For decades, the Peanuts movies and specials have held a cherished place in the childhoods of many. Based on a comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, these animations feature almost exclusively children and explore many philosophical queries despite their digestible, humorous format. The first Peanuts special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, was released in December 1965, and the first feature film based on the comic, A Boy Named Charlie Brown, was released in 1969. The franchise has grown to include over 50 specials, five feature films, and numerous television series, including the 2014 Peanuts by Shultz series. Although the comic strip and series follow multiple characters, the original and prominent focal character is Charlie Brown, a young, introspective boy who struggles with insecurities, failure, and relationships, yet remains gentle and kind through the setbacks he encounters.
Charles M Schulz (1922-2000) was born in Minnesota, where he developed a love for drawing, often depicting his dog in these early pieces. After fighting in World War II, Schulz returned to his home state. In 1950, the first Peanuts comic strip was printed. He and his family moved to California eight years later, where he built a studio as the comic continued to grow. At its apogee, Peanuts was published in 2,600 newspapers spanning 75 countries every day, and in total, Schulz created and published almost 18,000 strips.
In the 1960s, animated versions of the strips emerged. Schulz wrote the script for the first adaptation, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and worked alongside producer Lee Mendelson and animator Bill Melendez to create the half–hour special that would eventually air on CBS. It was a huge success, drawing the interest of viewers, critics, sponsors, and networks alike. The psychological and philosophical themes of the show were considered visionary at the time, which allowed the show to draw older viewers in addition to the comic’s younger audience.
Today, the most renowned Peanuts specials are the holiday episodes; their charm and festivity draw back viewers year after year. The three that are most celebrated are It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and, of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas. The coalescence of holiday motifs, inviting music, and straightforward plots creates accessible, family-friendly animations. Further, the introduction of deeper questions surrounding the holidays and recurring metaphors, such as Charlie’s failure to kick a football, allows the films to be enticing for a wider audience. They make the viewer question their own beliefs and associations about holidays.
These films tend to be repetitive and simple, which, although viewed as boring to some, is also an interesting stylistic choice by Schulz. Most notably, there is little character development, likely due to the four-panel comic format from which the films originate. Moreover, at times, the plot is dragged out and underdeveloped. Simplicity in the films, however, also allows for a clearer depiction of social issues. This perspective is also contributed to by Shulz’s choice to include only children in the exploration of philosophical questions. The decision to do this shows that these themes are experienced by all, regardless of age, and that children are not naive with respect to them, but instead offer insight into their discussion.
The Peanuts Filmography has a profound impact on children and adults alike. The specials and movies offer a sense of nostalgia and a timeless perspective on holidays by incorporating festive scenes and discussing generational topics. Although the specials are short, they prompt the audience to think for days about how to approach the topics the films address and spark reflection on the viewers’ lives as a whole.