Charlie Brown Thanksgiving continues to be one of the most beloved holiday specials in the United States, and its popularity only grows each year as families revisit its heartfelt message and timeless scenes. For 2025, fans searching for Charlie Brown Thanksgiving have clear and confirmed ways to watch it, making it easy to keep this tradition alive. The special remains exclusive to Apple TV+, and the platform will again offer a free viewing weekend for U.S. audiences. With updated streaming access, new device support, and a wave of renewed interest in Peanuts content, the 2025 holiday season makes enjoying this classic easier than ever.
The Legacy of Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
First released in 1973, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving became an instant holiday staple. The special follows Charlie Brown as he unexpectedly becomes the host of a Thanksgiving meal after Peppermint Patty invites herself—and several others—over without warning. With little preparation and no traditional food in sight, Charlie Brown turns to Snoopy and Woodstock for help. The meal turns into a kid-friendly spread of buttered toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans.
What begins as a comedic scramble evolves into a meaningful story about gratitude and the true meaning of togetherness. Even after 50 years, these themes remain relevant to viewers of all ages. The special also earned an Emmy Award, cementing its status as a foundational part of American holiday entertainment.
Families across the U.S. have woven the special into their traditions, watching it each year before dinner, after dessert, or during a cozy evening with loved ones. The nostalgia, charm, and heartwarming simplicity continue to resonate—especially during the busy holiday season.
Where to Watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in 2025
The answer for 2025 is clear: Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streams exclusively on Apple TV+.
Apple acquired the rights to the Peanuts collection several years ago, making the service the official home of all Charlie Brown holiday specials. That includes the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Halloween episodes, along with movies, new Peanuts shows, and spinoff content created for younger audiences.
Here is the full 2025 streaming breakdown:
- Platform: Apple TV+
- Availability: Year-round for subscribers
- Format: On-demand digital streaming
- Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes
If you already subscribe to Apple TV+, you can stream the special instantly on any supported device. Apple TV+ remains the exclusive home for Peanuts content through at least 2030, ensuring that this arrangement is stable and predictable for future holiday seasons.
How to Access Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Without a Subscription
Apple’s annual free-viewing tradition returns in 2025. This is one of the most anticipated parts of the holiday season for families who want a no-cost way to stream the special.
Free streaming details for 2025:
- Dates: November 15–16, 2025
- Cost: Free with an Apple ID
- Where: Apple TV app or Apple TV website
During these dates, the only requirement is to sign in with an Apple ID. You do not need an active subscription or payment method on file. This makes the special accessible to millions of U.S. viewers, including those who prefer traditional seasonal viewing rather than monthly subscriptions.
Supported Devices for Streaming in 2025
Apple TV+ has expanded its device support over recent years, making Charlie Brown Thanksgiving easier than ever to watch.
Supported devices include:
- Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and more
- Roku streaming sticks
- Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube
- Apple TV 4K and older Apple TV devices
- PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles
- iPhones, iPads, and Macs
- Any laptop or desktop via a standard web browser
With this wide compatibility, families can watch the special in living rooms, on mobile screens, at holiday gatherings, or even while traveling.
Apple TV+ Subscription Options for 2025
If viewers want unlimited access to Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and the entire Peanuts library beyond the free weekend, Apple TV+ offers multiple ways to subscribe.
Current subscription details:
- Monthly price: $12.99
- Free trial: 7 days for new subscribers
- Annual plan: Available at a discounted rate
- Bundles: Apple One bundles combine Apple TV+ with services like iCloud, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+
The platform is ad-free and supports 4K streaming where available, making the viewing experience crisp, smooth, and ideal for family gatherings.
Is Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on Broadcast TV This Year?
As of 2025, Charlie Brown Thanksgiving does not have any scheduled broadcast TV airings on networks such as ABC or PBS. The transition from broadcast to streaming began several years ago, and the 2025 season continues with the same arrangement.
For those who prefer traditional television viewing:
- The special will not air on cable
- It will not appear on local public broadcasting stations
- The only free option is the special Apple TV+ viewing weekend
Because of this, many families plan their viewing during the free weekend or choose to subscribe during the holidays.
Why Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Continues to Grow in Popularity
Even with hundreds of holiday movies and specials available across streaming platforms, Charlie Brown Thanksgiving stands out. Its universal message remains timeless, and its gentle storytelling style appeals to every generation.
Several factors contribute to its lasting impact:
1. Universal Holiday Themes
The special focuses on gratitude, friendship, and the value of showing up for others—timeless topics that resonate during Thanksgiving.
2. Nostalgia Across Generations
Parents and grandparents grew up watching the special on network television, and many now pass the tradition to younger family members.
3. Peanuts’ Simple, Heartfelt Animation
The hand-drawn animation and classic character voices have a charm that newer productions rarely replicate.
4. Memorable Scenes and Music
Small moments—like Snoopy setting the table or Woodstock carving a turkey—remain iconic. Vince Guaraldi’s music enhances the emotional warmth.
5. Short Runtime
At just 25 minutes, the special fits well before dinner, after dessert, or as part of larger family gatherings.
Ideas to Make Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Part of Your 2025 Traditions
Whether you’re watching with family, friends, or children discovering the Peanuts world for the first time, the special lends itself to fun and meaningful traditions.
Here are ways to enhance your 2025 viewing:
- Make the Peanuts meal together:
Toast, popcorn, jelly beans, and pretzel sticks—simple and nostalgic. - Host a themed family night:
Watch the special and then play Peanuts-themed trivia. - Pair it with a gratitude activity:
Have each person share one thing they’re thankful for. - Create a Peanuts marathon:
Watch the Halloween and Christmas specials for a three-part holiday lineup. - Screen it outdoors:
Use a projector and blankets for a cozy fall evening.
These traditions are easy to set up and help deepen the emotional connection to the special.
Quick 2025 Guide: Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Special Title | A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving |
| Original Release | 1973 |
| 2025 Streaming Platform | Apple TV+ |
| Free Viewing Days | November 15–16, 2025 |
| Broadcast TV Airings | None announced for 2025 |
| Subscription Cost | $12.99 per month |
| Special Runtime | Approx. 25 minutes |
| U.S. Availability | Nationwide streaming access |
How Peanuts Continues to Shape Holiday Culture
Peanuts remains one of the most enduring franchises in U.S. entertainment. The characters—Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Peppermint Patty—remain instantly recognizable. Their personalities, stories, and gentle humor have created a shared cultural language that families, schools, and communities revisit year after year.
The Thanksgiving special embodies the heart of that legacy. It brings people together in a way few holiday features can. Even with the shift to digital viewing, the tradition continues strong in 2025.
If this classic special is part of your family’s Thanksgiving celebration, feel free to share your favorite viewing tradition below to help other fans keep the magic alive.