How to Watch 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' Online

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to cozy up in a pumpkin patch and anticipate the arrival of a Halloween legend with the beloved tradition of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This timeless seasonal classic follows Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they prepare for Halloween in their own unique ways. From getting costumes ready for trick or treating, to Linus patiently awaiting the Great Pumpkin's arrival, and Snoopy using his flying doghouse to battle the Red Baron, there's no shortage of spooky festivities.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, along with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas, forms a seasonal trilogy featuring Charles M. Schultz's iconic Peanuts characters. These specials have gained international recognition through their annual appearances on syndicated live television. However, with the advent of streaming services, the viewing experience has undergone significant changes. To discover how you can enjoy this cherished annual tradition in 2023, we have compiled a guide on where to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Image via Apple TV+Discover the essence of Halloween with costumes, candy, and this iconic special – It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Embark on a timeless journey alongside the Peanuts gang as Charlie Brown prepares for a party, Snoopy embarks on a thrilling mission against the Red Baron, and Linus eagerly anticipates a miraculous moment in the pumpkin patch. Experience the magic of this beloved tale, streaming on Apple TV+.

What Is 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' About?

Release Date: October 27, 1966

Director: Bill Melendez

Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Sally Dryer, Bill Melendez, Kathy Steinberg

Rating: TV-G

Runtime: 25 minutes

Main Genre: Animation

Genres: Family, Holiday, Short

Writers: Charles M. Schulz

Distributor(s): Apple TV+

Sequel(s): A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Prequel(s): A Charlie Brown Christmas

Franchise(s): Peanuts

Image via Apple TV+

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was released in 1966. The story follows Linus and Lucy (Sally Dryer) as they search for the perfect pumpkin. Once they find a gigantic pumpkin, they bring it home. To Linus' dismay, he believes Lucy "destroys" the pumpkin when she starts carving it. Later on, Charlie is in the middle of raking leaves when Lucy asks him to kick a football. As expected, Lucy snatches the ball away before Charlie can kick it.

While Charlie, Lucy, and their friends excitedly prepare for trick-or-treating and attending Violet's Halloween Party, Linus devotes his time to writing a letter addressed to "The Great Pumpkin." The other kids are unaware of this mystical figure, but Linus firmly believes that The Great Pumpkin is akin to Santa Claus, delivering gifts to well-behaved children on Halloween. Despite being ridiculed by the other kids for foregoing trick-or-treating to wait in a pumpkin patch, Linus remains steadfast in his decision. Fortunately, Charlie's sister Sally, who has always had a crush on Linus, keeps him company.

The remaining children embark on a fun-filled night of trick-or-treating, with the exception of Charlie, who receives a bag of rocks instead of treats due to his ghost costume's excessive holes. After enduring this unfortunate prank, they proceed to Violet's party, where they participate in apple bobbing and delight in doodling on Charlie's head. Meanwhile, Snoopy, dressed as a fighter pilot, engages in imaginative battles with the Red Baron in the make-believe sky. Throughout all this, Linus and Sally patiently await the arrival of The Great Pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. Despite a momentary false alarm sparked by Snoopy's fleeting appearance, The Great Pumpkin ultimately fails to materialize. Ultimately, Linus dozes off and Lucy, being the responsible older sister, escorts him home. Even though The Great Pumpkin fails to make an appearance, Linus maintains unwavering conviction that he will encounter the legendary Halloween figure in the following year.

Is 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' Streaming?

Image via Apple TV+

Starting from December 2018, Apple TV+ became the exclusive streaming platform for It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and other Peanuts specials. If you don't already have Apple TV+, the base subscription plan now costs $9.99 USD per month, with a seven-day free trial. While the special was initially available for free on October 21 to October 22, that offer has now ended. Stream it on Apple TV+.

Will 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' Air on Television?

Image via Apple TV+

You can now exclusively stream It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Apple TV+ since the Peanuts specials are no longer available on cable or live television services. However, there are alternative ways to watch this acclaimed Halloween classic. Physical copies of the special, along with other Peanuts specials, can be purchased on Blu-ray and DVD from local retailers or websites like Amazon. You can find the Peanuts Holiday Collection on Amazon, which includes It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Follow the link below to make your purchase.

Where To Watch the Other Peanuts Specials

Fans of the Peanuts series are well aware that It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is just one of many seasonal specials featuring Charlie Brown and his friends. If you're interested in more Peanuts adventures, we have some personal favorites to recommend. Just like the Halloween classic, all of these specials can be streamed on Apple TV+.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) - After Halloween, the next holiday on the list is Thanksgiving. Fortunately, Apple TV+ has you covered with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. In this special, Charlie (Todd Barbee) reluctantly takes on the task of hosting Thanksgiving for himself and his friends. It may feel overwhelming, but luckily Snoopy and Woodstock (Bill Melendez) are there to lend a helping paw.

Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) on Apple TV+. Considered the most iconic special in Peanuts history, this heartwarming and thought-provoking film delves into the true meaning of the Christmas season. Charlie, known for his pessimistic outlook, finds himself struggling to comprehend the essence of Christmas. Despite his friends teasing him, they eventually come together to support Charlie and lift his spirits during this holiday slump.

Join Charlie Brown as he navigates the struggles of being invited to a New Year's Eve party while also trying to fulfill academic obligations in the heartwarming and often overlooked Peanuts special, "Happy New Year, Charlie Brown" (1986). With charming performances by Chad Allen as Charlie and Kristie Baker as Peppermint Patty, this delightful tale showcases the importance of balancing social commitments and educational responsibilities. Don't miss out on this underappreciated gem, available for streaming on Apple TV+.

Watch on Apple TV+