‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ Won’t Air on CBS — Here’s How to Watch It

For generations of American families, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” has been a beloved tradition on Thanksgiving Day. But this year, viewers hoping to tune in on CBS or ABC will be disappointed. The animated classic will not air on broadcast television, continuing a shift that began several years ago.

The special, which first premiered on CBS in 1973 and later moved to ABC in 2001, is now exclusively available on Apple TV+. Since acquiring full streaming rights to all Peanuts holiday specials in 2020, Apple has controlled distribution — making the platform the only place to legally watch the Thanksgiving favorite.

Where to Watch ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’

To watch the 30-minute animated special, viewers must stream it on Apple TV+, which requires a $12.99 monthly subscription. New subscribers can take advantage of a free seven-day trial, and customers who purchase a new Apple device may receive three free months of Apple TV+.

Apple typically offers limited-time free public access to the Peanuts specials each holiday season. This year’s free streaming window for the Thanksgiving episode occurred on November 15 and 16 and has already passed.

For families seeking a non-streaming option, DVD and Blu-Ray copies are available to purchase online, allowing fans to enjoy the classic anytime without a subscription.

Why It’s Not on Network Television

The decision to move the specials to streaming came after Apple acquired long-term rights to produce and distribute new Peanuts content in 2018. Apple later struck a deal expanding exclusive access to the classic franchise, keeping the rights through at least 2030 following a recent five-year extension.

For a short time, Apple partnered with PBS stations to broadcast the Thanksgiving and Christmas specials for free — but that arrangement has since ended, leaving streaming as the only broadcast option.

In a statement, Tara Sorensen, head of children’s programming at Apple TV+, called the specials a meaningful part of the platform’s vision:

“These beloved characters and stories hold a timeless significance, resonating with people of all ages across the globe.”

A Holiday Staple With Timeless Appeal

“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” follows Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they attempt to host a Thanksgiving feast — complete with iconic scenes involving buttered toast, popcorn and Snoopy’s kitchen chaos.

The 1973 special was the third major Peanuts holiday release, following:

• “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965), and

• “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)

All Peanuts holiday specials — including Christmas and Halloween — are now exclusive to Apple TV+.

As streaming continues to reshape holiday traditions, many fans remain nostalgic for the era when Peanuts aired free on television. But for now, the classic holiday gathering moves from broadcast airwaves to the streaming queue.