For The Second Year In A Row, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Will Not Air On Network Television
Following the success of A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, a new Peanuts holiday special premiered. This special, titled A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, debuted on November 20, 1973.
For many families, it’s now a tradition to watch the special every year on Thanksgiving Day.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) pic.twitter.com/YhCwMd7H2j
— Childhood Memories (@OldDaysDiaries) November 6, 2023
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving traditionally aired on network television, starting on CBS. It eventually moved to The Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, before finally finding a home on ABC.
The special aired yearly on ABC from 2001-2019.
The Peanuts Library Moved To Apple TV+ In 2020
In 2020, Apple TV+ acquired the rights to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and the entire Peanuts library. Apple reached an agreement with PBS that year, and the special aired the Sunday before Thanksgiving on PBS and PBS Kids.
Apple renewed their agreement with PBS in 2021. But the company chose not to renew their deal in 2022, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was only available to watch on Apple TV+.
For the second year in a row, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will not air on network TV. Popculture.com reports the special is exclusive to Apple TV+ once again.
You Can Still Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving For Free
If you don’t have Apple TV+, there is a way to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving without subscribing. Popculture.com reports the special will be available to watch for free on November 18 and November 19.
You do still have to create an account to watch the special if you don’t have one already. Apple TV+ has a free trial that lasts for seven days, so you can enjoy other programs in the service’s library during that period.
If you choose to subscribe after your trial ends, Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year on an annual plan.
Popculture.com warns Peanuts fans to prepare themselves now. A Charlie Brown Christmas will not air on network television this year either. The program will be available to watch for free from December 22-December 25 on Apple TV+.
Which Peanuts holiday special is your favorite? We love them all!