Nick Sets Animated Holiday Film Featuring Bobby Moynihan

BURBANK: Nickelodeon has lined up the original animated holiday TV movie Albert, with a voice cast that includes comedian Bobby Moynihan in the title role.

The hour-long CG-animated film tells the story of Albert, a tiny Douglas fir tree who embarks on a journey to become New York City’s most famous Christmas tree. Albert will premiere on December 9 at 7 p.m. In addition to Moynihan, the voice cast includes Sasheer Zamata, Judah Friedlander and Rob Riggle.

The movie will feature two original songs, “The Best Thing That Can Happen to Christmas” and “Christmasiest Christmas.” Both songs will be performed by the voice cast.

Albert is directed by Max Lang (The Gruffalo). It is executive produced by Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi (The Adventures of Pete & Pete) and written by Will and Aaron Eisenberg (The Massively Mixed-Up Middle School Mystery) and Joe Stillman (Shrek). The Eisenbergs are also co-executive producers.

“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, the senior VP of development and production for 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.”