After not airing for the general public in 2020, It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown is returning to television. Though not at its traditional home of ABC, the Peanuts classic will be still network television for all to see.
Welcome #GreatPumpkin! pic.twitter.com/NzYIzWM6HY
— PEANUTS (@Snoopy) October 27, 2019
The entirety of the Peanuts collection recently moved to premium TV service Apple TV+, depriving millions of the fall classic.
The Halloween special has been an annual staple in fall television programming for decades. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” premiered on CBS in 1966, then moved to ABC in 2001. That’s more than a half-century of broadcasting the inherent Peanuts celebration of gentle humor and quirkiness that has appealed to both kids and adults
There was plenty of justified outrage last year when the Charlie Brown series moved behind a paywall.
Bowing to public pressure, Apple allowed the beloved film to be viewed on public TV again.
Where Can You Watch ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”?
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is scheduled to air on PBS and PBS Kids at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 24.
Thankfully, the other holiday specials will also be on public television.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will air at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 21.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” will air at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 19 on PBS and PBS Kids.
Watch The Intro To Great Pumpkin Below
Relive some of your favorite Halloween memories.
Why Is Charlie Brown On Apple TV+?
Apple purchased the streaming rights for the Peanuts specials in 2020. People were unhappy with the change, with multiple online petitions created to stop the purchase.
Celebrate Halloween with the Peanuts gang. Stream “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” exclusively on Apple TV+ and get ready for more Peanuts specials this holiday season. https://t.co/rq6TFCLS8L pic.twitter.com/DI14FsjR1l
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) October 19, 2020
This is sad. Every year my family looks forward to these holiday shows on ABC. Now i have to sign up for AppleTV? @ABCNetwork sad.
— RoastinCoffee (@roastincoffee) October 19, 2020
This really stinks! Over the years it’s been a tradition to watch at same time with my father who lives many states away from me. He does not have an Apple TV or subscription. Couldn’t you share the rights for this and the Christmas special! Please this year?! 2020 sucks!
— Nicole Day (@doodleNoodles27) October 19, 2020
OMG, @AppleTV! This is going to go over like a lead balloon when word gets out. @AppleTV will be the Grinch that stole Halloween AND Christmas!#FreeTheGreatPumpkin
— Daniel Kochanowicz (@Blueskyfox) October 19, 2020
I tend to agree. This is not OK.
Peanuts should be in the public domain. They’re timeless classics about friendship, honesty, and doing right by your fellow man.
Few television specials captured the true meaning of the holidays like Charlie Brown and his gang.
I grew up watching these specials with my family, I even went as the “Great Pumpkin” one year for Halloween. I hope I will be able to show these two my kids one day, even if the PC mob tries to take them away.
What do you think about Apple purchasing the Peanuts specials? Are you angry? Sound off in the comment section below this post.
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