Where’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown? How to watch ‘Peanuts’ special for free
Grab your blankie, set aside denominational differences, and find yourself a pumpkin patch free of hypocrisy.
October is prime time to enjoy the holiday classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
The beloved “Peanuts” special will not air on television in 2022, a rock in the treat bag for many long-time fans. But before you demand restitution, there is a way to watch for free just in time for Halloween.
Here’s how to stream “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” free of charge:
Why isn’t ‘Great Pumpkin’ on TV?
For many years, “Peanuts” holiday specials aired on public airwaves, with “Great Pumpkin” premiering on CBS in 1966, then moving to ABC in 2001.
But in 2020, Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV+, took ownership of the specials. That year, the special didn’t air on television, prompting a backlash from long-time fans. In 2021, they returned to television, airing on PBS.
That was, apparently, a one-time arrangement
“Regretfully, PBS does not have the rights to distribute the Peanuts specials this year,” the network said on Twitter in response to fan questions about 2022 air dates. “We’ll all have to watch for the Great Pumpkin in a different pumpkin patch this Halloween.”
How to stream ‘Great Pumpkin’ for free
Apple TV+ will “provide special free windows for nonsubscribers to stream” the “Peanuts” holiday specials in 2022, the streaming service said in a statement.
“Great Pumpkin” will be available for free from Oct 28 through Oct. 31, Apple said.
Later in the holiday season, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will be available from Nov. 23 through Nov. 27, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be available from Dec. 22 through Dec. 25.
You can access Apple TV+ at tv.apple.com or by downloading the Apple TV+ app to phone, tablet or smart TV.
Apple TV+ subscribers can watch the specials anytime. Subscriptions are $4.99 per month, and seven-day free trials are available.
This story was originally published October 20, 2022 at 7:00 AM.
