"Merry Madagascar," 8 p.m. KSEE (Channel 24.1): NBC has turned to those wacky animals from the "Madagascar" movies for this new holiday program. Christmas is still weeks away but this animated special is a holiday treat for all ages.

Former New York zoo residents Alex (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer) and Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) are trying to make their way back to New York. Their latest attempt fails but they get a second chance when Santa Claus crashes his sleigh. When jolly St. Nick is left with no memory, the animals decide to deliver all of the presents and then land in New York.

Powered by the penguins - hands down the funniest group of cartoon characters on TV these days - the Christmas escape plan begins.

"Merry Madagascar" has enough cartoon action to entertain the youngest of TV watchers. It's also so smartly written, parents won't get bored. It's not in the same league as "A Charlie Brown Christmas," but "Merry Madagascar" deserves to be put on the list of annual holiday programs.