When it comes to Halloween classics, there's perhaps none as iconic as It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. The prime-time animated special based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip first debuted way back in 1966. Since then, it has become a staple in American Halloween culture.
The rights to It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown shifted between CBS and ABC, but in 2020, Apple TV+ became the exclusive home of all Peanuts specials. While a partnership between Apple and PBS allowed the special to return to broadcast television on PBS and PBS Kids in 2021, that will not be the case this year. When asked on Twitter, PBS Kids confirmed it does not have the rights to distribute the peanuts specials this year.
In 2022, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown can only be watched on Apple TV+. The subscription-based streaming service typically costs $4.99 per month — a rather affordable price considering all the high-quality content it offers — but Apple will be providing a special window for non-subscribers to enjoy the animated special for free.
From October 28th through October 31st, non-Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for free on the service. Even free, you'll still need to download the Apple TV app, which I'm sure may be viewed as an annoyance by some of the older generations who are used to catching it on ABC or CBS. If you are an Apple TV+ subscriber, you'll be able to stream the special for free anytime, along with all other Peanuts content.
Costumes, candy, this classic special — some things just scream Halloween. Join the Peanuts gang for a timeless adventure as Charlie Brown preps for a party, Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron and Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle.
In addition to It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Apple TV+ is home to other Peanuts classics, including A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and a Charlie Brown Christmas — both of which will also have select windows to stream for free on the service. Additionally, two more Peanuts holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide, I Want a Dog for Christmas and Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tales, will be added to the platform for the first time starting December 2nd.