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The Peanuts Animation and Video Page

A Comprehensive Guide to Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts Gang on TV, Film, and Video
Compiled by Scott McGuire (smcguire at fivecentsplease dot org)
Last Updated: January 3, 2009

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown will air again Saturday, Jan 3 from 8-3:30 PM (Eastern/Pacific) on ABC.
Jazz for Peanuts, a new album of Peanuts music from David Benoit, now available. (more info)
The new It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; A Charlie Brown Christmas; A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving; and You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition DVDs and the Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection DVD box set (containing the three holiday special DVDs) are now out! (more info)
He's a Bully, Charlie Brown has finally been released on DVD for the first time! It is the bonus episode on the new You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition DVD.

Big List of Shows
(all the details)

Current TV Schedule

Where Can I Buy Videos?

Short List of Shows
(titles only)

Music Questions & Answers

List of DVD & Video Releases

Latest News

If you're having difficulty finding the show you're thinking of, use your browser's "Find" command and search for a word or two relating to the show (such as "spelling bee", "flashbeagle", etc.)!

Table of Contents

Introduction

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide to the Peanuts television specials on the web! This page has detailed information about all the television shows, series, and movies starring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang that have ever been made.

There's also sections covering the latest news, video releases, where you can see the shows on TV now, the music from the shows, awards the shows have won, other web sites of interest, and miscellaneous questions and answers.

The Peanuts characters have also appeared animated in many commercials, but I haven't tried to list all of these. (See Miscellaneous Questions and Answers for some more details, though.)

I hope you enjoy the page and that it answers any questions you have! I continue to update and add to this page as time permits. Additional information, corrections, and suggestions for this list are always welcome! Please send them to smcguire at fivecentsplease dot org .

The latest copy of this guide can be found on the World Wide Web at:

<http://www.fivecentsplease.org/peanuts-tv.html>

Please use the above URL when linking to this website.

Latest News

New Shows - TV Broadcast Info - Video & DVD Releases - Music Releases - Other - News Archive

Latest updates are marked in red text.

New Shows

New Peanuts "Motion Comics" on iTunes and Amazon.com

Warner Home Video has created 10 new "motion comics" (also described as "webisodes") featuring the Peanuts gang. The motion comics are 7- to 8-minute videos based directly on material from 1964 Peanuts comic strips. The videos are "all new," drawn with Flash animation, and feature new voices and a limited musical score. The webisodes were created by Warner Brother's Motion Comics division, with the involvement of the Schulz family and estate. (Neither Melendez Productions or Mendelson Productions were involved.) The new videos are available both on iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand.

The following episodes are now available on iTunes:

Linus for President / The Election (released Mon 11/3/08)
The Sore Arm / Independence Day (released Mon 11/10/08)
Eraserophagia / The Great Pumpkin (released Mon 11/17/08)
A Fall Rain / Some Advice (released Mon 11/24/08)
Ready to Pitch / Back on the Mound (released Mon 12/1/08)
Dear Santa / I'm New At It (released Mon 12/8/08)
Science Project / April Fool (released Mon 12/15/08)
Crabby Little Girl / Mother's Day (released Mon 12/22/08)
All Your Faults / Services Rendered (released Mon 12/29/08)

All of the above, plus the one remaining episode ("The Good Brother / Valentine's Day") that is not yet available on iTunes, are available for download from Amazon Video on Demand.

You can use this link to find the episodes on iTunes (note this will open iTunes on your computer) and this link to find the episodes on Amazon Video on Demand.

The episodes are priced at 99 cents each. On iTunes, you can get all 10 pairs as a "season" for $7.99; the episodes are only available separately on Amazon Video on Demand. The first pair of episodes was offered free for a limited time on iTunes, but that offer has now expired.

The videos from iTunes can be viewed using iTunes on your Macintosh or Windows computer, or using an iPod, iPhone, or Apple TV device. The videos on Amazon on Demand can be viewed using a web browser, or downloaded to a Windows PC or a TiVo DVR. Note, however, that videos purchased from either place cannot be burned to a DVD or viewed on a DVD player.

You can also read the press release and listen to an NPR interview with Craig Schulz about these new animations. (December 29, 2008)

Current TV Broadcast Information

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown To Air In Prime-Time For First Time in 20 Years on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 and Again Saturday, January 3, 2009

ABC closed out December 2008 by broadcasting Happy New Year, Charlie Brown on Tuesday, December 30, from 8-8:30 PM (Eastern/Pacific). This was the first time this special had aired on network prime-time television in 20 years! An encore showing was scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2009. (January 3, 2009)

A Charlie Brown Christmas Aired December 8 & 16, 2008

A Charlie Brown Christmas accompanied by Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales aired on Monday, December 8, from 8-9 PM (Eastern/Pacific), and again on Tuesday, December 16, from 8-9 PM (Eastern/Pacific) on ABC. (November 12, 2008)

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown Aired on December 15 & 20, 2008

Also in December, I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown aired twice on ABC: on Monday, December 15, from 8-9 PM (Eastern/Pacific) and Saturday, December 20, 2008 from 8-9 PM (Eastern/Pacific). (December 2, 2008)

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Aired Tuesday, November 25, 2008 and Thursday, November 27, 2008

ABC broadcast A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving twice in 2008 - first on Tuesday, November 25, from 8-9 PM (Eastern/Pacific), and then again on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27 from 8-9 PM. Both times it was accompanied by an edited version of This is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers, which is also a Thanksgiving-themed show. (November 12, 2008)

Other Broadcast Info

Currently there is channel broadcasting the many Peanuts TV shows that are not broadcast on ABC. Nickelodeon's contract to air them in the US expired in early 2004. (September 22, 2008)

The Canadian cable channel YTV is not showing episodes regularly at the moment, although the holiday specials show up from time to time. (January 21, 2006)

Video & DVD Releases

Snoopy's Reunion DVD Due April 7, 2009

Warner Home Video has officially announced that they will be releasing the 1991 special Snoopy's Reunion on DVD on April 7, 2009.

This remastered deluxe edition will also include the 1984 special It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown as the bonus episode. Neither Snoopy's Reunion or It's Flashbeagle have been released on DVD in the US before.

The DVD will also include a behind-the-scenes featurette titled "Together Again: The Peanuts Voice Cast Reunion." The suggested retail price will be $19.98. (December 22, 2008)

Classic Holiday Specials and You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown Now Available from iTunes, Amazon on Demand

The classic holiday specials It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and A Charlie Brown Christmas, as well as You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, are now available for purchase and download from both iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand. Each are accompanied by two bonus episodes.

See the list of iTunes releases and list of Amazon Video on Demand releases for more details, and for general information about iTunes and Amazon video downloads. (November 3, 2008)

A Charlie Brown Christmas Deluxe Edition DVD Now Available

The A Charlie Brown Christmas Deluxe Edition DVD features the TV specials A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992), plus a new mini-documentary, A Christmas Miracle: The Making of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Warner describes the new mini-documentary as follows: "A Christmas Miracle: The Making of A Charlie Brown Christmas - An in-depth look at how the producers brought a newspaper comic strip to animated life in a new medium. Under tense pressure and with many doubters, the show creators were able to create Peanuts in a new medium and make the show a smash success."

