Apple TV+ plans a Dec. 10, debut for its first new Peanuts special after a deal struck with production companies last year. Entitled For Auld Lang Syne, it features the classic gang of cartoon kids trying to throw the greatest-ever New Year’s Eve party.
The new show marks the first time a Peanuts special hasn’t had the name “Charlie Brown” (main character, but you knew that) or “Snoopy” (his dog, but you also knew that) in the title.
One wonders if Peanuts creator Charles M. “Sparky” Schulz, who drew the comic strip for nearly 50 years and had a strong hand in the TV specials before his death in 2000, would approve. He probably would, given the involvement of Schulz associates and family members in the new production.
For Auld Lang Syne is based on a story by Alex Galatis and Scott Montgomery, both of whom worked on Apple TV+’s other Peanuts series, The Snoopy Show. Galatis and Montgomery wrote the special along with director Clay Kaytis.
Craig and Bryan Schulz serve as executive producers on For Auld Lang Syne, along with Paige Braddock from Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates and several executive producers from Apple TV+ partner WildBrain Studios.
The best NYE party ever
As the story in For Auld Lang Syne goes, the Peanuts gang is bummed to find out Charlie Brown’s grandmother can’t visit. So Lucy decides to throw herself a New Year’s Eve party. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown (always use the full name) struggles to accomplish just one of his resolutions before the stroke of 12 midnight.
Apple TV+ Peanuts deal with WildBrain
A newly made Peanuts special is possible because of Apple’s exclusive partnership with the WildBrain animation studio, Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson Film Productions.
The deal allows new original series and specials, along with the classic library titles, to air on Apple TV+ as well as PBS. The old specials for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are already available for streaming on Apple TV+.
On PBS, the classic specials broadcast on specific dates. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown airs on October 24. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving follows on November 21. A Charlie Brown Christmas airs on December 19. All air times are 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Second Peanuts NYE special
The new For Auld Lang Syne special is actually the second Peanuts special with a New Year’s Eve theme. The first one, Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!, premiered on CBS in 1986. It and some other newer titles in the catalog are also on Apple TV+.
You can stream the specials on Apple TV+, along with other exclusive Peanuts content like The Snoopy Show and Snoopy in Space. You can subscribe to Apple TV+ for $4.99 per month.
