Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming is one of the most searched topics each November as families across the United States prepare for the holiday season. Many Americans grew up watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on broadcast television, and today’s viewers want the most current information on how to watch it legally, clearly, and in the highest quality. In 2025, the special remains a beloved part of Thanksgiving traditions, but its streaming availability has shifted in recent years, making accurate guidance more important than ever.
This long-form guide provides a comprehensive look at where the special is streaming, how to access free viewing windows, what devices support playback, and how to plan ahead for a seamless holiday experience. Every detail reflects the most up-to-date and verified information available for U.S. audiences.
Where Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Is Streaming Right Now
The official home for Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming in 2025 is Apple TV+. Apple holds exclusive rights to the full Peanuts content library, which includes classic specials, feature-length films, and modern Peanuts programming. As a result, the Thanksgiving special is no longer available on traditional broadcast television or competing streaming platforms as part of their subscription catalogs.
Apple TV+ currently lists the special as an on-demand title throughout the year. That means viewers can watch it during the holiday season or months earlier if they want to revisit the story. This exclusivity also ensures high-quality playback and reliable access across compatible devices.
Why Apple TV+ Is the Exclusive Streaming Home
Several years ago, Apple reached a long-term agreement securing all Peanuts programming for its platform. This decision moved the entire collection—from the Thanksgiving special to Halloween and Christmas classics—into the streaming service’s library. Since then, Apple TV+ has been the only subscription streaming platform offering full access.
This arrangement has reshaped how families watch the beloved specials. Instead of waiting for a scheduled television broadcast, viewers can stream the Thanksgiving episode whenever they want. With modern viewing habits shifting toward on-demand services, Apple TV+ now serves as the central destination for Peanuts holiday traditions.
Subscription Details for U.S. Viewers
While many holiday specials appear across various services, this one requires a direct Apple TV+ subscription or a promotional trial. As of fall 2025, the subscription structure is straightforward:
- Monthly cost: $12.99
- Free trial: 7 days for most new subscribers
- Apple One bundles: Includes Apple TV+ with other Apple services at a combined rate
Viewers who sign up gain full access to the Peanuts library during their billing period. Households with multiple family members can take advantage of Apple’s built-in family sharing feature, which allows up to six users to access the account.
Free Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Streaming Weekend in 2025
Each year, Apple opens A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving to all users during a special free weekend. This gives U.S. households a chance to watch without paying or activating a trial. For 2025, the confirmed free streaming window covers:
- Saturday, November 15, 2025
- Sunday, November 16, 2025
During those two days:
- No subscription fee is required
- Viewers must still sign in with an Apple ID
- Playback is available through the Apple TV app or web browser
This limited-time viewing opportunity is ideal for families who want to maintain their annual tradition without committing to a monthly plan. After November 16, access returns to subscribers and trial users only.
How to Watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on Any Device
With Apple TV+ serving as the exclusive streaming platform, device compatibility is important for a smooth experience. Fortunately, Apple TV+ supports a wide range of devices commonly used in American homes.
You can stream the special on:
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio models with the Apple TV app)
- Streaming Devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 4K, Google TV)
- Game Consoles (PlayStation and Xbox systems featuring the Apple TV app)
- Mobile Devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch via Apple’s native TV app)
- Computers (Mac via TV app, Windows PCs or Chromebooks via browser)
This versatility ensures that families can access the special from living rooms, bedrooms, or even during travel.
Step-By-Step Guide to Watch the Special in 2025
To make holiday planning easier, here is a clear, step-by-step overview for viewers:
- Check your Apple ID.
Make sure you can log in on the device you’ll use. If you don’t have an Apple ID, creating one is free. - Decide how you want to access the special.
Choose between the subscription, the free trial, or the free weekend window. - Download or update the Apple TV app.
Most smart TVs and streaming devices include the app, but older models may require a manual installation. - Open the app and sign in.
If using a browser, visit the Apple TV website and log in with your Apple ID. - Search for “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”
The special appears under Peanuts or the holiday category as well. - Add to your Up Next queue.
This makes it easier to find during Thanksgiving week. - Begin streaming.
Press play and enjoy the holiday tradition anytime during your subscription or the free viewing period.
Can You Still Watch It on Broadcast TV?
For decades, the Thanksgiving special aired on broadcast networks such as CBS and later ABC. That era has officially ended. In 2025:
- The special does not air on PBS
- It does not appear on ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox
- There is no free broadcast through local channels
Streaming is now the standard method for accessing the Peanuts holiday library. Households relying only on over-the-air television will need either a trial or free Apple ID access during the November free window to watch.
Purchasing Options for Permanent Ownership
Many U.S. families prefer owning classics outright rather than relying on a subscription model. For those viewers, there are several purchase options:
- Digital purchases available through major platforms such as Amazon’s digital store, Apple’s digital storefront, and similar services
- Physical DVD or Blu-ray editions typically sold through major retailers and online stores
Owning a digital or physical copy ensures permanent access, making it ideal for households that rewatch the special year after year without subscribing to a streaming platform.
Why A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Remains a Holiday Staple
Even as entertainment habits shift, the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special continues to resonate with viewers. Several factors contribute to its lasting popularity:
Timeless Storytelling
The simple, charming narrative captures the innocence and humor of childhood friendships.
Iconic Snoopy Scenes
From Snoopy’s backyard feast to his imaginative antics, the special delivers memorable moments that fans cherish.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Its short runtime and gentle humor make it suitable for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents.
Tradition
For many households, watching the special has become as essential as cooking Thanksgiving dinner.
Seasonal Mood
The warmth of the animation, music, and themes mirrors the spirit of U.S. Thanksgiving celebrations.
This combination of tradition and nostalgia helps the special maintain its relevance in the streaming age.
Tips for Smooth Streaming During Thanksgiving Week
To avoid frustrating delays on a busy holiday:
- Test your access early, preferably several days before Thanksgiving
- Save the special in your Up Next or Watchlist
- Check your Wi-Fi strength if multiple devices will be online
- Keep a backup device nearby, such as a tablet or laptop
- Update apps in advance to avoid unexpected downloads at the last minute
A little preparation helps ensure that your family viewing stays stress-free.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Peanuts Streaming
Apple’s long-term agreement means that Apple TV+ will remain the core platform for Peanuts content for years to come. This stability gives families a clear path for accessing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Halloween Peanuts specials every holiday season.
Expect:
- Continued free viewing weekends
- Frequent holiday promotions within the Apple TV+ interface
- New Peanuts specials appearing alongside classic titles
This setup ensures that long-term fans and new viewers alike can continue enjoying the Peanuts universe in modern, convenient formats.
Are you planning to stream A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving this year, or will you watch during the free weekend? Share your plans in the comments and stay connected for more holiday updates.