Where to Watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
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‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ premiered 60 years ago. The beloved animated special first aired in 1965 and captured the hearts of more than 15 million households. It was a surprising success for network executives and went on to win a Peabody and an Emmy award. The creator, Charles M. Schulz, expressed his astonishment at the continued popularity of the special, even admitting that some of the drawings were not his best work.
After airing annually on CBS for 35 years, A Charlie Brown Christmas found a new home when the Peanuts franchise was acquired by ABC in 2001. However, in 2020, Apple TV acquired the rights to the Peanuts catalog, which meant that the holiday tradition of watching Charlie Brown and his friends on network television came to an end. Despite this change, Apple TV offers fans the opportunity to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for free for two days during the holiday season.
In the iconic special, Charlie Brown questions the commercialism of Christmas and embarks on a journey to discover the true meaning of the season. With the help of his friends, including Lucy and Linus, Charlie Brown learns about friendship, gratitude, and the nativity story. The heartwarming message of A Charlie Brown Christmas continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is exclusively available on Apple TV, which also features other Peanuts specials such as It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Apple TV announced a five-year extension of the rights to the Peanuts content, ensuring that fans can enjoy these holiday classics through 2030.
For those without an Apple TV subscription, there is good news. A Charlie Brown Christmas will be available to stream for free on Apple TV for two days this holiday season: December 13 and December 14. This limited-time offer allows everyone to enjoy the timeless tale of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang spreading Christmas cheer.
In 2025, A Charlie Brown Christmas will not be broadcast on network TV. Since Apple TV secured the rights to the Peanuts franchise, the special will not be airing on traditional channels. However, PBS had previously aired the holiday classic in partnership with Apple TV in 2020 and 2021. Despite the shift in viewing platforms, the enduring appeal of A Charlie Brown Christmas remains unchanged.
In conclusion, as the holiday season approaches, fans of A Charlie Brown Christmas can look forward to streaming this timeless classic on Apple TV. The heartwarming tale of Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas continues to enchant audiences, spreading joy and nostalgia each year. So gather your loved ones, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy the enduring magic of A Charlie Brown Christmas.