THE PEANUTS GANG RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH CHARLES SCHULZ’ ANIMATED SPECIAL, “HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARLIE BROWN”, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

The ABC Television Network and the PEANUTS gang will ring in the new year with the animated PEANUTS special, “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, along with “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown,” airing with Spanish audio via SAP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

In “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” the PEANUTS gang is ringing in 1986 and Marcie and Peppermint Patty are throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash. Charlie Brown plans to celebrate the holiday by curling up with a big book that weighs nearly as much as he does: Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The book’s weight doesn’t stop him from lugging it to Lucy’s pre-party dance class, where he cuts a mean rug with a rollicking Patty. With just 1131 pages to go, Charlie Brown takes another break, this time for the party, and summons the courage to invite his true love, the little red-haired girl. She doesn’t respond, but hapless Chuck shows up anyway – with Tolstoy in tow. Then he settles down with the book – on a porch swing in a snowstorm, and in so doing, misses the evening’s big surprise.

The cast for “”Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” includes Chad Allen as Charlie Brown, Melissa Guzzi as Lucy, Jeremy Miller as Linus, Kristi Baker as Peppermint Patty, Elizabeth Lyn Fraser as Sally, Aron Mandelbaum as Schroeder and Jason Mendelson as Marcie. The special was executive produced by Lee Mendelson and created and written by Charles M. Schulz. Bill Melendez is the producer. It was directed by Bill Melendez and Sam Jaimes. The music is by Desiree Goyette and Ed Bogas.

In “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown,” disaster strikes as Peppermint Patty heads to her first major ice skating competition with coach Snoopy and faithful companion Marcie by her side. As always, the unassuming Woodstock flies in to save the day.

The cast for “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown” includes Patricia Patts as Peppermint Patty, Casey Carlson as Marcie, Arrin Skelley as Charlie Brown and Bill Melendez as Snoopy. The special was executive-produced by Lee Mendelson and written and created by Charles M. Schulz. It was directed by Phil Roman and produced by Bill Melendez. The music is by Ed Bogas and Judy Munson.

On October 2, 1950 the PEANUTS comic strip launched in seven American newspapers. Who would have guessed the impact the brand would have around the world for decades to come. Nearly 60 years later, the comic strip appears in over 2,200 newspapers, in 75 countries and 21 languages. PEANUTS animated specials have become a seasonal tradition and thousands of consumer products are available in virtually all retail channels. Charlie Brown kicking the football, Linus and his blanket and Lucy leaning over Schroeder’s piano are images to which everyone can relate. Such phrases as “Security Blanket” and “Good Grief” have become a part of the global vernacular. Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez’s association with Charles Schulz stretches back to 1965 with “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which debuted on CBS in 1965 with Mendelson as executive producer and Bill Melendez as animator and director. The three men continued their long-term association until Schulz’s death, working together on 50 PEANUTS network specials and four feature films. The network specials won five Emmys, two Peabodys and 18 other Emmy nominations.

Iconix Brand Group in a joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates has formed PEANUTS Worldwide, a new home to the global PEANUTS property. The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON) owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE’S(r), BONGO(r), BADGLEY MISCHKA(r), JOE BOXER(r), RAMPAGE(r), MUDD(r), LONDON FOG(r), MOSSIMO(r), OCEAN PACIFIC(r), DANSKIN(r), ROCA WEAR(r), CANNON(r), ROYAL VELVET(r), FIELDCREST(r), CHARISMA(r), STARTER(r) and WAVERLY (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY(r), ECKO(r), MARC ECKO(r), ZOO YORK(r), MATERIAL GIRL(tm) and PEANUTS(r) brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments, Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

These programs will air with Spanish audio via SAP and carry a TV-G parental guideline.

ABC CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE ANIMATED CLASSIC, “A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS,” AND THE PREMIERE OF THE ANIMATED SHORT, “PREP & LANDING: OPERATION SECRET SANTA” FROM WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Betty White Stars as the Voice of Mrs. Claus in the Seven-Minute Animated Short

The ABC Television Network will celebrate the joy of the holidays with the classic animated Christmas-themed PEANUTS special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, airing TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET)). The hour will also include the premiere of “Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa,” the seven-minute animated short featuring the voice of Betty White as Mrs. Claus.

Note: This program will repeat Thursday, December 16 from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET.

In the digitally-remastered 1965 special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees everywhere during the Christmas season. Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant, and Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, Charlie Brown needs Linus’ help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is.

On October 2, 1950 the PEANUTS comic strip launched in seven American newspapers. Who would have guessed the impact the brand would have around the world for decades to come. Nearly 60 years later, the comic strip appears in over 2,200 newspapers, in 75 countries and 21 languages. PEANUTS animated specials have become a seasonal tradition and thousands of consumer products are available in virtually all retail channels. Charlie Brown kicking the football, Linus and his blanket and Lucy leaning over Schroeder’s piano are images to which everyone can relate. Such phrases as “Security Blanket” and “Good Grief” have become a part of the global vernacular. Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez’s association with Charles Schulz stretches back to 1965 with “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which debuted on CBS in 1965 with Mendelson as executive producer and Bill Melendez as animator and director. The three men continued their long-term association until Schulz’s death, working together on 50 PEANUTS network specials and four feature films. The network specials won five Emmys, two Peabodys and 18 other Emmy nominations.

