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Friday, September 22, 2023 | 
Entertainment Utah Television

For the first time in 55 years, the ‘Peanuts’ holiday specials won’t air on network TV

Apple TV+ has obtained exclusive rights to ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ and other ‘Peanuts’ movies

By Court Mann Court Mann
SHARE For the first time in 55 years, the ‘Peanuts’ holiday specials won’t air on network TV
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

A scene from the film “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Apple TV+ now has exclusive rights to all “Peanuts” film content, making 2020 the first year since 1965 that the “Peanuts” holiday specials won’t air on network TV.

1966 United Feature Syndicate

If your Halloween traditions include watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” on ABC, then brace yourself: For the first time since 1965, the “Peanuts” holiday movies won’t air on network television this year.

According to Vulture, Apple TV+ will likely have exclusive rights to all “Peanuts” film content.

Since 2000, ABC has broadcast “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” during their corresponding holidays. The films had previously been broadcast on CBS.

Vulture noted that “Great Pumpkin” isn’t listed on ABC’s advance programming specials through early November, “and while a network rep indicated that could change, it would be odd for ABC not to schedule the specials by now.” Sources close to the Apple deal told Vulture that the streamer now has complete broadcast and streaming rights.

But don’t worry — your favorite “Charlie Brown” specials will still be available, free of charge, on select days. The Verge reported that Apple TV+ will make “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” free on its service Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will be free Nov. 25-27, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is free from Dec. 11-13.

For Apple TV+ subscribers, these specials will be available starting earlier, and will remain on the service: “Great Pumpkin” is available now, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” beginning Nov. 18, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” starting Dec. 4. 

Apple TV+ will also release some new “Charlie Brown” specials celebrating Mother’s Day, Earth Day, New Year’s Eve and back to school, The Verge reported. The streamer currently has “The Snoopy Show,” and just announced it will release a new season of “Snoopy in Space.” A “Peanuts” documentary will also debut on Apple TV+ sometime in 2021.