Common Sense Media Review
Classic Turkey Day special for all ages; some insult words.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is hailed as a classic that is beloved by families, especially during Thanksgiving, offering valuable lessons about gratitude and the holiday’s true meaning. However, some parents caution that certain language and themes, including discussions of bullying and religious context, might not be suitable for younger children, making it important for viewers to be aware of its content.
- holiday classic
- family favorite
- not for young kids
- valuable lessons
- caution advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 14 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING, the popular animated special created by Charles M. Schultz, Charlie Brown (voiced by Todd Barbee) finds himself hosting a Thanksgiving meal for his friends. At first, the characters are ambivalent, even somewhat negative, about the holiday. But thanks to some philosophical words from Linus (Stephen Shea) and Marcie (Jimmy Ahrens), the Peanuts gang comes to realize a deeper meaning to the holiday.
Is It Any Good?
Nobody does holidays quite like the Peanuts gang, and this special is no exception. Stumped over what to serve his friends for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, our reluctant host whips up a few tried-and-true recipes, including buttered toast, popcorn, and pretzel sticks. In a fun kitchen scene, Snoopy "conducts" the food preparation to Vince Guaraldi's "Linus and Lucy," probably the most well-known and well-loved Peanuts tune. Snoopy steals the show again when he and Woodstock set the Thanksgiving table with flourish.
On DVD, there's a second part to the special, a story released in 1988 called The Mayflower Voyagers. It strays somewhat from the simplicity that made its predecessors so endearing, but it can be considered educational, albeit focused on the experiences of White Pilgrims as they set off on a perilous journey.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving considers to be the "real meaning" of Thanksgiving. Do you agree? What does the holiday mean to you?
Given the special's focus on gratitude, what are some things you're thankful for? Why is this an important skill to encourage year-round?
How does Charlie Brown demonstrate hospitality to his friends, even though he doesn't know how to cook turkey or much of anything else? What makes a gathering successful or unsuccessful?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 20, 1973
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2000
- Cast : Jimmy Ahrens , Stephen Shea , Todd Barbee
- Directors : Bill Melendez , Phil Roman
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals , Friendship , Holidays , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude
- Run time : 25 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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