Fans of the classic Peanuts gang will need to look to a new platform to enjoy their Thanksgiving traditions this year. The beloved 1973 animated special, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, has officially moved from its traditional broadcast home to an exclusive streaming location.
Apple TV's Exclusive Streaming Rights
Since 2020, Apple TV has held the exclusive rights to all the Peanuts holiday specials. This major acquisition means that these cherished cartoons, including the Thanksgiving episode, are no longer available on other streaming services or for free on terrestrial television.
To watch Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang navigate their chaotic holiday feast, viewers must have an Apple TV subscription. This service is priced at $12.99 per month. However, potential viewers have a couple of options to access it. New customers can sign up for a free seven-day trial, and those who purchase a new Apple device often qualify for three free months of the service.
Missed Opportunities and Physical Copies
For those hoping to catch the special without a subscription, a recent opportunity has already passed. Apple TV offered a free viewing window on 15 and 16 November, which has now concluded. Furthermore, the previous arrangement for free broadcasts on PBS has not been renewed, closing another avenue for viewers.
If streaming is not your preferred method, there is a reliable alternative. Fans can purchase physical DVD or Blu-Ray copies of the Emmy-winning cartoon. This ensures you can enjoy the timeless story of Charlie Brown's unconventional Thanksgiving celebration year after year, regardless of streaming service changes.
The shift to Apple TV marks a significant change in how UK audiences will access this piece of animated history, moving it firmly into the realm of subscription-based digital entertainment.
