By Gavin Boyle
Apple TV+ has extended its rights to the Peanuts cartoons through 2030, making it the home to the classic Charlie Brown specials along with the newer shows and movies produced for the platform.
“In this milestone 75th anniversary year, it feels incredibly meaningful to continue our collaboration with our brilliant partners at WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson,” said Tara Sorenson, head of children’s programming at Apple TV+. “Our commitment, dedication and passion for Peanuts runs deep. These beloved characters and stories hold a timeless significance, resonating with people of all ages across the globe.”
Related: New THE SNOOPY SHOW Series to Join Peanuts Content on Apple TV+
“And we are delighted that the iconic holiday specials will be available for everyone to experience, continuing this time-honored, comforting tradition,” she continued.
Apple first acquired the rights to Peanuts in 2018, making it a part of its lineup when the Apple TV+ platform first launched. In the years since, it has transformed the tradition of watching all of the Peanuts holiday specials, taking them off cable and broadcast, but making them free on specific days every year. This year is no different. IT’S THE GREAT PUMPKIN CHARLIE BROWN will be free to watch on Oct. 18 and 19, A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING will be available to all on Nov. 15 and 16 and A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS can be streamed for free on Dec. 13 and 14.
Meanwhile, Apple has also worked to expand the brand, creating new content largely centered around Snoopy. The platform has produced an original show along with multiple new short movies, the most recent being SNOOPY PRESENTS: A SUMMER MUSICAL. A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:
SNOOPY PRESENTS: A SUMMER MUSICAL is a fun, wholesome treat for children and adults, with multiple high quality songs. The movie places a strong emphasis on biblical principles where children fight for what they know is right, enjoy their friends, work to do the right thing even when it doesn’t benefit them, and spend time outdoors with nature. A SUMMER MUSICAL also features a positive scene where Charlie Brown addresses God.
At the end of 2023, Apple also announced that a new Peanuts movie is now in the works which follows Charlie Brown and his crew as they adventure through New York City.
“We can’t wait for everyone to experience this heartwarming new adventure with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang in the big city,” Sorensen said when the movie was announced.
“It is so special to carry on my father’s legacy with an original story from me, my son Bryan and his writing partner Neil,” added Craig Schulz.
It is encouraging to see how Apple has stewarded the Peanuts name. The comic seems to be in good hands and will remain so through the end of the decade.
Read Next: Snoopy Sings Again! Peanuts Debuts First Musical in 35 Years
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