This year, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will not be airing on television, but fans can watch for free on November 23rd and 24th. This applies to both subscribers and non-subscribers on Apple TV+, as they are offering free streams during the short window.
The special first aired on TV in 1973, with many reruns for decades; however, Apple TV+ acquired it as part of a corporate deal. Also included in the offer are It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and A Charlie Brown Christmas, the latter of which will air for free in December.
Enjoying ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ in 2024
The 1973 short film sees Charlie Brown having to host everyone at his home for Thanksgiving, although he initially planned to spend it at his grandmother’s with his sister Sally. Peppermint Patty had ruined his plans by inviting herself, Marcie and Franklin over, putting Charlie under pressure to make a meal.
A panicky Charlie Brown manages to put together some popcorn, toast, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans in his spread, and Patty gets upset at the cheap meal. After some talking to from Charlie’s friends, Patty learns to be more appreciative, after which they have a proper holiday dinner at Charlie’s grandmother’s home.
Fans look forward to the rerun
Nostalgic Peanuts fans have taken to social media to express their excitement about the free streaming offer coming to Apple TV+ in a few days. “I see no problem with pretzels, toast, popcorn and jelly beans,” someone joked about Charlie’s dinner effort.
Another fan announced that they now watch it with their kids every year, alluding to the evergreen quality of the holiday special. “It didn’t get played like the Halloween and Christmas specials, but I do remember it and a comic book version of this episode that my elementary school had,” a second user reminisced on X, formerly Twitter.