Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming is once again a huge topic this season as U.S. families look for where to watch the beloved Peanuts special. In 2025, the holiday favorite is firmly in the streaming era, with one primary home, a confirmed free viewing window, and several simple ways to tune in from almost any device.
This guide walks through how to watch it, what you need, and important dates U.S. viewers should know right now.
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Where Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Is Streaming in 2025
The only subscription streaming home for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in the United States is Apple TV+.
Apple holds exclusive streaming rights to the Peanuts catalog, including:
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Newer Peanuts series and specials
That means you will not find the special included on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Max as part of their standard libraries. Some services may sell or rent it through digital stores, but when people talk about Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming as part of a subscription, they are talking about Apple TV+.
Price, Plans, and Free Trial on Apple TV+
As of November 2025, Apple TV+ is priced at $12.99 per month in the U.S.
Key details:
- 7-day free trial for new subscribers (availability can vary by account history)
- Included in Apple One bundles at tiered pricing
- Often offered for several months at no cost with new Apple devices
Subscribers can stream A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on demand at any time of year, not just in November. Once the subscription is active, the special sits in the Peanuts section alongside many other titles.
Free Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Streaming Window in 2025
Even if you don’t subscribe, there is a confirmed free streaming window for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving this year.
For 2025, Apple is making the special free to watch for all viewers on:
- Saturday, November 15, 2025
- Sunday, November 16, 2025
During that 48-hour period:
- No paid subscription is required
- You still need an Apple ID to sign in
- The special plays through the Apple TV app or web browser without a paywall
Outside those two days, you’ll need either an active subscription or an eligible free trial to watch.
How to Watch on Different Devices
One of the biggest advantages of Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming on Apple TV+ is device flexibility. You can watch on a wide range of hardware commonly used in U.S. homes.
Supported options include:
- Smart TVs with the Apple TV app (many Samsung, LG, Sony, and other models)
- Streaming devices such as Apple TV boxes, Roku, and many Amazon Fire TV models
- Game consoles that support the Apple TV app
- iPhone, iPad, and Mac through the built-in TV app
- Windows PCs, Chromebooks, and Android phones or tablets using a modern browser at the Apple TV website
In most cases, you simply:
- Open the Apple TV app or website
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Start your subscription, free trial, or use the free weekend
- Search for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Hit play and enjoy
Step-by-Step: Watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in 2025
Here’s a simple, practical walkthrough for U.S. viewers:
- Check the calendar.
Decide whether you want to watch during the free November 15–16 window or at another time. - Create or confirm your Apple ID.
If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you likely already have one. - Decide between free window, free trial, or full subscription.
- Free weekend: November 15–16
- Free trial: usually 7 days for new users
- Full subscription: $12.99/month
- Install the Apple TV app if needed.
Download it on your smart TV, streaming device, console, or mobile device. - Search for the special.
Type in “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” in the app search bar. - Add to Up Next or Watchlist.
This helps you find it quickly on Thanksgiving week. - Press play.
You can pause, rewind, or replay as much as you like during your access period.
Is the Special Still on Regular TV?
In past decades, many U.S. families watched the special on broadcast networks. That changed when Peanuts moved fully to streaming.
As of the 2025 holiday season:
- The special is not part of the regular lineups on ABC, CBS, NBC, or PBS
- There is no annually scheduled free broadcast on traditional television
- All official streaming access runs through Apple TV+, with limited free windows
Some local TV stations may feature commentary or coverage about Peanuts, but the full special itself now lives in the streaming space.
Digital Purchase and Physical Copies
While Apple TV+ is the central hub for Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming, you still have other ways to watch if you prefer to own the special.
Common options include:
- Digital purchase or rental through major stores such as Amazon’s digital service and other large online platforms
- DVD and Blu-ray releases sold through major retailers and online shops
These purchases are separate from a streaming subscription. Once you buy a digital or physical copy, you can watch without worrying about subscription renewals, though you lose the convenience of in-app playlists and recommendations.
Why the Special Still Matters in 2025
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving first aired in 1973, yet it remains part of the seasonal routine in many U.S. households. The streaming era has changed how people watch, but not why.
Families and fans still turn to it because:
- It delivers a short, 25-minute story that fits easily into busy schedules
- The mix of humor, heart, and simple animation feels timeless
- Iconic scenes, like Snoopy’s makeshift meal, resonate across generations
- It pairs perfectly with other Thanksgiving traditions like cooking, traveling, and decorating
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming has become the modern way to keep that tradition alive while adjusting to today’s viewing habits.
Tips for Stress-Free Streaming on Thanksgiving Week
To avoid last-minute issues, especially if you’re hosting or watching with kids:
- Test the Apple TV app a few days before your planned viewing
- Verify your Apple ID password and subscription status
- Add the special to your watchlist so it’s easy to find
- Check your internet connection and, if possible, use wired or strong Wi-Fi
- Have a backup device ready, such as a tablet or laptop, in case your main TV app misbehaves
A small bit of prep can keep your holiday viewing smooth and frustration-free.
Looking Ahead: Future of Peanuts on Streaming
Apple’s deal for Peanuts content now runs through 2030, which means Apple TV+ will remain the core home for the classic specials and newer Peanuts projects for years. For viewers, that offers clarity: if you plan on making Charlie Brown Thanksgiving streaming a yearly tradition, Apple TV+ is the service to keep an eye on.
You can expect:
- Recurring free windows for major specials in future years
- Ongoing availability of the Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas classics
- More original Peanuts content sharing shelf space with the older favorites
This setup gives fans a reliable way to revisit the specials each holiday season.
Will you be streaming A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving during the free weekend or as part of a family movie night this year? Share your plans or favorite moments in the comments and check back for more holiday streaming updates.