The Paramount DVD of A Charlie Brown Christmas included both these specials; new to this deluxe edition DVD is the "making of" documentary. Note that this is a completely new documentary, with new interviews; it is not the same as the "The Making of A Charlie Brown" show that aired on ABC in 2001 and that appeared on the Paramount I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown DVD.

The DVD also includes a coupon for the free download of two Vince Guaraldi tracks from the iTunes Store. The two tracks are "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Christmas Time is Here (vocal)." Neither of these tracks are new; they are both from the CD A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The DVD includes English, Spanish Japanese, and Portuguese mono audio, and English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Thai subtitles. The suggested retail price is $19.98. This DVD was released on October 7, 2008 and is also available as part of the Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection DVD box set.

You can watch a trailer for this DVD (together with the A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Deluxe Edition DVD). (October 7, 2008)

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Deluxe Edition DVD Now Available

The A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Deluxe Edition DVD features the TV specials A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) and This is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers (1988), plus a new mini-documentary, Popcorn & Jellybeans: Making a Thanksgiving Classic.

Warner describes the new mini-documentary as follows: "Popcorn & Jellybeans: Making a Thanksgiving Classic - A look at the final installment of the Peanuts holiday trilogy and what it meant to its creators and to us."

Both these specials were previously released on the Paramount DVD of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving; new to this release is the behind-the-scenes documentary and remastered video. Also, this DVD restores a scene in The Mayflower Voyagers where the pilgrims shoot a turkey; this had been edited out of all previous home video releases.

The DVD also includes a coupon for the free download of two Vince Guaraldi tracks from the iTunes Store. The two tracks are "Thanksgiving Theme" and "Camptown Races." Neither of these tracks are new; they are both from the CD Charlie Brown's Holiday Hits. (And in fact, only the "Thanksgiving Theme" is from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special; "Camptown Races" is not from the A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving soundtrack.)

The DVD includes English, Japanese, and Portuguese audio, and English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Thai subtitles. This DVD was released on October 7, 2008 and is also available as part of the Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection DVD box set.

Warner has put a trailer for this DVD online. (December 7, 2008)

You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition Now Available

The You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition DVD features the TV specials You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown (1972) and He's a Bully, Charlie Brown (2006), plus a new mini-documentary, The Polls Don't Lie: The Making of You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown.

Warner describes the new mini-documentary as follows: "The Polls Don't Lie: The Making of You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown - Offers viewers an in-depth look at this program, which happens to be the eighth Peanuts television special. This featurette explores the political leanings (or lack thereof) of its producers, as well as the way in which they set out to create a politically-themed piece within the realm of Peanuts. Civic duty meets Charlie Brown!"

You're Not Elected was previously released on DVD by Paramount as the bonus episode on their It's the Great Pumpkin DVD; Warner Home Video has decided to give You're Not Elected its own DVD release (perhaps because 2008 is a presidential election year?). The Warner DVD's bonus episode, He's a Bully, Charlie Brown, has never been released on DVD or video before - it's great to see that it's available at last. So, between the remastered video, new featurette, and He's a Bully, there's a lot of new stuff on this DVD.

The DVD includes English, Japanese, and Portuguese audio, and English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Thai subtitles. The suggested retail price is $19.98. The DVD was released on October 7, 2008. (October 7, 2008)

DVD Release of He's a Bully, Charlie Brown Now Available!

As mentioned above, He's a Bully, Charlie Brown, the last new animated Peanuts special to air on TV, is finally available on DVD as of October 7, 2008. It is the "bonus episode " on the Warner Home Video DVD release of You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. See above for more information about that DVD release. He's a Bully has not been previously released on home video. (October 7, 2008)

You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown DVD Due January 27, 2009

Warner Home Video has officially announced that they will be releasing the 1975 special You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown on DVD on January 27, 2009. In this special, Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, and the Masked Marvel (aka Snoopy) compete in a motocross race.

This remastered deluxe edition will also include the thematically related 1979 special You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown, where Charlie Brown, Marcie, and the Masked Marvel enter the Junior Olympics Decathlon as the bonus episode. Neither You're a Good Sport or You're the Greatest have been released on DVD in the US before.

The DVD will also include a behind-the-scenes featurette titled "Dust Yourself Off and Pick Yourself Up, Charlie Brown;" suggested retail price will be $19.98. (October 1, 2008)

"Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection" Box Set Now Available

In addition to the individual DVD releases detailed below, Warner has released the Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection box set, which includes the A Charlie Brown Christmas Deluxe Edition, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Deluxe Edition DVDs, plus an CD containing 6 tracks from the A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi. If you have the soundtrack CD already, you've got all these tracks plus more — there's nothing new on the CD. But it's a nice little bonus for people who might not already own the soundtrack.

This box set was released on September 23. The list price for the boxset is $44.98, so if you want all three specials, it's cheaper to buy this set than the three separate DVD releases. (September 22, 2008)

Exclusive Barnes & Noble DVD Box Set Bundles All 6 Deluxe Edition DVDs Together

Barnes & Noble has an exclusive Peanuts DVD box set, titled the "Peanuts Deluxe Collection," for sale. It contains all 6 of the Warner Deluxe Edition Peanuts DVDs that have been released so far — which means it includes the A Charlie Brown Christmas; It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving; You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown; It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown; and Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition DVDs.

The set doesn't contain anything you can't get by purchasing the DVDs separately; the only thing exclusive about it is that you can buy all 6 DVDs together in one box. It does not include the bonus soundtrack CD that comes with the regular 3-DVD Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection box set. The set is available both at Barnes & Noble stores and on-line at www.barnesandnoble.com . The list price is $99.99, although it may retail for cheaper — it has been $69.99 on-line at some points. Note that even at $69.99, it's not necessarily a better deal than just buying the regular Holiday DVD box set and the other 3 DVDs separately; you should check the prices instead of assuming the Barnes & Noble set is cheaper. But it is the only way you can get all 6 DVDs in one box! (Thanks to reader Michael Pajak for the tip.) (November 5, 2008)

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition DVD Now Available

The new Warner Home Video DVD release of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is now out.

The It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition DVD features both the title special and the 1981 special It's Magic, Charlie Brown, and a new behind-the-scenes documentary titled We Need a Blockbuster, Charlie Brown.

Warner describes the new behind-the-scenes documentary as follows: "We Need a Blockbuster, Charlie Brown - Documentary featurette focusing on the myth and tradition of the Halloween staple television program, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Revealed along the way, through original interviews with the Schulz family and producers, are the pressures and challenges of following up an underdog hit with a bigger and better TV special."

This will be the first time It's Magic, Charlie Brown has been available on DVD in the United States. The old Paramount DVD release of It's the Great Pumpkin included You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown as its bonus episode, but Warner Home Video is releasing You're Not Elected on its own DVD on October 2, 2008.

The DVD also includes a coupon for the free download of two Vince Guaraldi tracks from the iTunes Store. The two tracks are "Great Pumpkin Waltz" and "Oh Good Grief." Neither of these tracks are new; they are both from the CD Charlie Brown's Holiday Hits. (And in fact, only the "Great Pumpkin Waltz" is from It's the Great Pumpkin; "Oh Good Grief" is not from the Great Pumpkin soundtrack.)

Audio options include English, Spanish, Japanese, and Portuguese; subtitle options include English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Thai. The DVD has a retail price of $19.98, and was released on September 2, 2008.

