‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ Won’t Be on Cable This Year—Here’s Why
Some of my favorite childhood memories are sitting around during the holidays with my siblings watching our favorite cartoon specials. For Halloween, we had two classics we always watched—Garfield’s Halloween Adventure and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Both were recorded on VHS tapes straight from the TV airings…amazing ’80s commercials and all!
We’d sit around in our living room laughing at Charlie Brown and company’s kiddish antics. We’d also wonder what it’d be like to sit around in a pumpkin patch on a moonlit night, waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. But now, it seems this year’s annual viewing is going to be a bit different for kids and adults alike.
Good Grief! What’s the Big Idea?
While all the Peanuts specials used to be shown once a year during their relevant holiday, Apple TV has decided to switch things up a bit. Instead, specials like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will be shown for free during a three-day run on the streaming service. While it may be disappointing for some, it might just be the thing that leads to a bunch of people to hop on the Apple TV train. I mean…Peanuts is kind of a big deal.
If you’ve already got Apple TV, you’re all set. Currently, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! is set to stream from October 30 to November 1. That means you can watch it once during those three days, once a day for those three days or nonstop to your heart’s content!
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is set to stream from November 25 to November 27, while A Charlie Brown Christmas is set to stream from December 11 to December 13. That gives you plenty of time to plan a Charlie Brown Christmas party.
The Great Pumpkin Will Be Here Soon
So, basically what we’re trying to say is…it’s probably time to hop on to Apple TV. Or, you can be like my family and still watch VHS tapes from the 1980s. Either way, we’re all here to have fun with the Peanuts gang!
The Best Sweet + Savory Pumpkin Recipes
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Sausage & Rice Stuffed Pumpkins
My children often request this dish. It also adds a great "wow" factor to a festive buffet table.—Andria Peckham, Lowell, Michigan
Walnut Pumpkin Cake Roll
This is one of my family's favorite dessert recipes, especially for holiday gatherings. —Mary Gecha, Center Rutland, Vermont
Pasta Squiggles with Pumpkin Sauce
My family loves this spiral pasta in a tasty pumpkin sauce. Make it for Halloween and call it Creepy-Crawly Noodles! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
Pumpkin Coffee Ring
I make this delicious coffee cake with its creamy pumpkin filling for almost every holiday gathering, and everyone loves it. —Carol McCartney, Danville, Ohio
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Pumpkin-Filled Crescent Rolls
This is an Old World recipe derived from my grandmother, who didn't use traditional measuring cups. We figured out this recipe, which must date back to 1900 or earlier. Other fillings that work well are cranberry, peanut butter or lemon. —Gary Wanosky, North Ridgeville, Ohio
Pumpkin-Chorizo Bow Ties
Chicken sausage is such a convenient way to add flavor to healthy dishes. If your family doesn't like spicy food, skip the red pepper flakes and use a mild-flavored sausage. The pumpkin really stands out that way. —Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York
Sage & Gruyere Sourdough Bread
A sourdough starter gives loaves extra flavor and helps the rising process. This bread, with sage and Gruyere cheese, comes out so well that I’m thrilled to share it. —Debra Kramer, Boca Raton, Florida
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots
When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
Buttermilk Pumpkin Waffles
My girlfriend loves pumpkin, so I enjoy making these for her on cool Sunday mornings. —Charles Insler, Silver Spring, Maryland
Easy Pumpkin Sloppy Joes
Stirring canned pumpkin into sloppy joe meat may seem strange, but everyone is pleasantly surprised by these. Add cloves, nutmeg and chili powder for extra oomph, then plunk dill slices on top. —Donna Musser, Pearl City, Illinois
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Apple Pumpkin Muffins
The combination of flavors makes this recipe a perfect treat for a cool fall day. These apple and pumpkin muffins are great for breakfast, dessert or an after-school snack. —Beth Knapp, Littleton, New Hampshire
Pumpkin Gnocchi in Sage Butter
For a delicious autumn spin on an Italian classic, try this hearty, seasonal gnocchi. Sage and garlic butter sauce complements the pumpkin wonderfully. —Donna Mosca Kahler, Jupiter, Florida
Pumpkin Torte
This beautiful layered cake has a creamy filling with a mild pumpkin flavor and a little spice. It's quick and always turns out so well. The nuts and caramel topping add a nice finishing touch. —Trixie Fisher, Piqua, Ohio
Cheese Ravioli with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
