Thanksgiving is more than just a prelude to Christmas. It’s a time to come together with family and friends and show appreciation for the great things in our lives, like heartwarming Peanuts cartoons. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has been an animated holiday staple since its debut in 1973, returning annually every November. And now, with the right video streaming service, you can watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on TVs, PCs, phones, and tablets. And you can do so for free via Apple TV.
Where to Stream the Charlie Brown Specials
Is ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ on Netflix?
No, but you can watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on Apple TV. Apple acquired the exclusive rights to the Peanuts brand, bringing beloved specials like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown to its popular streaming platform. Apple also commissioned new Peanuts specials, including 2024’s Welcome Home, Franklin.
Apple TV costs $12.99 per month and comes with a seven-day free trial (or three free months when you buy a new Apple device, such as the iPhone 17). However, you can watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for free on Apple TV even if you aren’t a subscriber. Just create an account and log into the service on Saturday, November 15, or Sunday, November 16, to enjoy the show.
Will ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ Air on TV?
A few years ago, perhaps due to the spirit of generosity that permeates the holidays, Apple let the American public television network, PBS, broadcast A Charlie Brown Christmas live and free of ads. That won’t be the case this year for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. It’s Apple TV or bust, so you must fire up that platform to watch the Peanuts spin on Thanksgiving. That said, keep an eye on PBS Video or another live TV streaming service, just in case the show appears on network TV next year.
Can You Watch ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ With a VPN?
Browsing the internet with a VPN is one of the smartest ways to keep yourself safe online. However, many video streaming services don’t work with VPNs because spoofing your geographic location interferes with regional licensing deals. During our tests, we’ve been able to enjoy Apple TV without issue, even when connected to a VPN. That can always change in the future, but for now, a VPN won’t get in the way of your Charlie Brown streaming plans.
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Where Can You Stream the ‘Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ Soundtrack?
The music featured in the Peanuts specials is arguably just as iconic as the show’s characters. If you want to enjoy jazz tunes by the amazing Vince Guaraldi Trio, fire up a streaming music service. Top platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music let you enjoy Guaraldi’s classic compositions. Like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving‘s score is perfect for falling leaves and cooling weather. So, grab a good pair of headphones and immerse yourself in the tunes.
For more on holiday-themed video streaming, check out How to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and How to Watch ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ for Free.
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About Our Expert
Jordan Minor
Senior Writer, Software
Experience
My PCMag career began in 2013 as an intern. Now, I’m a senior writer, using the skills I acquired at Northwestern University to write about dating apps, meal kits, programming software, website builders, video streaming services, and video games. I was previously a senior editor at Geek.com and have written for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of the gaming history book Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977, and the reason everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.
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