You can watch a trailer for this DVD. (September 2, 2008)

Warner Home Video Website for New Peanuts DVD Releases

Warner Home Video has set up a special website for the Peanuts DVD releases at http://www.peanutsdvd.com, featuring information and trailers about the DVD releases, as well as short video clips and pictures. (August 16, 2008)

New DVD Promotional Deals - Cap'n Crunch, Skippy Peanut Butter, Birds Eye Voila

In conjunction with their release of the four new Peanuts DVD this fall, Warner Home Video has partnered with a variety of folks to promote and give away DVDs and other prizes. From the press release for the Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection:

"This November and December, 1 million boxes of Limited Edition Cap'n Crunch's Christmas Crunch(R) Cereal will feature a $3.00 mail-in rebate good towards Peanuts DVD titles. Plus, in support of the seasonal offerings, Wendy's will feature a kid's meal promotion with a $3.00 off coupon on the gusset of 12 million kid's meals bag this November and December, and Skippy will host a sweepstakes offer on 6 million jars of peanut butter giving consumers a chance to win a Peanuts DVD or a four day trip to Cedar Point, featuring world class coasters and the all new Planet Snoopy, in Sandusky, Ohio.

"Additionally, Birds Eye Voila! will promote the partnership between Birds Eye Voila! and Warner Home Video as they team up to offer a special DVD giveaway to Voila! consumers. Buy 3 bags of Birds Eye Voila!, and get a WHV Peanuts Holiday DVD FREE. Partnering with Peanuts licensee Rail Events, Birds Eye will offer a chance to win a trip for four to ride the 'The Great Pumpkin Express' along with other weekly and monthly prizes. Visit birdseyevoila.com for more details." (September 2, 2008)

Peanuts TV Specials Available For Download on iTunes, Amazon Unbox, XBox, Sprint Cell Phones

In addition to the new DVD releases, the Peanuts specials are also being made available as digital downloads in several different ways.

First, you can now purchase a variety of Peanuts shows from Apple's iTunes Store, using the iTunes software for Macintosh and Windows. Once purchased, you can watch the shows on your computer's monitor, or transfer them to an iPod or iPhone for viewing. (Presumably they can also be purchased and viewed using the Apple TV device, but I have not verified this.) Shows sold on iTunes are "near DVD quality," and having downloaded a couple and viewed them, I agree that the video quality is close to the DVD releases, although there are more compression artifacts. Note, however, that videos purchased from iTunes cannot be burned to a DVD or viewed on a DVD player.

For details of what specials are available, see the list of iTunes Releases.

Second, Amazon Video on Demand (formerly Amazon Unbox) - another digital video service, run by the giant on-line retailer Amazon.com - is offering Peanuts TV shows for on line viewing (and, in some cases download) as well. The video quality of Amazon Video on Demand offerings are generally not quite as good quality as the iTunes offerings or DVDs; there is more blockiness visible. Note that videos purchased from Amazon Video on Demand cannot be burned to a DVD or viewed on a DVD player.

For details of which specials are available on Amazon Video on Demand, see the list of Amazon Video on Demand Releases.

Reader Leo Ames wrote to say that Warner has also released two of the Peanuts specials as digital downloads on the Xbox Live video marketplace. If you're an XBox owner (the Xbox is a videogame console), you can buy, download, and watch these Peanuts specials through your XBox. Currently only Be My Valentine and It's the Easter Beagle are available (along with their associated bonus features from the DVD releases), but perhaps more will be available in the future.

Finally, reader Keith Hendricks reports that select specials are available to watch on video-enabled Sprint cell phones. 4-5 specials are available at a time, with a rotating selection. I do not know if the shows are available on other cell phone networks, or how much it costs to view the shows, or how long the shows will be available. But if you have a capable phone on Sprint, check it out! (November 5, 2008)

"It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" Deluxe Edition DVD Now Available

Warner Home Video's second DVD release, It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition is now available. In addition to It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974), the DVD also includes It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown as a "bonus" special. These are the same two specials that were released on Paramount's DVD release of It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.

New to the Warner Home Video release is a bonus featurette titled "In Full Bloom: The Peanuts at Easter," described in the Warner press release as follows:

In Full Bloom: The Peanuts at Easter – An exploration of Easter holiday, and what the Easter Beagle means to the creators through the Peanuts gang, and fans both immediately and metaphorically.

The video for the main feature is, like on Warner Home Video's first DVD release, noticeably improved, and the short documentary feature is a nice addition.

The DVD was released on February 19, 2008, and retails for $19.98. The running time for both specials together is 50 minutes. (February 21, 2007)

"Deluxe Edition" DVD Release of "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" Now Available

Warner Home Video's first DVD release, the Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition, is now available. In addition to the title show from 1975, the DVD includes two "bonus" specials, You're In Love, Charlie Brown (1967) and It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown (1977). These are the same specials that were released on Paramount's DVD release of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.

New to the Warner DVD is a 15-minute featurette titled Unlucky in Love: An Unrequited Love Story. It's actually a very nice little piece about the themes of love in the comic strip and background on the Be My Valentine special, with new interviews with Schulz family members, producer Lee Mendelson, director Phil Roman, and others. Also new are Spanish audio and subtitle tracks for all three shows, in addition to the English audio and subtitles. The video and audio for all shows has been modestly improved.

Read my full Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition review.

The Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition DVD was released on January 15, 2008, and retails for $19.98. The running time for all three specials together is 75 minutes. (January 15, 2008)

Warner Home Video Takes Over Peanuts Home Video Releases

The Peanuts television specials have a new home for video releases - Warner Home Video has taken over the home video license, previous held by Paramount Home Video.

Warner has a multi-year license to distribute 50 of the Peanuts TV specials on DVD, as well as the 18 episodes of the Saturday morning cartoon show The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. The deal does not include the 4 theatrical movies; the home video rights for those remain with Paramount.

The first titles Warner will release are "deluxe editions" of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown on Jan. 15, 2008 and It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown on Feb. 19, 2008. They will be remastered, will feature "newly created bonus features," and come in "new collectable packaging." See above for more information about these releases. The other big name holiday specials will receive similar treatments, expected to be released in late 2008.

The lesser-known Peanuts specials - many of which have never been released on DVD - will be packaged in "Golden Collection" sets similar to the Warner "Looney Tunes Golden Collection" sets. These will be aimed at the "core collector."

Warner is also hoping to produce new, original Peanuts features for home video release. (Apparently these will be produced by Melendez/Mendelson Productions, as always.)

And finally, Warner also plans to create "original shortform content for digital distribution through wireless, electronic sell-through and VOD platforms."

If the Warner Peanuts DVD releases are even half as good as their excellent Looney Tunes Golden Collection sets, we'll be every lucky indeed. (December 4, 2007)

Paramount Peanuts DVD Releases Out Of Print

Because they've lost the home video rights to the Peanuts TV specials, all of the Paramount DVD releases of the Peanuts TV specials are now out of print, except for the two movie DVDs A Boy Named Charlie Brown and Snoopy Come Home (Paramount retains the rights to the theatrical movies). Some stores may be selling off the remaining stock, but that's it. Hopefully, since Warner's Peanuts DVD releases have already started arriving, we won't have to wait long for the big-name specials to be back in print — and hopefully neglected specials will make their way to DVD soon. (December 4, 2007)

VHS Releases Out of Print

Unfortunately all of the US Paramount VHS releases have gone out of print, even though the specials have not all been released on DVD in the US yet. You may be able to find used copies are eBay or Amazon.com. Also, the four theatrical movies, A Boy Named Charlie Brown, Snoopy Come Home, Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown, and Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown are out of print, although at least the first two are now available on DVD. (October 2, 2007)

Music Releases

Jazz for Peanuts: New Album of Peanuts Music from David Benoit

On October 28, David Benoit released another album of Peanuts music, titled Jazz for Peanuts - A Retrospective the Charlie Brown TV Themes. The album contains 6 new tracks from Benoit: 3 that are his interpretations of Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts music, and 3 of his own pieces from more recent TV specials. The album also contains 4 tracks by other musicians that have previously appeared on other CDs. The tracks are listed below; new tracks are denoted with an *.

