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Apple TV Will Stream Peanuts Specials for Free

The platform will offer free viewing windows for three classic holiday specials throughout the upcoming season.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Television

Woolen mittens, a ceramic pumpkin, and a frosted pine branch on a wooden table, evoking a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Apple TV announced that three classic holiday specials will be available to stream for free during select weekends beginning October 17, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer accessing holiday specials through subscription services rather than waiting for free streaming windows?

Starting October 17, 2026, Apple TV will provide three free streaming weekends for classic Peanuts holiday specials. The announcement includes two new holiday specials and the November 25 premiere of the film Way of the Warrior Kid.

Why it matters

These free windows allow viewers without a subscription to access iconic holiday programming, while subscribers maintain year-round access to the content. This strategy aligns seasonal viewership spikes with the promotion of new original productions.

Apple TV announced two new holiday specials and three distinct free streaming weekends for Peanuts classics. Subscribers will maintain unlimited access to these titles regardless of the free windows.

The players

Apple TV

Apple TV is a subscription-based video-on-demand streaming service owned and operated by Apple Inc.

Peanuts

Peanuts is a long-running comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz that has inspired numerous holiday-themed television specials.

WildBrain

WildBrain is a children's entertainment company that co-produced the new Snoopy holiday special.

The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company is an established production house known for its work with puppets and the creation of the Fraggle Rock franchise.

The details

Apple TV is hosting free streaming for It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Additionally, the service will premiere new content including the Snoopy special 12 Days of Snoopy and Fraggle Rock: A Holiday Gift.

Timeline

  1. October 17-18, 2026: Free streaming of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

  2. November 13, 2026: Premiere of 12 Days of Snoopy.

  3. November 14-15, 2026: Free streaming of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.

  4. November 25, 2026: Premiere of Way of the Warrior Kid.

  5. December 4, 2026: Premiere of Fraggle Rock: A Holiday Gift.

Industry Dynamics

This release strategy reflects the ongoing efforts of streaming platforms to drive user acquisition through the leverage of classic, high-demand intellectual property. It marks a clear departure from traditional linear television syndication patterns by placing exclusive content behind a digital gate.

Non-subscribers can watch three specific classic specials for free during designated weekends throughout the holiday season. Those who hold active subscriptions retain the ability to stream these titles at their convenience throughout the year.

The takeaway

Holiday programming remains a primary tool for streaming platforms to maintain relevance and attract seasonal users. Planning ahead for these free windows allows viewers to enjoy classic content without committing to a full subscription.

Further reading

Learn more about the shifting landscape of digital entertainment in the Television section.

Live Poll

Do you prefer accessing holiday specials through subscription services rather than waiting for free streaming windows?