For decades, the animated special 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' has been a cherished part of the holiday season for families. However, the traditional broadcast has officially ended, marking a significant shift in how viewers can access this classic tale.
Where to Stream the Thanksgiving Classic
Viewers looking to watch 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' will now find it exclusively on Apple TV+. The special, which first aired on CBS in 1973 and later moved to ABC, is no longer available on traditional broadcast television or other streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu.
This change comes after Apple TV obtained the rights to all the Peanuts holiday specials in 2020. Accessing the special requires an Apple TV+ subscription, which costs $12.99 per month. However, the platform offers a free seven-day trial for new customers. Additionally, purchasing a new Apple device can grant you three free months of the service.
Free Viewing Windows and Physical Copies
Apple TV+ has occasionally offered free viewing opportunities for the special. This year, a free streaming window was available on November 15 and 16, but that has now passed. In previous years, Apple also allowed PBS to air the special for free, though this broadcast has not occurred recently.
For those who prefer a non-streaming option, 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' is available to purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray. This allows fans to own a physical copy of the 30-minute, Emmy-winning cartoon and enjoy it at any time.
The Future of Peanuts on Apple TV
The move to Apple TV+ is part of a broader deal. Apple acquired the rights to produce new Peanuts content in 2018 and has since created series like The Snoopy Show. Furthermore, the platform has secured its position as the exclusive home for Peanuts content until 2030 after striking a five-year extension deal last month.
Tara Sorensen, head of children’s programming at Apple TV, emphasised the platform's dedication, stating: "These beloved characters and stories hold a timeless significance, resonating with people of all ages across the globe. And we are delighted that the iconic holiday specials will be available for everyone to experience, continuing this time-honored, comforting tradition."
The special itself follows Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang as they prepare a Thanksgiving feast, which is quickly thrown into chaos by uninvited guests. It was the third holiday special created, following the successes of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown', all of which are now available only on Apple TV+.
