A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Dec. 9, 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first animated TV special featuring characters from the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, premiered on CBS.
Per historical accounts, before it aired in 1965, nearly everyone, including its producers and the network, predicted “A Charlie Brown Christmas” would be a complete and total disaster that could forever ruin the Peanuts brand.
The project came together on a shoestring budget and in six months. Schulz insisted on writing the script himself, and he used the opportunity to touch on themes he felt were missing from a lot of entertainment in the 1960s.
According to many sources, Schulz want to make sure the “true meaning” of Christmas was front and center.
And that’s what he did. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” famously culminates with a nearly minute-long recitation from the Gospel of Luke that, even in 1965, was controversial.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” broke other rules, too. Schulz adamantly refused to let the producers include a laugh track — a feature of all TV comedies back then, animated or otherwise — saying they should “let the people at home enjoy the show at their own speed, in their own way,” according to Schulz’s biography. He also insisted on having real kids voice the characters.
Network executives were reportedly even less gung-ho about what they saw. They thought the show was slow, crudely animated and they hated the choice of music — a mix of jazz, Beethoven and Christmas songs.
Of course, when “A Charlie Brown Christmas” finally premiered, it wasn’t just a success; it was a phenomenon. Fifteen million people tuned in — 45% of all possible viewers.
Since then, the United States Postal Service dedicated “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Forever stamps at the Charles M. Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa, California.
Here are selected stories from the Deseret News archives about the popular show:
“Why we still need ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ in 2020″
“Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ is still relevant at 50″
“A Charlie Brown Christmas gift”
“What would the holiday be without these Christmas classics”
“Surprising success: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ turns 50″
“The ‘Charlie Brown’ holiday specials will air on TV this year after all”
“Here are 10 faith-centered Christmas movies you can watch with your family”
“13 Christmas movies that capture the spirit of the holiday”
