‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ Tops Streaming Charts Again — 52 Years Later, Here’s Why It’s Still a Holiday Favorite

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, families around the world are pulling out their holiday traditions, and one animated classic is once again making waves. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the beloved special that first premiered in 1973, has secured a spot in the hearts of millions, continuing to be a staple in holiday viewing. Even more notably, it has reached the #2 position on Apple TV’s top streaming films in the United States, while also appearing in the top 10 across 11 other countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Guatemala, Mongolia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman from a screenplay by Charles M. Schulz, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving brings together the Peanuts gang in an unforgettable Thanksgiving celebration. Despite its modest critical reception over the years, the special has become an essential part of many families’ holiday rituals, a reminder that traditions, big or small, hold a unique place in our hearts.

The Magic of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Endures

Category	Details
Release Year	1973
Directed By	Bill Melendez, Phil Roman
Creator	Charles M. Schulz
Original Airing Network	CBS
Streaming Platform	Apple TV+ (Exclusive since 2020)
Current Streaming Ranking	#2 in U.S., Top 10 in 11 countries
Rotten Tomatoes	70% Fresh (Critics), 76% Audience
Cultural Impact	Holiday tradition, referenced in everyday life

A Thanksgiving Tradition Revisited: The Plot and Appeal

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving follows Charlie Brown, the lovable yet perpetually unlucky protagonist of the Peanuts gang, as he navigates the chaos of preparing a Thanksgiving meal for his friends. With the help of his dog Snoopy and his sidekick Woodstock, Charlie Brown attempts to pull together an impromptu feast, leading to a heartwarming and humorous series of events.

The special’s iconic moments from Charlie Brown’s attempts to cook to Snoopy’s antics as an impromptu chef have embedded themselves in the minds of viewers over decades. The understated messages of gratitude, friendship, and family have kept A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving as a go-to special for generations. But beyond its nostalgic value, there is another key reason why it remains so highly regarded: the universal relatability of the Peanuts characters.

“Just think of all the things in the strip that pop up in our everyday living,” said Mark Evanier, comic historian and compiler of the new collection The Essential Peanuts. “I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone compare some doomed attempt at anything to Charlie Brown trying to kick the football.”

Indeed, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday special — it’s a cultural touchstone that has impacted everyday expressions and reflections on life. Charlie Brown’s failure to create the perfect Thanksgiving meal speaks to human imperfection, a relatable theme that resonates just as strongly today as it did in 1973.

The Special’s Streaming Success: Apple TV and Global Reach

The resurgence of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on Apple TV highlights a modern-day evolution of the Peanuts franchise. After a long history of airing on broadcast networks like CBS and, later, cable channels like Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel, the 2020 Apple TV exclusive deal has brought the Peanuts library, including A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, to a new generation.

Since becoming an Apple TV exclusive, the Peanuts collection, which includes all 51 specials, films, and TV shows, is now only available for streaming on the platform, ensuring that Apple can capitalise on its nostalgic value, especially during the holidays. And, importantly for fans, Apple TV has made the special available for free on multiple days leading up to Thanksgiving each year, a gesture that allows families to enjoy it without a subscription.

The streaming success isn’t just contained to the U.S.; A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is also performing well across the globe. As of now, the special has reached the top 10 list in countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Guatemala, and Mongolia. The appeal of the Peanuts gang and their Thanksgiving celebration has proven to be timeless and universal, making it a holiday favourite for viewers of all ages, no matter where they are.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’s Reception: Critical and Audience Reactions

Though A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has enjoyed a long-lasting legacy, its critical reception has been more modest. The special currently holds a 70% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while its audience score stands at 76%. The audience score, however, is particularly telling, as the special continues to hold a special place in the hearts of viewers despite mixed critical reviews over the years.

For many, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is far more than a holiday special. It represents family traditions, nostalgia, and life’s imperfections, something that fans continue to cherish year after year.

Peanuts’ Legacy and New Holiday Collectibles

In addition to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, fans of Peanuts can also celebrate the holiday season by picking up The Essential Peanuts, a new hardcover collection celebrating 75 years of the comic strip. Compiled by Mark Evanier, the book features the most iconic Peanuts strips and provides historical context for their cultural impact.

The collection is a reminder of how Charles Schulz’s characters from Charlie Brown to Snoopy to Lucy have become part of everyday language and culture. Whether it’s Charlie Brown’s doomed attempts to kick the football or Snoopy’s imagination taking flight, Peanuts has been a part of the American cultural fabric for generations.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone compare some doomed attempt at anything likened to Charlie Brown trying to kick the football,” Evanier added. “Schulz’s characters just became part of our world and stayed there.”

Conclusion

52 years after its premiere, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving remains a beloved holiday tradition for millions of viewers around the world. Whether streaming on Apple TV or revisiting the timeless message of friendship, gratitude, and imperfection, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has stood the test of time. Its enduring appeal is a testament to the cultural impact of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts gang, a legacy that continues to bring warmth and joy every holiday season.

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