The Great Pumpkin's Cousin: Keeping the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Tradition Alive in the Streaming Age

Ah, Thanksgiving. For so many of us, it’s not just about the turkey and the pie — it’s also about that unmistakable, cozy warmth of settling in with the family for a particular animated classic. You know the one: where Peppermint Patty invites everyone over, Snoopy cooks a rather unconventional meal, and Linus, well, Linus always reminds us what it’s all truly about. Yes, we’re talking about “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” a staple, a cornerstone, honestly, of holiday viewing for generations.

But for once, or maybe for the last few years, the way we watch these beloved specials has, shall we say, evolved. Remember those simpler days? When you just knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that at a certain time on a certain network, Charlie Brown and the gang would simply… be there? It was a given. A shared national moment. Now, though, the landscape is a little different, a touch more fragmented, requiring just a tiny bit more effort from us nostalgic souls.

Because, in truth, our dear Peanuts specials, including the iconic Thanksgiving feast from 1973, have found a new, exclusive home. And that home, my friends, is Apple TV+. A change, yes, from the old broadcast rhythms, but a necessary pivot for those keen to keep the tradition glowing bright. So, if you’re wondering how to gather the kids (or just yourself, no judgment here) around for Snoopy’s popcorn-and-toast extravaganza in November 2025, this is where you'll find it.

Now, here’s the clever bit, for those who might not be year-round Apple TV+ subscribers. You could say, there’s a rather convenient way to partake in Charlie Brown’s holiday woes — and joys! — without opening your wallet for a full subscription. Apple TV+ typically offers a generous 7-day free trial. That’s right. A whole week. Plenty of time, honestly, to watch Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and even that little yellow bird, Woodstock, prepare for their most peculiar, yet utterly heartwarming, Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s simple, really. Just sign up for the trial when the special becomes available in November. Dive into the world of Peppermint Patty’s questionable invitation etiquette and Snoopy’s surprisingly competent (if unconventional) culinary skills. Relish the simple, profound messages that Charles M. Schulz wove into every frame. Then, once you’ve had your fill of animated holiday cheer, you can, of course, cancel the trial before any charges kick in. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

So, even though the channel surfing of yore might be a relic of the past, the spirit of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” endures. It’s still there, waiting. All it takes is a quick digital hop, a free trial, and you’re back in that familiar, comforting world. Because some traditions, truly, are just too good to let fade away. And for once, getting to them might just be simpler than it seems.