The beloved Peanuts holiday specials, including ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,’ are returning to Apple TV for limited free streaming this holiday season, an annual tradition allowing fans to enjoy these timeless classics without a subscription. This comes as Apple TV+ extends its partnership with the Peanuts gang through 2030, ensuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy remain at their digital home for years to come.
“Tonight the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch. He flies through the air and brings toys to all the children of the world.” These immortal words from Linus van Pelt set the stage for one of the most cherished holiday traditions: ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.’ This Halloween classic, along with other beloved Peanuts specials, continues to captivate audiences generation after generation.
For fans eager to revisit the magic this spooky season, there’s fantastic news. Apple TV is once again making the special available for free streaming for one weekend only. This means viewers, even without an active Apple TV+ subscription, can gather their families and join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole gang in their annual Halloween adventures.
Your Free Access to Halloween Fun
The highly anticipated free streaming window for ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19. This limited-time offer ensures that everyone can partake in the holiday spirit, regardless of their subscription status with Apple TV+.
This annual event has become a fan-favorite, especially since the specials transitioned from traditional broadcast television. The Apple TV+ platform, previously known as Apple TV+, has made it a point to keep these classics accessible during their respective holiday seasons.
The Peanuts Gang’s Digital Home Through 2030
The shift to Apple TV+ as the exclusive home for Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang began in 2020. This move marked a new era for these iconic animated specials, which had long been a staple of broadcast television. This partnership has proven to be a lasting one, with Apple TV+ recently announcing a significant extension.
The deal with WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide, and Lee Mendelson Film Productions has been extended through at least 2030. This ensures that fans will continue to find all their cherished Peanuts content, including the classic holiday specials and new original programming, exclusively on the platform for years to come. This long-term commitment was detailed in a report by Variety.
A Storied History: From Broadcast to Streaming
For decades, the Peanuts holiday specials were a cornerstone of network television. ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ first premiered on CBS in 1966, airing annually before moving to ABC in 2001. It continued its yearly run on ABC until 2020, when Apple TV+ acquired the exclusive rights.
The initial move off broadcast television sparked considerable outcry from fans, who cherished the tradition of watching the specials freely on network TV. In response to this sentiment, Apple briefly partnered with PBS in 2021 to offer a limited broadcast, demonstrating their understanding of the cultural significance of these programs. However, for the past four years, the Halloween special has been exclusively available on Apple TV+.
Beyond the Pumpkin Patch: Other Free Holiday Favorites
The generosity of Apple TV extends beyond Halloween. Fans can mark their calendars for free streaming weekends for other beloved Peanuts holiday specials:
- ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ will be available for free on Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16.
- ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, another essential holiday viewing, will stream for free on Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14.
These dates, as reported by USA TODAY, allow everyone to enjoy the full lineup of holiday cheer brought by Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire gang.
How to Watch ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ for Free
Accessing the free stream is straightforward, ensuring minimal hassle for eager viewers. To watch ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ without a subscription:
- Visit tv.apple.com on your web browser or download the Apple TV app on your preferred device.
- Search for “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
- During the free viewing window (October 18-19), simply hit play to begin streaming.
While a subscription is not required for these special free weekends, you might need to sign in with an Apple ID account. For those who want unlimited access to all Peanuts specials throughout the season, Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial, providing another way to dive into the world of Charlie Brown.
The Future of Peanuts on Apple TV+: Celebrating 75 Years and Beyond
The extended partnership between Apple TV+ and the Peanuts brand is particularly significant as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts gang. Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comic strip first debuted on October 2, 1950, and its characters have remained cultural touchstones ever since.
Beyond the classic specials, Apple TV+ continues to expand its Peanuts library with original content like ‘Camp Snoopy’ and ‘Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical.’ Furthermore, new projects are already in development, including a second animated feature film from WildBrain, promising even more adventures for future generations of fans.
Tara Sorensen, Head of Children’s Programming at Apple TV+, emphasized the team’s deep commitment to the Peanuts brand, highlighting the timeless value of its characters and their comforting, yet powerful stories. This dedication ensures that the legacy of Charles M. Schulz will continue to thrive and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Embracing a Timeless Tradition
While the way we watch these classics has evolved, the heart of the Peanuts holiday specials remains unchanged. They continue to deliver messages of friendship, hope, and the simple joys of childhood, reminding us why they’ve held a special place in our hearts for generations.
The free streaming weekends from Apple TV offer a perfect opportunity for both long-time devotees and new viewers to experience the magic of ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ and other holiday favorites. As the Peanuts gang celebrates 75 years, their stories continue to be a cherished tradition, now more accessible than ever before.
