Holiday Viewing: Classic Specials Available on Streaming

Christmas season is here, and one of the most beloved holiday specials, A Charlie Brown Christmas, has transitioned from broadcast television to streaming. According to MacWorld, the iconic special is now exclusive to Apple TV.

To celebrate the holiday spirit, Apple is making A Charlie Brown Christmas available for free on December 13 and 14, 2023. Anyone with an Apple ID can access the special during these dates. While most Apple device owners already have an Apple ID, those who don't can sign up for free without needing a credit card.

Once registered, viewers can watch through the TV app on devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, on smart TVs equipped with the Apple TV app, via the web at tv.apple.com, or on an Apple TV device. Apple has also made the entire collection of classic Peanuts specials available for the holiday season, although other specials like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving are no longer available for free and require a subscription to Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ subscription costs $9.99 per month or can be renewed annually for $99.99. Additionally, Apple One bundles, which include Apple TV+ along with other services like Apple Music and Apple News+, are available ranging from $19.95 to $37.95 per month.

Apple first acquired the rights to the Peanuts franchise years ago, leading to both the airing of new shows such as The Snoopy Show and Snoopy in Space, and new movies like Peanuts in Space: Secrets of Apollo 10 and Lucy’s School.

The report notes that the availability of A Charlie Brown Christmas for free is a significant event for families looking to enjoy nostalgic content during their holiday gatherings. While the classic special will be free for just two days, it captures the essence of the holiday season, reinforcing the continued cultural relevance of the Peanuts characters, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and Lucy.

For fans of the series, this is a chance to relive a cherished tradition during a time of family celebration and reflection.