How to watch ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ this year

As we leave the barbeques, beach days, and fireworks behind in the summer months, the spooky season is set to commence as we drift closer towards the official start of Fall. And with it comes a parade of festive classics to enjoy alongside a tall glass of apple cider.

In particular, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, remains one of the most classic specials that happily assists in kicking off the pumpkin-filled season. Along with carving pumpkins and adhering to spooky activities, watching the 1966 project is surely a tradition in a wide variety of households across the nation.

However, one streaming service memorably played the role of Lucy back during the 2020 Halloween season, after the pumpkin was yanked right out from under our feet. That being said, that same tradition looks to repeat this year, with the Peanuts special once again not being aired on television for the fall-loving masses to enjoy. But fear not, for there is another way to soak up the fun of the classic movie.

Where can I watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown this year?

Thankfully, we can avoid the trickery and find the treat of a classic show on streaming this year, leading up to, and especially on Halloween. Is the episode not airing because people don’t watch traditional television anymore? Hardly. It’s just another tactic in the arms race known as the streaming wars, with one service gaining and securing the rights to the asset, and understandably so, given its ever-growing popularity.

The always-wholesome and transparent company Apple gained the rights to perhaps the greatest holiday trio of shows in existence — A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and our show at the forefront right now, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, back in 2020.

Not airing the special on TV over the last several years might be seen as absolute blasphemy to some, but others, they could borrow Linus’ spirit and say: “It’s a holiday miracle, Charlie Brown!” because all three holiday specials will still be available for kids and adults alike to watch together. That’s right, at least for 2024, even though you need something to stream it on, we can join the Peanuts crew in that great pumpkin patch once more.

That being said, those looking to ring in the autumn season with a bang can enjoy It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown right now on Apple TV Plus, with a subscription. Of course, you certainly don’t need to wait until September or October to fully experience the joyous film, but it absolutely adds a certain element of fun to the fall months.

The same will follow for the Peanuts Thanksgiving and Christmas specials as well, however, the current time windows for the specials are unknown.

Unfortunately, Netflix, Hulu, and any other fellow streaming giant does not own the rights, so Apple TV Plus is your final destination to watch the beloved special. So be sure to grab your apple cider donuts and begin the spooky season in the best way.