In recent years, Charlie Brown and the peanut gallery have slowly been exiting their broadcast TV time slot characteristic of the holiday season. This year, the change seems to be official.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” has aired on TV every year since 1966, securing itself as a holiday tradition in many households. The animated special lost its 54-year streak in 2020 when it was only available to stream on Apple TV+.
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In 2021 the fall favorite again returned to TV for what seems to be the very last time. “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” will only be available to stream on the Apple TV+ platform for this year and those to come.
The good news is that, for anyone uninterested in a subscription, the holiday classic will be available to stream free for nonsubscribers Oct. 28 - 31. However, just like your typical “everything-must-go” sale, the great pumpkin is not alone. All Peanuts Classics are moving to streaming only.
Though “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” will be the first special to miss its yearly airtime, the rest are following in its footsteps. According to a press release, Wild Brain, a children’s content company and 41% owner of Peanuts Worldwide, has entered into a partnership with AppleTV+.
This alliance has not only made Apple the home for all things Peanuts but allows the popular streaming platform to expand on Peanuts content. This heralds the creation of all new shows with favorite old characters. Along with “The Snoopy Show,” which premiered in 2021, and “Snoopy in Space,” which premiered in 2019, the Peanuts are soon expected to find themselves celebrating Mother’s Day, Earth Day, New Year’s Eve, and back to school.
Information on what to expect from the partnership can be found here. Information on upcoming holiday releases from AppleTV+, “The Snoopy Show” included, can be found here.
Special free streaming windows for upcoming specials are as follows:
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” – Nov. 23-27
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” – Dec. 22-25
This sadly marks the end of an era but get ready – you’re headed to the internet, Charlie Brown!