We all kind of wish it was already the holiday season so we’d be even closer to the end of 2020, right? Well, we’re nearly there. In less than a month, the networks will be showing content that they are especially grateful for this year: animated holiday specials. From the all-time classics to the modern favorites, hand-drawn, CGI and stop-motion, there are sure to be plenty of offerings for families celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
Since 2000, more than 30 new animated holiday specials have debuted on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and THE CW (which used to be called THE WB). And they don’t just cover the end of the calendar year, but Valentine’s Day and Easter as well. Their debuts each brought plenty of attention, and for some, big viewership. Here are the Top 10 debuts for 21st Century network animated holiday specials:
1) “SHREK THE HALLS” – ABC (2007) – 20.8 million
Less than a half year after the release of DreamWorks’ mega-hit “Shrek the Third” came the premiere of this follow-up chapter celebrating Shrek and Fiona’s first Christmas with their three ogre babies.
2) “PREP AND LANDING” – ABC (2009) – 12 million
Disney Animation created their own modern classic with this delightful special that aired on Dec. 8. It was originally going to be Dec. 1, but it was pushed back a week at the last minute because of a Presidential Address. Still, it did very well, and a sequel was soon ordered. 2011’s “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice” debuted to 7 million viewers.
3) “TANGERINE BEAR” – ABC (2000) – 11.3 million
Howie Mandel, Jenna Elfman and David Hyde Pierce led the voice cast.
4) “TOY STORY OF TERROR” – ABC (2013) – 10.5 million
Woody, Buzz & Co. scared-up a big number with airing No. 1 of their entertaining Halloween-themed adventure. A Christmas installment (of sorts) came just a year later. 2014’s “Toy Story That Time Forgot” initially brought-in 6.8 million viewers.
5) “I WANT A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN” – ABC (2003) 10.2 million
The Peanuts gang is certainly known for their ‘60s holiday antics. But a new generation certainly wanted to experience a new holiday installment.
6) “A CHARLIE BROWN VALENTINE” – ABC (2002) – 10.1 million
And speaking of which… this heartwarming special premiered on Valentine’s Day.
7) “MERRY MADAGASCAR” – NBC (2009) – 9 million
A year after the release of “Madagascar: Escape to Africa” came this fantastic Santa-centric adventure with Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, King Julien and the Penguins.
8) “SCARED SHREKLESS” – NBC (2010) – 8.3 million
Five months after we all though the “Shrek” franchise ended with “Shrek Forever After”, DreamWorks decided to give us a new Halloween addition. “SS” actually moved to ABC the next year, airing before the “Dancing with the Stars” Halloween episode.
9) “ROBBIE THE REINDEER: LEGEND OF THE LOST TRIBE” – CBS (2002) – 7.7 million
This second special in a series aired right after the first one (which was made in 1999).
10) “THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” – CBS (2008) – 7.4 million
Emma Roberts lent her voice to this one.
Others include:
2005’s “The Happy Elf” (NBC, 5.7 million)
2009’s “Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space” (NBC, 7 million) and “Yes, Virginia” (CBS, 5.2 million)
2010’s “Kung Fu Panda Holiday” (NBC, 5.9 million)
2011’s “Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas” (FOX, 7.1 million)
And 2017’s trio of “Michael Jackson’s Halloween” (CBS, 5.67 million), “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” (ABC, 5.65 million) and “Trolls Holiday” (NBC, 5.36 million)