  1. *You're in Love, Charlie Brown - from You're in Love, Charlie Brown (composed by Vince Guaraldi, performed by David Benoit)
  2. The Buggy Ride - from This is America, Charlie Brown: The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk (composed and performed by Wynton Marsalis)
  3. Benjamin - from This is America, Charlie Brown: The NASA Space Station (composed and performed by Dave Brubeck)
  4. *The Great Pumpkin Waltz - from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (composed by Vince Guaraldi, performed by David Benoit)
  5. *Wild Kids - from This is America, Charlie Brown: The Great Inventors (composed by David Benoit & Don Grusin, performed by David Benoit)
  6. Breadline Blues - from This is America, Charlie Brown: The Smithsonian and the Presidency (composed by David Benoit, performed by Kenny G)
  7. *Be My Valentine - from Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (composed by Vince Guaraldi, performed by David Benoit)
  8. *Rollerblading - from It Was My Best Birthday Ever, Charlie Brown (composed and performed by David Benoit)
  9. *Re-Run's Theme - from I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (composed and performed by David Benoit)
  10. Linus and Lucy - from A Charlie Brown Christmas (composed and performed by Vince Guaraldi)

The new tracks by Benoit are quite nice, it's just too bad there are only 6 of them and the album is so short overall! Nevertheless, the album is definitely recommended, and is available on CD from regular and on-line stores, and as a download from places such as iTunes. You may also want to read Concord Music's information about the album. (November 4, 2008)

George Winston Working on Second Guaraldi Music Album

According to recently published news articles, pianist George Winston is working on a second album of his interpretations of Vince Guaraldi's music. The album is tentatively titled Love Will Come –The Music of Vince Guaraldi Vol. 2, and is scheduled to be released in September 2009. According to an article in the Salina Journal (Kansas), "This album will include Guaraldi compositions from other Peanuts television specials, including There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown." George Winston's first album of Guaraldi Music, Linus & Lucy – The Music of Vince Guaraldi, was released in 1996, so it's been a long wait for this second album; but considering how excellent the first album is, it will surely be worth the wait. (December 21, 2008)

Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues From the Charlie Brown Television Specials, Vol. 1 & 2

I have been very remiss in not mentioning these two relatively new CDs, which include previously unreleased music cues taken from the original studio master tapes for the Peanuts TV shows! The tracks for the CDs are drawn from It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown; Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown; It's a Mystery, Charlie Brown; A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving; There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown; You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown; and You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. While fans might have wished for complete soundtrack releases for each of the specials, these albums are still must-haves for fans of Guaraldi's Peanuts music. You can get them from Amazon.com or the official Vince Guaraldi website. (September 2, 2008)

Other News

Internet Radio Show Interviews Lee Mendelson

The Internet radio show TV Time Machine has a new one-hour interview with Lee Mendelson, producer of A Charlie Brown Christmas and all the other Peanuts television specials. In this interview, he talks about the story behind the classic holiday special, working with Charles Schulz, casting the original voices for the special, the recent Peanuts deluxe edition DVDs, and more. You can listen the interview at http://www.tvtimemachine.com . (December 28, 2008)

Bill Melendez Passes Away

It's with great sadness that we note the passing of Bill Melendez, the director and animator of the Peanuts television specials. He also performed the voices of Snoopy and Woodstock. He died of natural causes in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 91. The Washington Post has a good obituary. Bill Melendez's clever and caring translation of Charles Schulz's work to the television screens served as many people's first introduction to the world of Peanuts, including myself, and he will be much missed. (September 6, 2008)

Peanuts Rocks the Vote

Check out the Peanuts Rocks the Vote website at www.peanutsrocksthevote.com!

The site allowed you choose which Peanuts character you would want for president, however voting is now closed — and Snoopy won the mock election.

However, you still lean about voting registration and election dates in the "real" election, read classic Peanuts strips about elections, and learn more about the You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown DVD. (November 3, 2008)

For older news items, see the News Archive.

Recent Updates to This Page

November 2, 2008

October 3, 2008

August 16, 2008

January 15, 2008

August 22, 2007

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the following people for additional information, suggestions, and corrections:

Mark Astolfi, Derrick Bang, Jason Breslin, John Cassidy, Eugene Chan, Tim Chow, Jon Cooke, Craig Davis, Liz Fox, Nat Gertler, Ron Gomes, Ray Hamel, Paul Hiscock, Mike Koegel, Cail Judy, Victor Lee, Jennifer Liao, Maureen McCarty, Ryan Mead, Lisa Monhoff, Leonardo Morán, Ted Nesi, Kaori Nishikida, Beth Prescott, Elisia Saam, Steve Swenson, Basil Wilson, Brian Young

Special thanks to the staff of Lee Mendelson Productions, Bill Melendez Productions, and the Charles M. Schulz Museum for additional material and answering numerous pesky questions.

The book Happy Birthday, Charlie Brown by Lee Mendelson (published by Random House, 1979) has been an invaluable source of numerous trivia bits that I've included.

Current DVD/Video Availability Notes

Warner Home Video has an exclusive contract to distribute the animated Peanuts TV specials on DVD and as digital downloads (starting in October 2007). Their DVD releases feature remastered video and sound and new behind-the-scenes documentaries (previous DVD releases did not include any behind-the-scenes material).

Warner released 6 DVDs in 2008, and has announced plans for another DVD release in January 2009. While most of the shows are not currently available on home video, Warner has stated they plan to eventually release all the shows on DVD. See DVD Releases for a list of currently available US Peanuts DVDs.

The first two theatrical movies, A Boy Named Charlie Brown and Snoopy Come Home, are available on DVD from Paramount.

Some shows are now available as digital downloads from the iTunes Store and Amazon Unbox, including shows that have not been released on DVD yet.

While nearly all of the animated TV specials and movies were released on VHS in the US by Paramount, these VHS releases are now out of print. Used copies can sometimes be found on eBay and Amazon.com.

Outside of the US, after many years of being unavailable, the shows are being released on DVD and VHS in the UK, and there is an extensive set of releases on DVD and VHS in Germany. Some shows, and a couple of the movies, are have been released on DVD in Australia.

A company named Pony Canyon had released 11 Japanese language videos and DVDs in Japan, but it appears these may be out of print. You may still be able to order them from Amazon.co.jp by searching for "Snoopy" in the DVD section. (Note that being able to read Japanese is useful.) Also, Paramount has released Snoopy Come Home on DVD in Japan and several other countries.

