Apple Graciously Grants PBS Rights to Air Its Peanuts Specials via Streaming
Score One for Charlie Brown Fans!
Yippee! It looks like our beloved Peanuts specials, such as "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," are once again here to stay!
Originally, Apple secured exclusive streaming rights for these iconic shows on Apple TV+, planning to make them available only through the app. However, the app was not yet widely accessible across all streaming platforms and devices, making it challenging for fans to watch. This decision created a stir, as it broke the longstanding tradition of airing these specials on television.
But fear not, Peanuts enthusiasts! The situation has taken a positive turn. In cooperation with PBS, Apple agreed to air these specials ad-free on both PBS and PBS Kids. "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" will air on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. CT), and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on Dec. 13 at the same time.
For those who haven't subscribed to Apple TV+, there's no need to worry. Non-subscribers with access to the Apple TV app can stream the specials for free from Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 11-13, respectively. Meanwhile, Apple TV+ subscribers can access the shows a week earlier.
Before this announcement, a Change.org petition circulated, asking Apple to make the specials available outside its platform. Some 262,000 fans signed the petition. However, it's unclear whether the decision to partner with PBS was part of the original agreement regarding the rights to these specials.
Regardless, it seems that broadcast TV viewers will get their Charlie Brown holiday specials fix this year. As we navigate celebrations via Zoom from our homes, having these beloved specials to look forward to brings some much-needed cheer!
- The future of Peanuts specials, including "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," promises to be available on both PBS and PBS Kids, thanks to a recent agreement with Apple.
- Apple, in cooperation with PBS, has decided to air these specials ad-free during the upcoming holidays, making them accessible to a wider audience.
- Non-Apple TV+ subscribers can stream the specials for free on the Apple TV app from November 25-27 and December 11-13, respectively, a week after Apple TV+ subscribers.
- Amidst the ongoing digital shift in technology and entertainment, the beloved Charlie Brown holiday specials are not lost, instead staying true to the longstanding tradition of airing on television.
