Why It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown is a Halloween must-watch (and where to watch)

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown premiered before I was born, but thanks to glorious reruns on ABC and CBS respectively, the annual Halloween special created by Charles M. Schultz carved its way into my youth and remains a part of my holiday traditions. It captured the essence of childhood innocence and Halloween's magic. You have Snoopy as the World War I Ace (an American hero) taking on the Red Baron, Linus Van Pelt's belief in the Great Pumpkin, Sally Brown's rant of missing trick and treating, the party, and demanding restitution, it doesn't get better as far as creating the perfect kid-driven Halloween special.

Then, there's the appreciation of the incorporated simple animation and the underscore of subtle religious themes surrounding Linus's belief. More importantly, It's The Great Pumpkin Charle Brown reflects that despite when things are tough or bad at the time (Lucy taking the football away; Charlie Brown getting rocks instead of treats; Snoopy imitating the Great Pumpkin), one shouldn't give up hope or faith for tomorrow, as things could improve. It's a simple lesson, with complex answers.

If Linus can illuminate hope, we can too. With so much happening globally, it's easy to get stuck or lost within the vortex, but having a beacon of hope, even if it's in a small way, can light the days ahead.

Where to watch It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

In the past, It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown used to broadcast on CBS until 2001, when it migrated to ABC. In 2020, the annual special became an Apple TV+ exclusive, leaving fans disappointed with the licensing deal. It meant that The Great Pumpkin would no longer be aired on broadcast, as the platform is only open to subscribers and has very few limitations.

This year won't be any different, as It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown will continue streaming on Apple TV+. However, on October 19 and 20, non-subscribers can enjoy the special for free without signing up or being obligated to do so.

Per a press release obtained by The Parent Watch, here's how you can watch if you're not an Apple TV member.

"It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! To celebrate the holiday season, Apple TV+ will provide special free streaming windows for non-subscribers to enjoy the iconic Peanuts holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide. Don’t miss It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, available Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20."

I'll be watching and enjoying The Great Pumpkin this year, as it has set a permenat spot within me. Don't miss out on this Halloween classic or any of the oth Peanuts holiday specials.