When I first made this cheese ravioli everyone thought: Pumpkin on pasta? Ew! But once they tasted it, they couldn't believe how much they liked it! A warm, comforting delicious blend of flavors. —Cheri Neustifter, Sturtevant, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
This is a wonderful recipe I discovered and changed a bit to suit my taste. I love the flavor of pumpkin and the cinnamon makes ordinary cream cheese frosting extra special. When I made a batch for my husband to take to work, he said they disappeared in record time. —Debbie Wiggins, Longmont, Colorado
Cheese & Pumpkin-Filled Manicotti
Our family adores autumn and anything to do with pumpkins! This warm, comforting recipe is so easy to put together on a cool fall weeknight. When I have time, I make homemade ravioli and tortellini using this same filling. It also works well in stuffed shells. —Mandy Howison, Renfrew, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping
Instead of a traditional pie, I like to surprise holiday guests with a silky cheesecake. Make it a day ahead and let it chill overnight. It's one less thing you'll have to make on the big day. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Pumpkin-Curry Chicken over Cashew Rice
This is truly a dish that combines international flavors with homespun comfort. The sweet curry aroma alone will warm hearts on gray-sky days. For more veggie goodness, add roasted cauliflower. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Pumpkin Stew
This special stew is the meal our two kids look forward to each fall because we only get to enjoy it when the fresh pumpkins come out of the garden. The stew is cooked and served right in the pumpkin shell. A true taste of autumn, it also makes a pretty presentation at a potluck. —Donna Mosher, Augusta, Montana
Pumpkin Lasagna
I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Pumpkin Chip Cookies
These golden cakelike cookies are my favorite, especially around the holidays. They disappear quickly from my dessert trays. The subtle pumpkin and cinnamon flavors pair nicely with chocolate chips. —Tami Burroughs, Salem, Oregon
Pumpkin Pan Rolls
Serve these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or at any time of day–and get ready to hear a chorus of yums in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with Bacon
This is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Rum-Glazed Pumpkin Cake
For years, my co-workers were taste testers as I worked on a recipe for pumpkin cake. This version wins, hands down. —Gilda Smith, Santee, California
Pumpkin Knot Rolls
These rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted...and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu Issaquah, Washington
Black Bean & Pumpkin Chili
This is my kind of chili – thick and hearty. Try sweet potato or butternut squash instead of pumpkin, and serve over quinoa, barley, brown rice or farro. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, WI
Pumpkin Mousse Trifle
You can speed up this recipe by using a store-bought pound cake or baking and freezing one ahead of time. The sugared pecans can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.—Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma
Praline Pumpkin Torte
Homemade pralines, big poufs of whipped cream and spiced cake make this torte decadent to the last bite. It's perfect for an autumn day. —Esther Sinn, Princeton, Illinois
Chorizo Pumpkin Pasta
I’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of friends. —Christine Yang, Syracuse, New York
Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Ice Cream
Everyone loves a pumpkin-flavored cheesecake, so we decided to make a cool and creamy ice-cream version. We're thrilled with the result. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Bread
I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Gingersnap Pumpkin Cake
It just so happened that on the first day that really felt like fall, we were getting together with friends. I had to make this pumpkin cake. —Koni Brewer, Fort Worth, Texas
Pumpkin Cream of Wheat
This autumn-inspired breakfast tastes like pumpkin pie—without the guilt! Double the recipe if you feel like sharing. —Amy Bashtovoi, Sidney, Nebraska
Savory Pumpkin Ravioli
This pumpkin ravioli recipe may sound complicated, but if you organize yourself, it really isn't. The result will be pure pumpkin heaven. I like to sprinkle the ravioli with Parmesan as well. You can also add salt and pepper to taste to the rich, sage sauce. —Christopher Presutti, Jacksonville, Florida
Spiced Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
What a sweet way to start your morning! It’s perfect for the holidays, but we enjoy it year-round. Prep the evening before, and in the morning you can pop this in the oven and have a delicious breakfast in no time! —Joanne Wessel, Greenwood, Indiana
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili
My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Pumpkin Doughnut Drops
I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
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