The cast of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” includes Peter Robbins (Charlie Brown), Christopher Shea as (Linus), Tracy Stratford (Lucy), Chris Doran (Schroeder) and Sally Dryer (Violet). “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was executive-produced by Lee Mendelson and created and written by Charles M. Schulz. Bill Melendez is the producer and director, and Vince Guaraldi is the music composer.

Iconix Brand Group in a joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates has formed PEANUTS Worldwide, a new home to the global PEANUTS property. The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON) owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE’S(r), BONGO(r), BADGLEY MISCHKA(r), JOE BOXER(r), RAMPAGE(r), MUDD(r), LONDON FOG(r), MOSSIMO(r), OCEAN PACIFIC(r), DANSKIN(r), ROCA WEAR(r), CANNON(r), ROYAL VELVET(r), FIELDCREST(r), CHARISMA(r), STARTER(r) and WAVERLY (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY(r), ECKO(r), MARC ECKO(r), ZOO YORK(r), MATERIAL GIRL(tm) and PEANUTS(r) brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments, Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

“Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa” was written and directed by Stevie Wermers-Skelton & Kevin Deters, produced by Dorothy McKim, and executive-produced by John Lasseter. This “Prep & Landing” “stocking stuffer” short film follows the comic adventures of Santa’s stealthiest elves, Lanny and Wayne. With Christmas only a few short days away, Mrs. Claus, voiced by Betty White, and Magee, voiced by Sarah Chalke, enlist Wayne, voiced by Dave Foley, and Lanny, voiced by Derek Richardson, on a secret mission to retrieve a mysterious item hidden deep within Santa Claus’ office! Can the intrepid duo acquire the target in time, or will they be discovered by the Big Guy, voiced by Morgan Sheppard, and doomed to placement on the Naughty List? The seven-minute animated short is the second installment from the Emmy Award(r)-winning franchise “Prep & Landing.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios brings imagination to life through a wide variety of animated films, building upon an unsurpassed legacy for humorous and heartfelt storytelling, unforgettable characters, incredible artistry and cutting-edge innovation. The WDAS crew is filled with diverse talents from all around the globe, and their dedication and passion for telling great stories through the art of animation, and using the latest technological advances, has led to the creation of some of the industry’s most successful and exciting entertainment. The studio’s latest animated feature, “Tangled,” raises the bar for CG character animation in terms of nuanced expression and performance, and brings a fun-filled new twist to a well-known tale.

This program carries a TV-G parental guideline.

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ PREP & LANDING RETURNS

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ “PREP & LANDING” RETURNS WITH TWO
ALL-NEW HOLIDAY SPECIALS SLATED FOR 2010 AND 2011, ON ABC

Betty White Stars As the Voice of Mrs. Claus in the 7-Minute Animated Short,
“Operation: Secret Santa,” Coming This December

“Prep & Landing: Naughty Vs. Nice,” Premieres in 2011

“Prep &Landing” returns this season with an all new 7-Minute animated short, “Operation: Secret Santa,” airing on ABC in December, while the half-hour animated special, “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice,” debuts in 2011. “Prep & Landing” became an instant favorite with viewers and emerged as TV’s number 1 holiday special in the 2009 season. It was also the highest kids rating (kids 2-11/ 7.5/23), for any primetime telecast on broadcast TV in 2009. The special went on to win four Emmy Awards.

“Operation: Secret Santa” was written and directed by Stevie Wermers-Skelton & Kevin Deters, produced by Dorothy McKim, and executive produced by John Lasseter. This “Prep & Landing” “stocking stuffer” short film follows the comic adventures of Santa’s stealthiest elves, Lanny and Wayne. With Christmas only a few short days away, Mrs. Claus, voiced by Betty White, and Magee, voiced by Sarah Chalke, enlist Wayne voiced by Dave Foley, and Lanny voiced by Derek Richardson on a secret mission to retrieve a mysterious item hidden deep within the office of Santa Claus! Can the intrepid duo acquire the target in time, or will they be discovered by the Big Guy voiced by Morgan Sheppard and doomed to placement on the Naughty List?

The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue in a half-hour, holiday special for 2011 in “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice.” With the Big 2-5 fast approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology which has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid! Desperate to prevent Christmas from descending into chaos, Wayne seeks out the foremost Naughty Kid expert to aid in the mission: a bombastic member of the Coal Bucket Brigade who also happens to be his estranged brother, Noel.

Commenting on the announcement, Lasseter said, “We had so much fun making the first ‘Prep & Landing’ special, and the response from the audience and our colleagues in the industry was so terrific, that we wanted to bring these great characters back for more holiday fun. Kevin and Stevie have done an amazing job writing and directing these films, and everyone at Walt Disney Animation Studios has pitched in to make them truly extraordinary entertainment. Wayne, Lanny and the rest of our animated cast are funnier than ever in ‘Operation: Secret Santa’ and ‘Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice;’ we know they will become holiday favorites.”

