The Endearing Charm of Charles Shultz’ ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ (and where to watch this year)


Thanksgiving is sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. And, aptly, this year Peanuts creator Charles Schultz’ “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” did not air on television networks, but both “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be available on television networks and streaming services. 

Shultz’ “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” often falls under the radar—as does the Thanksgiving holiday, in lieu of the bright lights, decorations, and month-long Christmas events. However, as we learned in touching and endearing films like “Pieces of April” and the timeless “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” Thanksgiving cinema can give us some of the best forms of entertainment. In light of this, Shultz’ 1973 Thanksgiving film—while customarily short at 25 minutes—heralds some of the lasting impressions of ‘70s animation and the lessons of the holiday many of us often forget. 

The plot is simple, involving Peppermint Patty inviting herself and some of her friends over to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving, even though he himself has to be at his grandmother’s by 4:30 that evening for actual Thanksgiving. Anxiety ensues as he scrambles to figure out how to accommodate the request, and how ever will he manage to please his friends and get to his grandmother’s on time. 

The animation is performed by Bob Bachman, and we are treated to some iconic scenes as the group attempts to ready “dinner” for Charlie Brown’s group of friends. To the tune of the iconic piano and bass scores (handled by Vince Guaraldi and Seward McCain), Snoopy, Woodstock, and others prepare the outdoor dining table (which is nothing more than a ping pong table adorned with plates and a sheet) and a feast for the friends (which is nothing more than toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans).

The quaintness and quirk with which the scenes are performed are holiday cannon. Woodstock buttering bread with one hand while putting the next piece of toast in with the second…Snoopy playing ping pong solo, his speed able to play both sides while Woodstock watches…Snoopy and Woodstock’s pilgrim outfits. Of course, the film starts with its recurring set piece: Lucy setting up Charlie Brown to kick the football, which she invariable pulls from him and he falls flat on his face. 

But what works most about “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” aside its dated animation and child’s view of the holiday season, are the lessons contained within. Charlie Brown learns the lesson that his friends are important to him and lean on him for support; his friends learn the lessons that it takes many hands to make light work and that a little appreciation goes a long way. Peppermint Patty’s early protestations that popcorn, toast, and pretzels isn’t a “real Thanksgiving dinner,” quickly yields two lessons: she has hurt Charlie Brown’s feelings and that getting together and being thankful for friends and family is what the holiday is all about. 

The film’s end scenes, showing Snoopy and Woodstock enjoying traditional turkey, cranberry sauce, and potatoes is laughable and a perfect wrap-up to the film. But the lasting impressions, as with “The Great Pumpkin” (about faith), and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (about Christmas’ deeper meaning), mirror lessons parents attempt to instill in children, as well as lessons we often relearn as adults we thought we forgot. The holidays are about family, friends, and togetherness; and if you’re lucky enough to have those, cherish these, and not gifts or fancy dinners. 

Where to watch: 

“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” thanks to a deal made between PBS and Apple aired the film on both PBS and PBS Kids on November 22nd (source: CNET.com). However, if you missed this airing, you can watch the film on Apple TV+, should you have the paid subscription, from November 18 onward. If you don’t have the subscription, you can watch it for free on Apple TV starting today, November 25 through Friday, November 27. 

The Christmas Special

Following suit, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will follow a similar pattern. You can watch the animated film on PBS and PBS Kids on December 13, 2020 at 7:30 PM PT. Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to watch the film on December 4, and non-subscribers can watch for free from December 11 through December 13 (source: CNET.com).