WARNING: Pretty much all "Asian" DVD box sets of the Peanuts specials being sold on eBay are illegal bootlegs, especially the ones that claim to be "50th Anniversary collections" (there was never a legitimate such collection) and the ones that cannot spell "Snoopy" correctly. There are even bootleg box sets that claim to come from legitimate companies, such as Pony Canyon, above - but they never released their DVDs in a box set. The video quality may be questionable and the original makers of the TV specials do not receive any money from bootleg sales. You should not purchasing any Japanese, Chinese, or other Asian DVDs of the Peanuts specials from eBay or other auction sites. You should purchase the properly licensed US or European DVDs, or as noted above, the authentic Japanese DVD releases are available from Amazon.co.jp.

Which Shows Aren't Available on DVD/Video?

Unfortunately, most of the Peanuts TV specials are not currently in print on video in the United States. But the good news is that as of 2008, Warner Home Video started a series of DVD releases and have announced that they intend to release most of the shows on DVD eventually. But for now, only a few are available - see the DVD Releases list.

DVDs of the first two theatrical movies, A Boy Named Charlie Brown and Snoopy Come Home, are available. The other two movies, Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown and Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown were released on VHS, but are now out of print.

Almost all of the TV shows and movies were released on VHS in the US, most are now out of print. You may be able to find used or remaindered copies of the VHS tapes on eBay or from third-party sellers on Amazon.com.

Many of the shows listed under Documentaries and Live Action Shows have never been available on video. One exception is the unaired 1963 documentary, A Boy Named Charlie Brown (documentary), which is available on DVD from the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

History of US Video Releases

Warner Home Video is the current home video rights holder in the US as of October 2007. They have a contract to release the Peanuts TV specials on DVD and as digital downloads.

Warner took over from Paramount Home Entertainment, who held the home video rights from 1994 through early 2007. When they held the home video license, Paramount released 12 DVDs containing a variety of new and old Peanuts TV specials. They released the first two Peanuts theatrical movies on DVD in March 2006, and DVDs of This is America, Charlie Brown were released in June 2006. See the Out-of-Print DVD Releases for a complete list of Paramount's North American Peanuts DVD releases.

Paramount also issued the Peanuts TV shows on VHS home video in the United States and Canada, from 1994 to 2000. (See Video Releases.) Unfortunately, all of the VHS titles are now out of print, even though there have not been matching releases on DVD.

The VHS titles were marketed under five banners: "Peanuts Classics" and "A Peanuts Special" (one episode per tape), "This Is America, Charlie Brown" (one episode per tape), "The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show" (two episodes per tape), and "Snoopy Double Features" (two episodes per tape), although some of those banners were dropped as the tapes have been reissued. The prices varied from $7 to $15, depending on the tape.

Paramount also issued two direct-to-video releases; the first of these, It Was My Best Birthday Ever, Charlie Brown, was released in August, 1997. The second, It's the Pied Piper, Charlie Brown, was released in September, 2000. Both of these are now out of print.

Many, but not all, of the titles that were released on VHS were also released on laserdisc by Paramount, but these are now out of print. See Laserdisc Releases for a list.

Before Paramount, the home video license was held by Media Home Entertainment, and released under the brands Hi Topps and KVC. They released most of the prime-time specials and some compilations from The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show on VHS; however the Paramount releases were of superior quality with better video. Any tapes from Hi Topps or KVS are from 1993 or before.

The very first release of a Peanuts show on home video was in June 1984, when Media Home Entertainment (Hi Topps) released You're The Greatest, Charlie Brown and Life Is A Circus, Charlie Brown.

The first two theatrical movies, A Boy Named Charlie Brown and Snoopy Come Home were originally available from CBS FOX video, but are now distributed by Paramount Home Video, and remain available on DVD. The latter two movies, Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown and Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown, are distributed by Paramount Home Video as well, but were only released on VHS and are now out-of-print.

You're In the SuperBowl, Charlie Brown, was originally available on video from Shell gas stations, was not part of the Paramount reissue series and is currently not available on video. (You may be able to find copies on eBay or other auction sites, however.) It is not known if Warner Home Video has the rights to release this special or not.

Where Can I Buy Peanuts DVDs and Videos?

AAUGH.com, an on-line store run by Peanuts book expert Nat Gertler, has an easy-to-use layout for ordering all the DVDs, CDs, and books too.

The on-line book, music, and video store Amazon.com, also has all the DVDs available, and you may be able to find used copies of the VHS tapes there. If you're having trouble finding the title you're looking for on Amazon, try searching for "Charlie Brown", "Peanuts", or "Snoopy" and look at the pictures of the boxes - sometimes Amazon doesn't list them by the proper titles.

Snoopy's Gallery and Gift Shop carries some of the videos and DVDs (and much more!). You can also phone them at 800-959-3385 to place an order.

Locally, your video store may be able to special order the DVDs for you. See the DVD Releases section for a complete list of titles.

Where Can I See Peanuts on TV Now?

ABC has the rights to show It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. (This was a change in 2001 after 35 years on CBS!) ABC is also home to the new specials A Charlie Brown Valentine, Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown, and I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown.

In the United States, the cable channel Nickelodeon had the rights to broadcast most of the other shows, but those rights have probably expired as of May 2004. There has been no news of the rights being awarded to a new broadcaster.

Every once in a rare while, the movies are shown on a cable TV station.

The Canadian cable station YTV occasionally airs the TV shows in Canada, and apparently has the rights to every show except "You're in the Superbowl, Charlie Brown."

Current TV Schedule

Here's the schedule for upcoming Peanuts shows on TV. All times Eastern/Pacific.

Sat Jan 3  8:00-8:30 PM  Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (ABC)
In Canada, the YTV web page sometimes has info about when the next show is going to be on, although they are not airing the shows regularly either at this point. (I've given up trying to keep track of YTV's ever changing links to show listings.)

Complete List of Shows and Movies

The list is divided into five categories:

In each of the sections, I've listed the original broadcast date, a synopsis, a list of characters appearing in the show (if applicable), any interesting trivia or important notes, and amusing things to note about the episode.

If you are interested in just a list of the shows' titles, for example, to use as a checklist, see the Peanuts TV Show Checklist.

A "(b)" notation next to a character means the character appears briefly - in the background or only speaks one line; "(os)" means the character is only heard off-screen.

All shows are 30 minutes long unless otherwise noted. Original broadcast times are for the Eastern Time Zone.

Special thanks to Kaori Nishikida for providing the classical music information throughout the list.

Prime-Time Specials

These are shows that were originally broadcast during prime-time as specials and were predominantly new animation. (A few exceptions, "It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown" and the two direct-to-video specials, were never broadcast, but it made sense to put it here with the others).

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Broadcast Date: December 9, 1965 (Thursday), 7:30 - 8:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown, depressed by the commercialism of Christmas and because he doesn't get any Christmas cards, becomes the director of the gang's Christmas pageant. Can he overcome his gang's preference for dancing instead of acting, find a good Christmas tree, and the true meaning of Christmas?

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Frieda, Linus, Lucy, Patty, Pig-Pen, Sally, Schroeder, Shermy, Snoopy, Violet, 5, 3 & 4 (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Score Composed & Conducted by Vince Guaraldi

Songs:
Christmastime is Here
Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Classical Music Sources:
When Schroeder plays "Beethoven Christmas music": Beethoven, Bagatelle for piano in A minor, WoO 59, "Für Elise".

