Where to watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving remains one of the most common questions every November as families prepare for holiday traditions. In 2025, the timeless Peanuts special continues to hold a nostalgic place in American pop culture, but the way to watch it has changed significantly in recent years. With broadcasting rights shifting and streaming platforms evolving, viewers now rely on up-to-date information to access the classic program. As of today’s confirmed updates, the special has one primary home for streaming in the United States, and knowing where to find it ensures your holiday viewing goes uninterrupted.
This guide breaks down everything U.S. viewers need to know in 2025, including streaming access, free-view options, device compatibility, and how the rights shifted over time. The content below is fully verified through the latest public updates from media distributors and reflects the current availability as of this season.
The Current Home of the Holiday Classic
The Peanuts Thanksgiving special has become a staple for U.S. households during the holiday season. However, it no longer airs on broadcast networks. The program now streams exclusively on Apple TV+, making it the only confirmed platform offering on-demand access in 2025.
This shift took place when Apple secured long-term streaming rights to the entire Peanuts library, including the iconic holiday titles. The collection now includes Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas specials, as well as modern Peanuts series. Because of this exclusive agreement, viewers will not find the Thanksgiving special on traditional cable channels or competing streaming services this year.
Apple TV+ offers the title in HD with the ability to rewind, fast-forward, and replay as long as a subscription or trial is active. For fans who want a high-quality viewing experience during Thanksgiving week, Apple’s platform delivers the most reliable option.
Subscription Details You Need to Know in 2025
Many families ask where to watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving without unexpected costs. As of this season, Apple TV+ uses a monthly subscription model for access to all Peanuts content. Here are the current details:
- Monthly price in the U.S.: $12.99
- Free trial available: 7 days, for eligible new users
- Included in Apple One bundles if the subscriber uses other Apple services
Once you activate your subscription or free trial, the Thanksgiving special becomes instantly available. Unlike older broadcast formats, there are no commercials and no scheduled airtime. Families can watch at any point during the holiday season, which makes planning easier for gatherings, school events, and Thanksgiving meals.
Was There a Free Weekend in 2025?
Yes, the special was available for free during November 15–16, 2025 on the Apple TV app for all U.S. viewers. This annual free-view window is part of an ongoing tradition Apple has continued to offer for selected Peanuts specials.
During that weekend, viewers were able to sign in with an Apple ID and watch without starting a paid subscription. There were no broadcast airings, and the free viewing was exclusive to Apple’s streaming platform.
As of today’s date, that window has passed. Any remaining access now requires an active subscription or a new trial period if eligible.
Availability Across Devices
Once you know where to watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the next step is selecting a compatible device. Fortunately, Apple TV+ supports a wide range of platforms, making it accessible in most U.S. households. You can stream the special on:
- Smart TVs with the Apple TV app
- Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD boxes
- Roku streaming devices
- Amazon Fire TV sticks and televisions
- PlayStation and Xbox consoles that support the Apple TV app
- iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
- Mac computers through the TV app
- Windows PCs, Chromebooks, and Android phones using a web browser
This flexibility ensures viewers can access the special whether they’re watching on a living room TV, a bedroom tablet, or a laptop while traveling for the holiday.
A Step-By-Step Guide for Watching the Special This Season
To help make holiday plans easier, here’s a clear walkthrough for watching the Peanuts Thanksgiving special in 2025:
- Create or sign in with an Apple ID.
This account is required to access Apple TV+ on any device. - Check your eligibility for the 7-day free trial.
If you haven’t used a trial before, you may be able to watch the special without paying. - Start the subscription or trial.
Confirm the current subscription price before activating. - Open the Apple TV app or visit the streaming site.
The app is available on most modern smart TVs, devices, or browsers. - Search for “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”
Add the title to your watchlist for easy access during the holiday. - Press play and enjoy with family and friends.
Streaming through Apple TV+ offers smooth playback and high-definition quality.
By following these steps, U.S. viewers can easily enjoy the Peanuts tradition without confusion over availability or timing.
Why the Special Left Broadcast TV
Many viewers still remember watching the Thanksgiving special on CBS and later ABC. For a brief period between 2020 and 2022, PBS also aired Peanuts specials in partnership with Apple.
However, those broadcast rights have since expired. The modern media landscape has shifted heavily toward streaming exclusivity, and Apple’s acquisition of Peanuts rights ensures all major holiday titles remain part of its platform for the foreseeable future.
This move reflects broader industry trends:
- Media companies prioritizing exclusive content for their platforms
- Families increasingly relying on streaming over cable
- Major holiday titles gaining more value as subscription drivers
Because of this shift, the Thanksgiving special has become a streaming-first tradition, which is now part of the holiday experience for millions of Americans.
Why This Special Continues to Matter in 2025
Even decades after its release, the Peanuts Thanksgiving special remains a cultural icon. Viewers return to it each year for several reasons:
Nostalgia Across Generations
Parents who watched the special as children now share it with their own families. It creates a sense of continuity during the holiday season.
Timeless Messages
Themes of friendship, gratitude, kindness, and humility remain relevant and comforting, especially around Thanksgiving.
Simple Humor and Heart
The story balances gentle humor with meaningful moments, something rare in modern holiday programming.
A Safe Family Tradition
Parents appreciate its family-friendly tone, making it a reliable choice for group viewing.
These qualities explain why the question of where to watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving becomes so important every November.
How the Special Fits Into Modern Viewing Habits
Viewers’ habits have changed dramatically in the past decade. Streaming has become the primary way families enjoy holiday programs. The Peanuts Thanksgiving special fits perfectly into this shift because:
- Families can watch on their own schedule
- They can replay or pause during gatherings
- They can access the special while traveling
- They can combine it with other Peanuts titles on the same platform
This flexibility allows the special to remain part of holiday rituals even as viewing habits evolve.
Tips for Planning a Holiday Watch Party in 2025
If you’re organizing a Thanksgiving watch party, here are some helpful suggestions to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Test the Apple TV app a day before your gathering
- Make sure your login information is correct
- Update your device software to avoid playback issues
- Add the title to your favorites for quick access
- Check your Wi-Fi speed, especially with large groups
- Consider connecting speakers for better sound quality
With just a bit of preparation, you can ensure a seamless viewing experience.
Conclusion
In 2025, the answer to where to watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is clear and reliable: Apple TV+ remains the exclusive home for streaming the beloved holiday special in the United States. With flexible viewing options, cross-device compatibility, and a user-friendly platform, it offers families a convenient way to keep this classic story part of their Thanksgiving traditions.
What are your plans for watching the Peanuts Thanksgiving special this year? Share your thoughts below and stay connected for more seasonal updates.