When is 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' on TV? How to Watch (2023) - Parade Skip to main content

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is one of the most beloved Halloween specials ever, and let's be honest: We could all use some adorable, wholesome distractions for Halloween. The Peanuts special, which originally aired on CBS in 1966 (earning an Emmy nomination) wasn't just famous for its Halloween theme, but also for Snoopy's iconic air-battle with the unseen Red Baron.

For more than 50 years, the special has aired every year and become a sweet Halloween tradition for generations. However, in an age of cord-cutting (and cost-cutting!), it can be tricky to find or access it. Here's how to watch the Charlie Brown Halloween special this year and get your annual dose of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and Lucy in all their spooky-cute glory!

Related: Best Halloween Activities and Traditions

How to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown in 2023

You can stream It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Apple TV+ anytime with a subscription. Apple TV+ will also provide a special free window for nonsubscribers to stream It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown from Saturday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.

When is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown airing on TV?

No TV broadcast for It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is expected in 2023. However, Apple TV+ will also provide a special free window for to stream It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown from Saturday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, without paying for a subscription.

Related: The Best Halloween Family Movies on Netflix

Can I stream It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown via PBS?

Nope! A statement on PBS.org revealed, "This program will not be available on your station's livestream on PBS.org or the PBS App." 

Who owns the rights to It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?

Apple TV+ owns the rights to all the Peanuts specials

In October 2020, Apple acquired the exclusive rights to all Peanuts specials in a deal with Widbrain and Peanuts Worldwide.

Are they getting rid of Charlie Brown?

Oh goodness, never! Charlie Brown has been, is, and will remain a staple for kids and adults alike. The Peanuts franchise and its characters, however, have an exclusive deal with Apple TV+, which is why you see them on TV far less often than before.

How long is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?

The Charlie Brown Halloween special is 25 minutes long.

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Is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Netflix?

Unfortunately, Netflix doesn't currently carry It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Prime Video?

No, it isn't available to stream on Prime Video. You may still see it show up in searches, however, you will likely get an error message saying that the video is not available in your location. You can buy a DVD of the special on Amazon though. 

Is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Hulu?

No, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown isn't available on Hulu. 

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Is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Disney+?

No, but Disney+ does have The Peanuts Movie available for streaming.

Is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on YouTube?

You won't be able to watch the full special on YouTube, but clips are available.

Does Disney own Charlie Brown?

Disney isn't affiliated with the Peanuts brand, though they do have streaming rights for The Peanuts Movie since they purchased 20th Century Fox.

How can I stream It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is available for streaming only on AppleTV+.

How can I watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on AppleTV+ for free?

If you get a free trial of AppleTV+ (some mobile providers offer it, and you can snag three free months with the purchase of select Apple products), you'll be able to stream It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown without paying for the subscription.

Apple TV+ will also provide a special free window for nonsubscribers to stream It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown from Saturday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.

How can I watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for free?

Apple's deal with Peanuts requires the streamer to offer all of the specials for free for a limited window. Apple TV+ will give access to nonsubscribers to stream It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown from Saturday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, for free.

Can I rent It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is not currently available for rent.

Related: 48+ Cheap, Easy DIY Halloween Decorations to Get Your Ghoul On 

Where can I buy It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?

Most retailers have the Peanuts Halloween special on Blu-Ray and DVD. You can also snag it on Amazon.

Next, Here are 20 Halloween Movies for Kids on Netflix!