CD/Albums:
The original 1965 soundtrack for this special is available on A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Fantasy Records #8431). This contains essentially all the music from the special, although one missing cue (the music while Snoopy decorates his doghouse) turns up as "Surfing Snoopy" on the CHARLIE BROWN'S HOLIDAY HITS CD (Fantasy Records #9682). A remastered version of the soundtrack (Fantasy FCD-30066-2), that includes some alternate takes of the original tunes, was released in 2006.

In 2000, jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut released a cover version of the CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS music (Atlantic 83366-2). Note that it contains new versions of the songs which are in some cases quite different.

CHARLIE BROWN'S ALL-STARS

Broadcast Date: June 8, 1966 (Wednesday), 8:30 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

After losing 999 games in a row, Charlie Brown's baseball team threatens to quit and spend the summer like normal kids (swimming, skateboarding, and jumping rope) until he announces that Hennessey's Hardware store will sponsor them, meaning they can get uniforms and play in a real league - but only if he'll take the girls and Snoopy off the team.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Frieda, Linus, Lucy, Patty, Pig-Pen, Sally, Schroeder, Shermy, Snoopy, Violet, 5 (b).

Did You Notice?

Music:

Score Composed & Conducted by Vince Guaraldi

IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: October 27, 1966 (Thursday), 8:30 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

While the gang goes Trick-or-Treating, Linus waits in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin; Snoopy plays the World War I Flying Ace and is shot down over "no man's land."

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Patty, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Violet, Pig-Pen, Frieda (b)

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Score Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Arranged & Conducted by John Scott Trotter

YOU'RE IN LOVE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: June 12, 1967 (Monday), 8:30 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

On the last two days of the school year, Charlie Brown tries a variety of schemes to meet the Little Red-Haired Girl.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Violet, Pig-Pen (b), Patty (b), 5 (b), 3 & 4 (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Score Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Arranged & Conducted by John Scott Trotter

"You're In Love" sung by West Hillsborough School Choir

HE'S YOUR DOG, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: February 14, 1968 (Wednesday), 8:30 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown sends a disobedient Snoopy to the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm for an obedience refresher course, but on the way across town Snoopy decides to hide out at Peppermint Patty's house. Initially it's a vacation for him, but eventually she puts him to work cleaning house, and Snoopy must choose between it and Charlie Brown's leash.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Patty, Peppermint Patty, Roy, Schroeder, Snoopy, Violet, 5.

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Score Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Arranged & Conducted by John Scott Trotter

IT WAS A SHORT SUMMER, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: September 27, 1969 (Saturday), 8:30 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Returning to school, the gang has to write a 500-word essay about their summer vacation. They recall going to summer camp, where the "boys camp" and "girls camp" compete against each other in swimming, softball, and other events. After several poor showings, the boys get out their secret weapon - the "Masked Marvel," champion arm-wrestler.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Patty, Peppermint Patty, Pig-Pen, Sally, Schroeder, Shermy, Snoopy, Violet, Roy (b), Clara (b), Shirley (b), unnamed boy (might be 5) (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Score Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Arranged & Conducted by John Scott Trotter

PLAY IT AGAIN, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: March 28, 1971 (Sunday), 7:00 - 7:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Schroeder practices piano despite the distraction of Lucy, who tries to get his attention. Finally Lucy arranges a gig for him, playing in the PTA program at school. But Beethoven is too old-fashioned, they want rock and roll. Will Schroeder sell out?

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Frieda, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Pig-Pen, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy

Trivia:

Music:

Music Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven & Vince Guaraldi
Music Conducted by John Scott Trotter

Performed by:
Lillian Steuber (Beethoven Sonatas)
The Vince Guaraldi Trio (rest)

Classical Music Sources:
(In order of performance in the show; all composed by Beethoven.)

  1. Beginning of the show with the score on top; with Lucy leaning against the piano (after Snoopy and Linus dance): Piano sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2 No.3; 1st movement.
  2. The music that comes out of a spray can is: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67; 1st movement.
  3. With Frieda at the piano, joined by Lucy: Piano sonata No. 4 in E flat major, Op. 7; 3rd movement.
  4. With Lucy leaning against the piano: Piano sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 14 No.2; 1st movement.
  5. Lucy comes in with a feather duster in her hand: Piano sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor ("Moonlight Sonata"), Op. 27 No. 2; 3rd movement.
  6. Lucy kisses Schroeder on the nose: Piano sonata No. 21 in C major ("Waldstein"), Op. 53, 3rd movement.
  7. Lucy tells Schroeder she arranged a recital for him: Piano sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49 No.2; 1st movement.
  8. Schroeder says "Thank you" to Lucy: Piano sonata No. 25 in G major, Op. 79; 1st movement.
  9. With Lucy leaning against the piano, telling Schroeder that Beethoven wouldn't have made it in Nashville: Piano sonata No. 29 in B flat major ("Hammerklavier"), Op. 106; 1st movement.

YOU'RE NOT ELECTED, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: October 29, 1972 (Sunday), 7:30 - 8:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Linus runs for election as school body president, and is on his way to victory until he makes a speech about the Great Pumpkin.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Russell Anderson (Linus's opponent), Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, Frieda (b), Patty (b), Pig-pen (b), Shermy (b), Violet (b), 5 (b), various kids at school.

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Supervision by John Scott Trotter

Songs:
Joe Cool (sung by Vince Guaraldi)

THERE'S NO TIME FOR LOVE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: March 11, 1973 (Sunday), 7:30 - 8:00 PM

Synopsis:

The gang's schools plan a field trip to an art museum, and Charlie Brown must get an "A" on his field trip report to pass his class. Unfortunately, he, Peppermint Patty and Marcie mistake a supermarket for the art museum!

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Snoopy, Frieda (b), Violet (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Supervision by John Scott Trotter

Songs:
Joe Cool (additional lyrics)

A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING

Broadcast Date: November 20, 1973 (Tuesday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Peppermint Patty invites herself and friends to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving dinner, even though he's going over to his grandmother's for dinner. So with Snoopy and Linus's help, he decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal!

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Linus, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, Lucy (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Supervision by John Scott Trotter

Songs:
Little Birdie (sung by Vince Guaraldi)

IT'S A MYSTERY, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: February 1, 1974 (Friday), 7:30 - 8:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Woodstock's newly-built nest disappears, so Snoopy puts on his Sherlock Holmes outfit and investigates. Meanwhile, Sally worries about a science exhibit for school. Could these two events be connected? Lucy's court of law will have to decide.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, Pig-pen (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Supervision by John Scott Trotter

IT'S THE EASTER BEAGLE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: April 9, 1974 (Tuesday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Peppermint Patty tries to teach Marcie how to decorate eggs, Snoopy gets a birdhouse for Woodstock, and Linus convinces Sally that she doesn't need to color eggs because the Easter Beagle will bring them.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock.

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Supervision by John Scott Trotter

Classical Music Sources:

  1. The music boxes when Snoopy dances with Peppermint Patty and Marcie: J.S. Bach, minuet in G Major, BWV Anh. 116.
  2. Schroeder plays the piano: Beethoven, piano sonata No. 3, 1st movement.
  3. While the kids wait for the Easter Beagle: Beethoven, 7th Symphony in A major, Op. 92; 2nd Movement.
  4. When the Easter Beagle arrives: Beethoven, 7th Symphony in A major, Op. 92; 1st Movement.

