Jeff Dunham's Animated Special ACHMED SAVES AMERICA to Premiere on CMT, 3/28

He is arguably the world's unlikeliest media star, a three-foot-tall skeletal puppet whose comedy specials have captured record-breaking television ratings and more than 200 million Youtube views, and who has appeared on-stage to sold-out audiences worldwide. Now, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, the invention of top-grossing comedian Jeff Dunham, will be seen as never before in Achmed Saves America, his first animated special, which will be available in DVD and digital download on March 18, with its TV premiere March 28 on CMT.

"I thought the idea of creating an original story with Achmed, the ultimate inept bad guy, that actually celebrates America could be bitingly ironic and hold endless comedic possibilities," says Dunham, who co-wrote (along with The Simpsons' Michael Price), produced and lent his voices to the special. "What if Achmed found himself in the heartland of America bent on carrying out his evil plan, but then actually falls in love when he encounters everything that is distinctly American, like all-you-can-eat salad bars?"

Achmed Saves America brings together prime-time talents, including Tom Kenny (voice of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob), and was animated by and produced in association with Bento Box Entertainment, the award-winning production, content and technology company (Fox's Bob's Burgers, Comedy Central's Brickleberry, Hulu's The Awesomes and the Youtube series Glove and Boots).

"Animation is such a perfect medium for Achmed," Dunham continues. "I thought I had so many ways of making him come alive on-stage, but that is nothing compared to where he finds himself in this adventure. Just because you're dead doesn't mean you can't enjoy life!"

Dunham, who has won Billboard's Top Comedy Tour for three consecutive years, will soon embark on an unprecedented tour covering twelve countries on five continents. Joining him will be the beloved Achmed, who will be performing along with the rest of Dunham's celebrated family of characters, including Walter, Peanut and Bubba J.

About Jeff Dunham

Jeff Dunham's television specials remain among the highest-rated hours in Comedy Central history and his two-hour biography, Jeff Dunham: Birth of a Dummy was the highest-rated special of all-time on the Biography Channel. He has sold more than six million DVDs and his digital content has received more than a half billion views. Pollstar named him the top-grossing live comedy act in the world in 2009 and 2010. He continues to perform in sold-out stadium-sized shows worldwide.

About Bento Box Entertainment

Bento Box Entertainment is an award-winning production, content and technology company serving the diverse needs of the animation industry in the 21st Century. It produces audience-favorite Primetime animation for broadcast and cable networks, along with home entertainment and multimedia platforms. Current productions include the fourth season of the Emmy-nominated FOX series "Bob's Burgers," the third season of Comedy Central's "Brickleberry" and the second season of Hulu/Broadway Video's "The Awesomes," and the first season of FOX series "Bordertown." Founded in 2009, and with studios in Burbank, North Hollywood and Atlanta, it is an innovator in creating animation systems and production efficiencies for digital as well as traditional animation that wins awards and fits current economics. www.bentoboxent.com.