ABC Highlights Sweeps Programming

BURBANK: The ABC Television Network has unveiled the upcoming highlights of its November sweeps programming, including special Halloween- and Thanksgiving-themed episodes of some of its hit series, award shows and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

To celebrate Halloween, the classic animated Peanuts special It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, will air on ABC on October 30, and Scared Shrekless, a Shrek Halloween special, will air on October 31. A Dancing with the Stars Halloween episode from the current season will also be broadcast on October 31.

The award programs the network will broadcast this November include the 45th annual Country Music Awards hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airing live on November 9 from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Faith Hill, former CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, will return to give her first performance at the awards in five years. Additional performers include Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

Another awards show to air on the network is the American Music Awards from Dick Clark Productions, featuring Katy Perry, Pitbull, Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5. The host-free event highlights music’s biggest artists performing on one stage. It will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in L.A. on November 20.

Jimmy Kimmel is kicking off the first week of sweeps with an all-star comedian lineup of Adam Sandler, Ellen DeGeneres and Eddie Murphy, among others. The Halloween show music performance will be provided by metal band Megadeth. ABC’s sweeps season will also see new episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Pan Am.