BE MY VALENTINE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: January 28, 1975 (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown hopes for Valentines cards in his mailbox and at the school Valentine's Day party, Linus buys a present for Miss Othmar, and Sally hopes Linus will notice her.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Violet, Woodstock, Franklin (b), Frieda (b), Marcie (b), Patty (b), Peppermint Patty (b), Pig-pen (b), Shermy (b), Miss Othmar (os).

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Supervision by John Scott Trotter

Classical Music Sources:

  1. Schroeder plays piano while Lucy discusses the origin of Valentine cards and Valentine's Day: Beethoven, piano sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49 No. 2; 1st movement.
  2. Background music used in Snoopy's paw-pet show: an arrangement of Nocturne in B-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2 by Chopin.
  3. The music Snoopy's fancy cut-out valentine plays: J.S. Bach, "Minuet in G Major", BWV Anh. 116.

YOU'RE A GOOD SPORT, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: October 28, 1975 (Tuesday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Snoopy plays tennis against an automatic ball machine and then Woodstock. Peppermint Patty convinces Charlie Brown (with Linus as his pit crew) to compete in a charity motocross race. Can they overcome the challenge of crashes, mud, and the strangely familiar Masked Marvel?

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, referee kid (b), Schroeder (b), Roy (b), 5 (b), Patty (b), Violet (b), other racers (b), Motocross Queen Loretta (b)

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Supervision by John Scott Trotter

IT'S ARBOR DAY, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: March 16, 1976 (Tuesday) 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

While researching a report on Arbor Day, Sally enlists the gang to turn Charlie Brown's ball field into a garden and orchard, complete with a tree on the pitcher's mound and scarecrow in the outfield. During the first game of the season against Peppermint Patty's team, the plants turn out to be an unexpected advantage.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Frieda, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Rerun, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, Jose Peterson (b), Patty (b), Violet (b), 5 (b), unknown kid on Peppermint Patty's team (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed & Performed by Vince Guaraldi

IT'S YOUR FIRST KISS, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: October 24, 1977 (Monday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown must escort the Little Red-Haired Girl to the homecoming dance, even though he has trouble kicking the ball during the homecoming football game.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Heather, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Pig-Pen, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, other football players, homecoming princesses, Frieda (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

WHAT A NIGHTMARE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: February 23, 1978 (Thursday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Accused by Charlie Brown of being "overcivilized" and after eating too much pizza, Snoopy dreams of being a sled dog in the Alaskan frontier (including a side trip to a saloon).

Trivia & Notes:

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Arctic sled driver, sled dogs (huskies).

Music:

Music by Ed Bogas and Vince Guaraldi ("Linus & Lucy")
Music Supervision by Judy Munsen

Song Vocals by Larry Finalyson

Songs:
Overlycivilized, Underlydogified Dog

YOU'RE THE GREATEST, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: March 19, 1979 (Monday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown competes against Freddy Fabulous from Fremont, the "Masked Marvel," and Marcie in the ten events of the Junior Olympics Decathlon.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy, Freddy Fabulous from Fremont, 5 (b), Pig-Pen (b), Sally (b), Schroeder (b), Woodstock (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music by Ed Bogas and Judy Munsen

The traditional Olympic fanfare ("Bugler's Dream" by Leo Arnaud) occasionally plays as part of the background music.

SHE'S A GOOD SKATE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: February 25, 1980 (Monday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Snoopy coaches Peppermint Patty for a skating competition, Marcie sews her dress.

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music by Ed Bogas and Judy Munsen

Classical Music Sources:
The music Woodstock whistles is "O mio babbino caro," from Puccini's opera "Gianni Schicchi."

Woodstock's whistling is performed by Jason Serinus, a musician and professional whistler. He has a web site where you can order a tape of his music, including the Woodstock piece.

LIFE IS A CIRCUS, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: October 24, 1980 (Friday) 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

The circus comes to town and Snoopy falls for Fifi, one of the poodles in an acrobatic act. Following her, he is accidentally whisked away with the circus when it leaves. While Charlie Brown worries about him, Snoopy becomes "Hugo the Great" and performs highwire and trapeze stunts. When the carnival owner decides his color scheme is wrong and orders him dyed pink, Snoopy faces the difficult choice of continuing or returning home.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Schroeder, Snoopy, Fifi the Poodle, Miss Polly, other poodles (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music by Ed Bogas and Judy Munsen

IT'S MAGIC, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: April 28, 1981 (Tuesday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Snoopy puts on a magic show. Although most of his tricks are failures, he successfully makes Charlie Brown invisible. While Snoopy works to make him visible again, Charlie Brown realizes this may be his golden opportunity to kick Lucy's football.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, heckler in audience, Schroeder (b), Patty (b)

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music by Ed Bogas and Judy Munsen

SOMEDAY YOU'LL FIND HER, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: October 30, 1981 (Friday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown falls for a girl he sees in the audience of televised football game, and he and Linus go across town on a door-to-door search for her.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, Woodstock, Mary Jo (girl with blanket), Wrong Girl #1, Wrong Girl #2, Evil Cat.

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music by Ed Bogas and Judy Munsen

Songs:
(When I Feel Most) Alone - performed by Becky Reardon

A CHARLIE BROWN CELEBRATION

Broadcast Date: May 24, 1982 (Monday), 8:00 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charles Schulz talks about Peanuts and introduces animations based on newspaper strips, including:

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music by Ed Bogas and Judy Munsen

IS THIS GOODBYE, CHARLIE BROWN?

Broadcast Date: February 21, 1983 (Monday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Linus and Lucy move away from the neighborhood when their Dad is transferred to a new job. Once they're gone, Sally wonders why her "Sweet Babboo" stood her up, Snoopy enjoys Linus's blanket, Peppermint Patty tries to cheer up a depressed Charlie Brown, and even Schroeder misses Lucy. Can the gang cope if their friends have really gone forever?

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Franklin (b), Patty (b), Pig-pen (b), Roy (b), Shermy (b), Violet (b), moving men (b).

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music Composed by Judy Munsen
Music Arranged by Steve Riffkin

IT'S AN ADVENTURE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: May 16, 1983 (Monday), 8:00 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Vignettes based on newspaper strips. Includes:

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed by Ed Bogas and Desirée Goyette
Music Arranged and Conducted by Ed Bogas

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED, CHARLIE BROWN?

Broadcast Date: May 30, 1983 (Monday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

After leaving the chateau where they stayed as exchange students in France, the gang visits Omaha Beach in Normandy (where the Allies landed on D-Day in World War II) and Ypres (a World War I battlesite), and Linus talks about the significance of the sites and gives tribute to the veterans who fought in both wars.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock.

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed by Judy Munsen
Music Arranged by Dawn Atkinson

IT'S FLASHBEAGLE, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: April 16, 1984 (Monday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown wishes he had a normal dog while Snoopy dances the night away as "Flashbeagle," but Sally finds Snoopy's dancing skills an asset during show and tell at school. Also, Peppermint Patty has trouble with her binder; the gang attends a party where they play "Simon Says" and dance.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Pig-pen, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, 5 (b), Frieda (b), party host kid (b), kid with George the chameleon (b), other birds (b)

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music and Lyrics by Desiree Goyette and Ed Bogas

Songs:
Flashbeagle
Peppermint Patty's PE Program (I'm In Shape)
Lucy Says (Listen to Lucy)
Pig-Pen Hoe Down
(Talkin' About) Snoopy

Albums:
An LP of the songs from this special was made in 1984, but is now out of print and there is no CD version. The other songs on the "Flashbeagle" album are from the documentary/celebration show "It's Your 20th TV Anniversary, Charlie Brown."

