With Apple TV+ announcing a five-year extension as the exclusive streaming home for all things Peanuts, Charlie Brown and the gang may never appear on free TV ever again. But ever since the streamer took over the reins of the Peanuts holiday specials in 2020, Apple TV+ has been kind to Peanuts fans by offering free “streaming windows” in which non-subscribers can enjoy It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas at no cost.
As a kid, one of the best things about the fall and winter holidays for me was watching all of the TV specials. The best were always the ones with the Peanuts gang. Even today, I still enjoy watching them.
Beginning in 1965, these specials were a regular feature of CBS’s holiday programing. Before streaming services, DVD players and VCRs, you only had one chance to catch these specials, or you would have to wait another year later to see them. In 2000, the rights to the specials were sold to ABC who aired them for 20 years and in 2020, they were sold to Apple.
“In this milestone 75th anniversary year, it feels incredibly meaningful to continue our collaboration with our brilliant partners at WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson,” said Tara Sorensen, head of children’s programming, Apple TV+. “Our commitment, dedication and passion for Peanuts runs deep. These beloved characters and stories hold a timeless significance, resonating with people of all ages across the globe. And we are delighted that the iconic holiday specials will be available for everyone to experience, continuing this time-honored, comforting tradition.”
The free streaming windows are as follows:
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Stream for Free: Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Join the Peanuts gang for a timeless adventure as Charlie Brown preps for a party, Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron and Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
For over 50 years now, Peppermint Patty has invited herself and her friends to Charlie Brown’s for Thanksgiving, even though he is already going to celebrate at his grandmother’s. Snoopy decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal with help from his friends.
Stream for Free: Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, 2025
A Charlie Brown Christmas
In this beloved Peanuts special, feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Lucy recruits Charlie Brown to be the director of the gang’s holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the “perfect” tree and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Stream for Free: Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025
Other Peanuts-Related Things to Watch on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ continues the tradition that Charles Schulz started back in 1965 – providing quality family entertainment with new original programming. Some of the best things to watch include the documentary, Who Are You Charlie Brown? which dives into the life of Charlie’s creator, Mr. Schulz. You and your kids will also enjoy three seasons of The Snoopy Show, two seasons of Snoopy in Space, a variety of “Snoopy Presents” specials (It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown, To Mom (and Dad), with Love, One-of-a-Kind Marcie, Lucy’s School, Welcome Home Franklin and For Auld Lang Syne) and the newest TV series, Camp Snoopy.
On August 15, 2025, the streamer debuted Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical. This special is about the joy and magic of summer camp and the importance of preserving what you love. And Apple is still working on its first original Peanuts feature film which will take Snoopy and Charlie Brown on an epic adventure through the Big City.
Main images: Apple TV+
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