio City Rockettes. "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" is produced for a national audience by WNBC and TWI, the television division of IMG (International Management Group).

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5

NBC MOVIE OF THE WEEK -- 'THE FAMILY MAN' -- (8-11 p.m.)

OSCAR WINNER NICOLAS CAGE STARS -- Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage ("Leaving Las Vegas") stars as Jack Campbell, a career-driven workaholic with a seemingly perfect life - until a chance meeting with a would-be robber (Don Cheadle, "Ocean's 11"), on Christmas Eve changes his life. Waking up Christmas morning in a New Jersey suburb, Jack's suddenly living a different life where he's married to his college sweetheart (Tea Leoni, "Hollywood Ending") and is the father of two children. At first he is aghast, but Jack soon warms to his new life even though he knows that it cannot last.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6
"Fear Factor" (8-9 p.m. ET)
("#515)

NIGHTMARE ON ELVES' STREET - In this Christmas-themed episode, contestants see just how hard Santa's job can be as they attempt to deliver presents despite the presence of three vicious guard dogs. Later, they compete in a spectacular car stunt by flipping their car at high speed so the vehicle slides down the street on its roof knocking over snowmen. Joe Rogan hosts this series.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8

A CLAY AIKEN CHRISTMAS -- (8-9 p.m.)

JOIN CLAY AIKEN AND GUEST STAR BARRY MANILOW, GOSPEL SINGER YOLANDA ADAMS AND MEGAN MULLALLY (WILL & GRACE) AS THEY PERFORM TRADITIONAL YULE TIDE CAROLS HAVE YOURSELF A CLAY AIKEN CHRISTMAS -- "A Clay Aiken Christmas" will feature favorite carols performed by Clay Aiken and duets with Special Guest Star Barry Manilow and gospel singer Yolanda Adams as well as a solo by "Will & Grace" star Megan Mullally. The 1-hour special will air at 8pm on NBC, December 8. The intimate performance is set against a traditional Christmas backdrop complete with holly and snow. Four-time Emmy Award winner Louis J. Horvitz is the executive producer and director on this project. Songs featured in the special include "Santa Clause is Coming to Town, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, "Mary, Did You Know?" and "Happy Holidays." The special will come on the heels of Aiken's first book, "Learning to Sing" and his Holiday album "Merry Christmas with Love" album both scheduled to be released on November 16. Aiken will begin his holiday tour "The Joyful Noise" on November 21.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
"ER" (10-11 p.m. ET)

CHRISTMAS IN THE E.R. IS ALWAYS BITTERSWEET -- On Christmas Eve, the emergency room staff scrambles to leave for the holiday as Abby (Maura Tierney) receives a dialysis patient who is in critical condition -- but she can't reach his physician because he doesn't want to be disturbed during the holidays. After much effort, a distraught Chen (Ming-Na) finally finds someone to cover her shift so she can attend to her ailing father. Concerned for her, Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) stops by her house to find her struggling with her father's worsening health. Carter (Noah Wyle) and Wendall (Madchen Amick) grow closer and share an awkward kiss as they wish each other a Merry Christmas. Also starring Shane West, Linda Cardellini and Sherry Stringfield.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

NBC MOVIE OF THE WEEK -- NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION -- (8-10 p.m.)

CHRISTMAS -- GRISWOLD FAMILY STYLE -- The hit theatrical film returns and it's Christmas time again as the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark (Chevy Chase), his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

THE SEINFELD STORY -- (10-11 p.m.)

CLASSIC 'SEINFELD' CELEBRATED WITH SERIES RETROSPECTIVE -- NBC will celebrate the best memories of one of television's all-time classic comedies with a special retrospective commemorating the mega-hit "Seinfeld." Title star Jerry Seinfeld will host and others who are interviewed will include fellow cast members Jason Alexander, Michael Richards and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as well as co-creator and executive producer Larry David ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"). During interviews, each cast member will talk about the series' genesis and concentrate on the first four years when "Seinfeld" formed its unique style until it emerged as an acclaimed comedy classic.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17

NBC MOVIE OF THE WEEK -- SECRET SANTA -- (9-11 p.m.)

JENNIE GARTH STARS IN ORIGINAL HOLIDAY TV MOVIE -- AND LEARNS TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS -- Jennie Garth ("What I Like About You," "Beverly Hills, 90210") stars in this original movie as Rebecca Chandler, a young journalist whose cynical take on Christmas lands her in a small town on assignment to uncover the identity of a mysterious philanthropist, "Secret Santa." In the process, she learns the true meaning of Christmas. Steven Eckholdt (NBC's "The West Wing") stars as John Carter, the town's generous and handsome millionaire, who quickly becomes Rebecca's prime suspect. Television veterans Barbara Billingsley ("Leave It to Beaver") and Charlie Robinson ("Night Court") also star. Robert Tate Miller is the writer.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION -- (8-10 p.m.)

CHRISTMAS -- GRISWOLD FAMILY STYLE -- The hit theatrical film returns and it's Christmas time again as the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark (Chevy Chase), his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24

A CHRISTMAS CAROL -- (9-11 p.m.)

MUSICAL VERSION OF 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' STARS KELSEY GRAMMER -- This two-hour movie musical based on the long-running Madison Square Garden stage production, "A Christmas Carol" -- stars Emmy Award winner Kelsey Grammer (NBC's "Frasier") as Scrooge -- in the timeless classic by Charles Dickens and is executive-produced by Emmy-winning Robert Halmi Sr. ("Gulliver's Travels"). Tony Award winner Jason Alexander ("Jerome Robbins' 'Broadway,'" "Seinfeld") stars as Jacob Marley, while Jesse L. Martin ("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 Madison Square Garden production of "A Christmas Carol" features a creative pedigree that includes music by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Alan Menken ("Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast"), lyrics from Tony winner Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime," "Anastasia"), and a book by the late Mike Ockrent ("Crazy for You") and Ahrens (who also wrote the teleplay). Emmy Award winner Arthur Allan Seidelman ("Like Mother, Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes," "An Enemy Among Us") directs this production from Hallmark Entertainment.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31

NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH CARSON DALY -- LIVE NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECIAL -- (10-11 p.m.)

CARSON DALY BEGINS NEW TRADITION WITH PRIMETIME NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION -- Carson Daly hosts a primetime New Year's Eve Special live from Rockefeller Plaza that includes a mix of musical performances and guest appearances. In addition, Daly will take the temperature of the country, most specifically Times Square, as we get ready to bring in 2005. The event will feature musical performances by Duran Duran, Avril Lavigne and Maroon 5. Confirmed guests to appear include Brian Williams, Donald Trump, and others to be announced.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2005

116th TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET)

AL ROKER ("TODAY") AND NANCY O'DELL ("ACCESS HOLLYWOOD") TEAM UP AGAIN TO HOST POPULAR NEW YEAR'S DAY EVENT -- Al Roker, the weatherman and feature reporter for NBC's "Today," and Nancy O'Dell, co-anchor of the daily entertainment news magazine show "Access Hollywood," will reunite for the fifth-consecutive year to co-host NBC's live coverage of the "116th Tournament of Roses Parade" from Pasadena, California. The parade, whose theme this year is "Celebrate Family," will feature lavish floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and lively marching bands, as well as this year's Rose Queen and her court. Arthur Forrest is the executive producer/director, Carol Kahl is the supervising producer, Tom Patino is the line producer and Stephanie Prescott is the coordinating producer for NBC Entertainment.