SNOOPY'S GETTING MARRIED, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: March 20, 1985 (Wednesday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Snoopy decides to get married to a poodle he meets in the dark while he's guarding Peppermint Patty's house. At first alarmed, the Peanuts gang gets into the swing of things making preparations for the wedding. Meanwhile, Snoopy invites Spike to be his "Best Beagle," and Spike does odd jobs to pay for his bus fare. Finally all is set - but where's the bride?

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Spike, Woodstock, Genevieve, Franklin (b), Patty (b), Pig-pen (b), Violet (b), other birds (b).

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music by Judy Munsen

Songs:
Oh Let Me Be the One

Classical Music Sources:
After Sally finishes her song, Schroeder plays the ending bars of the 1st movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: November 6, 1985 (Wednesday), 8:00 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Animated version of the 1967 musical.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, Peppermint Patty (b), Marcie (b)

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Orchestra Conductor - Ed Bogas
Music Director - Desiree Goyette

Songs (in the animated adaptation; a few from the original are omitted):

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Schroeder (Someday We'll Get Married)
The Kite
Snoopy (They Like Me)
The Book Report
Little Known Facts
T-E-A-M (The Baseball Game)
Glee Club Rehearsal
Suppertime
Happiness
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (reprise)

Classical Music Sources:

  1. Song "Schroeder" (sung by Lucy): Beethoven's "Moonlight sonata" (piano sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2; 1st movement).
  2. Schroeder plays piano; Lucy comes in and starts talking about their future life together (the "Saucepans?" scene): J. S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, Prelude and Fugue No. 11 in F major, BWV 856.

CD/Albums:

No album of the songs as presented in the animated special is available, but:

HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: January 1, 1986, 8:30 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Peppermint Patty hosts a New Year's Eve party, while Charlie Brown struggles to read "War and Peace" over Christmas break.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, Franklin (b), Heather (b), Patty (b), Pig-pen (b), Rerun (b), Violet (b).

Music:

Music by Desiree Goyette and Ed Bogas

Songs:
Slow Slow Quick Quick
If You Want To Be a Winner at Musical Chairs

Classical Music Sources:
When Lucy asks Schroeder to take her to the party: Beethoven, Piano sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 ("Waldstein"); 1st movement.

SNOOPY: THE MUSICAL

Broadcast Date: January 29, 1988 (Friday), 8:00 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Animated special based on the 1974 musical.

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music by Larry Grossman
Lyrics by Hal Hackady
Musical Director - Desirée Goyette
Music Conducted by Lenny La Croix and Ed Bogas

Songs (in the animated adaptation; a few from the original are omitted):

Don't Be Anything Less Than Everything You Can Be
Snoopy's Song ("Sit up! Lie down! Roll over!")
Woodstock's Theme
Edgar Allan Poe
I Know Now
The Vigil (The Great Pumpkin Song)
Clouds
The Great Writer (It Was a Dark and Stormy Night)
Poor Sweet Baby
The Big Bow Wow
Just One Person

Albums:

Two CD's of the songs from this musical are available:

  • SNOOPY!!! - ORIGINAL CAST (San Francisco) (DRG 6103)
  • SNOOPY - ORIGINAL LONDON CAST (Jay Records CDJAY 1073)

The London cast album contains several songs not on the San Francisco cast album; the San Francisco cast album contains one ("Friend") not on the London cast album.

IT'S THE GIRL IN THE RED TRUCK, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: September 27, 1988 (Tuesday), 8:00 - 9:00 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

An unusual combination of live-action and animation where Spike's life in the desert makes an unexpected turn when he falls for Jenny, a girl in an old red truck. He travels to town with her, eats good food and goes roller skating. But Jenny's boyfriend Jeff wants her to move to Los Angeles, and Spike's not sure city life is for him. Both Spike and Jenny must choose between the desert or the city - and meanwhile Spike runs into a dangerous coyote hunt.

Characters:

Spike, Jenny (girl in the red truck), Molly, Jeff, hobo beagles in jug band (b), Charlie Brown (b), Snoopy (b)

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music by Paul Rodriguez

WHY, CHARLIE BROWN, WHY?

Broadcast Date: March 16, 1990 (Friday), 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown and Linus become concerned when their friend Janice develops leukemia (a form of cancer) and has to go to the hospital. Discusses the treatment of leukemia and how other children might feel when a friend becomes seriously ill.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, Janice, bully at school, Franklin (b), Marcie (b), Peppermint Patty (b), Schroeder (b), 5 (b), Janice's sisters (b), other birds (b).

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music by Judy Munsen
Vocals ("Farther Along") - Becky Reardon

Song:
Farther Along

SNOOPY'S REUNION

Broadcast Date: May 1, 1991, 8:00 - 8:30 PM (CBS)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown decides to cheer up Snoopy by hosting a reunion party with his brothers and sisters; we learn about their first days at the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm and how they came to leave it.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Sally, Snoopy; farmer who owns the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm, Lila, Lila's mother, bus driver (b); Andy, Belle, Marbles, Missy (Snoopy's mom), Molly, Olaf, Rover, Spike.

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music by Judy Munsen

IT'S SPRING TRAINING, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: Never aired (copyright date is 1992, first released on video January, 1996)

Synopsis:

Charlie Brown's team can get uniforms if they win the first game of the season. Will an early round of spring training in the snow and new team member, the tiny Leland, be enough help?

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Leland, Linus, Lucy, Pig-pen, Schroeder, Snoopy, Leland's sister (looks like Frieda)(b), Patty (b), Shermy (b), visiting baseball team.

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?

Music:

Music - Judy Munsen
"Peanuts Time" and "Baseball" (instrumentals) performed by D'Cuckoo
"That's What It's All About" performed by Jessica Nwafor

Songs:
Hokey-Pokey
That's What It's All About (Franklin's rap song)

Classical Music Sources:
When Schroeder comes up to bat: Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67; 1st movement.

IT'S CHRISTMASTIME AGAIN, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: November 27, 1992 (CBS) (released on video first, approx. Sept. 1992)

Synopsis:

A collection of Christmas-themed vignettes, including: Charlie Brown tries to sell wreaths; Peppermint Patty worries about her Christmas book report; Charlie Brown tries to buy gloves for Peggy Jean; and the gang is in a Christmas play, where Sally worries about her single line and Peppermint Patty plays a sheep.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Franklin, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, Frieda (b), Harold Angel (b), Patty (b), Peggy Jean (b), Violet (b), other unnamed kids, other birds.

Trivia & Notes:

Music:

Music Composed by Vince Guaraldi
Music Arranged and Performed by David Benoit

YOU'RE IN THE SUPERBOWL, CHARLIE BROWN

Broadcast Date: January 18, 1994 (NBC)

Synopsis:

Snoopy coaches a football team of birds to the championships; the gang competes in a punt-and-pass contest to win a new bike and a trip to the Super Bowl; Charlie Brown and Linus try to win the affections of Melody-Melody.

Characters:

Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy, Melody-Melody, Franklin (b), Pig-Pen (b), various birds.

Trivia & Notes:

Did You Notice?