Kevin Deters joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1996, and has worked in a variety of creative capacities during his 14-year tenure. He made his directing debut in 2007 on the hilarious animated Goofy short, “How to Hook Up Your Home Theater,” and went on to write and direct Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first-ever Christmas special for TV, “Prep & Landing.” In addition to “Operation: Secret Santa,” Deters (and his writing/directing partner Stevie Wermers-Skelton) shares writing and directing credits on the upcoming Disney animated short, “The Ballad of Nessie.” His previous Disney film credits include “Mulan,” “Tarzan,” Lilo & Stitch,” “Brother Bear,” and “Chicken Little.”

Stevie Wermers-Skelton began her association with Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1994, starting as a clean-up artist/in-betweener on “Pocahontas,” and continuing on to work as a story artist on “Fantasia/2000,” “Tarzan,” and “Brother Bear.” In 2007, she became one of the Studios first female directors with her work on the Goofy short, “How to Hook Up Your Home Theater. In collaboration with Kevin Deters, she wrote and directed the upcoming short, “The Ballad of Nessie.”

Dorothy McKim joined Disney in 1980, and currently serves as development producer for Walt Disney Animation Studios. In that role, she is responsible for working with all of the Studio’s directors in developing their films. She also oversees the development of all Disney Animation shorts. In 1984, McKim started a long association with Walt Disney Animation Studios with her first assignment on the 1988 feature, “Oliver & Company.” She went on to work in a variety of production roles (production manager, director of production, and co-producer) on such landmark films as “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” and “Tarzan.” McKim also served as producer on Disney’s 2007 computer-animated release, “Meet the Robinsons,” and the six-minute short Tick Tock Tale. McKim repeated that role on the 2009 ABC original animated holiday special, “Prep & Landing.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios brings imagination to life through a wide variety of animated films, building upon an unsurpassed legacy for humorous and heartfelt storytelling, unforgettable characters, incredible artistry, and cutting-edge innovation. The WDAS crew is filled with diverse talents from all around the globe, and their dedication and passion for telling great stories through the art of animation, and using the latest technological advances, has led to the creation of some of the industry’s most successful and exciting entertainment. The Studio’s latest animated feature, “Tangled,” raises the bar for CG character animation in terms of nuanced expression and performance, and brings a fun-filled new twist to a well-known tale.

THIS WEEK ON BOSTON MED: HEARTBREAK, HOPE AND FAITH-A FAMILY AT AN EMOTIONAL INTERSECTION

Plus: A Senior Surgeons Sets a High Bar for a Cocky Resident

The Cyrs are a young couple just having a baby until they find themselves engulfed in a medical nightmare. Their son is born with a critical heart defect requiring immediate surgery. The overwhelmed couple put their faith in Mass General’s lead pediatric heart surgeon. But things go awry during the operation and the family rides an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a tale of heartbreak, hope and faith in which all parties are pushed to the limit. Episode 6 of “Boston Med” airs THURSDAY, JULY 29 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. A trailer for this episode can be viewed here.

Hasan Alam is a trauma surgeon faced with a desperate situation, a critically injured man who is bleeding to death. Alam knows that a second of hesitation on his part will doom the patient.

Daniel Dibardino, the cocky but skilled senior resident from earlier episodes, returns to help save a young mother’s life in a challenging operation. His technique is scrutinized by a veteran surgeon in a manner rarely seen by the non-medical public. Yet Dibardino considers it a valuable learning experience, just part of the training needed to become a top surgeon in his own right.

Rachel Clark and Kelly Wright are Ob-Gyn residents who hail from the South. They are also the closest of friends. Both of them are struggling to maintain a personal life in the face of a crushing caseload and brutal work schedules. By the end of this episode, both women will do a 180-degree reversal on the relationship front.

Picking up where “Hopkins” left off, “Boston Med” travels to a city renowned for medical excellence and home to three superb American hospitals: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital. Over four months, ABC cameras had unparalleled access to hospital staffs and patients. From operating rooms to end-of-life meetings, “Boston Med” explores the culture of doctors and nurses and the conversations that happen outside the patient’s earshot. This unsparing look at the ups and downs of hospital care holds many surprises for viewers.

Terence Wrong is producer and executive producer. Rudy Bednar is senior executive producer. Sedika Mojadidi and Carl Hansen are supervising producers of “Boston Med.”

For more information on Boston Med visit bostonmed.abcnews.com.

THE EAGLES WILL PERFORM ON “THE 42nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS”

The Eagles will perform on “The 42nd Annual CMA Awards,” which airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Previously announced performers for “Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm)” include co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, along with Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and The Wailers, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

The Eagles are nominated for CMA Vocal Group of the Year. This is their third nomination in that category, following nominations in 1976 and 1977. In 1993 Eagles drummer Don Henley was nominated for CMA Vocal Event of the Year with Trisha Yearwood for “Walkaway Joe,” which the two performed together during the 1992 CMA Awards. The band gave their first performance on a televised awards show on the 2007 CMA Awards. They were also the inspiration for the CMA 1994 Album of the Year, “Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles.” The group’s current album, “Long Road Out of Eden,” has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide.

“The 42nd Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.