Apple TV+ set a slate of kids-and-family specials Tuesday for the upcoming holiday season, including the new Apple Original special The Velveteen Rabbit, based on Margery Williams’ beloved children’s book, on November 22.
But that’s not all. New holiday-themed episodes from series The Snoopy Show, Frog and Toad and Shape Island premiere December 1. And a special New Year’s Eve-themed episode of Sago Mini Friends comes out December 22.
Some Peanuts classics will stream for free, too — you don’t need to subscribe to Apple TV+ to see the classic Charlie Brown shows for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Holiday slate of kids and family specials on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ will “provide special free windows for nonsubscribers to stream the iconic holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide, including It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown available Saturday, October 21 through Sunday, October 22; A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, available Saturday, November 18 through Sunday, November 19; and A Charlie Brown Christmas, available Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 17,” the company said. “These specials are available to subscribers now and every day.”
Lineup for Apple TV+ kids and family holiday fare
Photo: Apple TV+
You can read more about all the shows in the Apple TV+ press release about the holiday shows, both new and old. Here’s the Apple TV+ lineup in order by premiere date:
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – stream for free Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22.
50th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – stream for free Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19.
Photo: Apple TV+
The Velveteen Rabbit – premieres Wednesday, November 22.
Based on the treasured, classic children’s book by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit” celebrates the magic of unconditional love. When seven-year-old William receives a new favorite toy for Christmas, he discovers a lifelong friend and unlocks a world of magic. The 40-minute special from Apple TV+ and produced by Magic Light Pictures introduces Phoenix Laroche (“The Royal Nanny”) starring as William alongside an all-star cast including the voices of Alex Lawther (“Andor”) as the Velveteen Rabbit, Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown,” “Harry Potter) as Wise Horse and many others.
Frog and Toad Christmas Special — Premieres Friday, December 1.
Photo: Apple TV+
In Christmas Eve, Frog and Toad are looking forward to spending the winter holiday together, but a last-minute errand into town sidetracks Frog, causing Toad to wonder if his best friend will make it home in time. An Apple TV+ original series based on the beloved book series by Arnold Lobel, “Frog and Toad” are not at all alike. Frog likes new adventures. Toad likes the comforts of home. Yet despite their differences, Frog and Toad are always there for each other — as best friends should be.
The Snoopy Show Christmas special – premieres Friday, December 1.
Photo: Apple TV+
In Happiness Is Holiday Traditions, Snoopy searches for the perfect tree topper, Woodstock gets trapped in a window display, and Snoopy and Woodstock visit Spike for Christmas. An Apple TV+ original series from Peanuts and WildBrain, “The Snoopy Show” gives the world’s most iconic dog his close-up and dives into new adventures with the happy-dancing, high-flying, big-dreaming beagle, who’s joined by best friend Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang.
Shape Island winter special – premieres Friday, December 1.
Photo: Apple TV+
Shape Island, the acclaimed stop-motion series for kids and families based on the internationally bestselling trilogy of Shapes picture books written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, is back on December 1 with an all-new holiday special titled The Winter Blues. The chilly season leaves Square feeling sad, so Circle and Triangle try to cheer him up by creating a new holiday: Yeti Night.
A Charlie Brown Christmas — stream for free on Saturday, December 16, and Sunday, December 17.
Photo: Apple TV+
Sago Mini Friends New Year’s Eve special – premieres Friday, December 22.
Photo: Apple TV+
In an all-new holiday special titled New Year’s Steve, Harvey makes a wish to stay awake until midnight when a firefly swoops in to help — and kickstarts a scavenger hunt for the whole crew. The series is an adorable nod to gratitude, featuring Harvey the floppy-eared dog and his best friends, Jinja the cat, Jack the rabbit and Robin the bird.
Watch it all on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available by subscription for $6.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After first airing in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 299 wins and 1,451 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
In addition to award-winning movies and TV shows (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso), Apple TV+ offers a variety of documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.
Source: Apple TV+
