Charles Schulz's Peanuts moved from the comic strip to television and film, and its specials became an American broadcast staple. According to IMDb, the most highly rated Peanuts specials blend holiday traditions with stories built around Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the rest of the gang. The list, shared in celebration of the specials' recent remastering, notes that some families still gather around the TV on holidays to watch the characters.
The list opens with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The gang invades Charlie Brown's home for a Thanksgiving meal, even though he and his sister already plan to go to their grandmother's house. Charlie Brown can only make cold cereal and toast, and Snoopy and Woodstock end up preparing the dinner in one of the special's iconic scenes.
Another entry, There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown, puts Peppermint Patty and Charlie Brown at the center. With schoolwork looming, the pair end up in a supermarket during a class trip to an art museum and study the store's 'pop art.' The special explores their unusual dynamic and introduces Patty's sidekick, Marcie, to broadcast audiences.
You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown shifts focus to Linus. After Lucy talks Charlie Brown out of running for class president, Linus is pulled into the race. The story includes Lucy's campaign management, political satire and Snoopy acting out his Joe Cool fantasy.
Play It Again, Charlie Brown centers on Lucy's feelings for Schroeder and his dedication to Beethoven. When Lucy gets Schroeder a gig at a PTA meeting, the plan risks forcing him to compromise. The special features band practice and jokes about spray cans, while showing a more sincere side of Lucy.
It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown has Charlie Brown and Linus writing a 500-word essay about their summer. They recall summer camp, where Linus misses an easy stay-at-home vacation and Charlie Brown starts a war of the sexes. Camp activities and Charlie Brown's speeches follow.
At the midpoint, He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown turns to Snoopy. The gang pushes Charlie Brown to give his dog more training. Instead, Snoopy imagines himself as a soldier on leave in Paris, travels through Europe and eats Peppermint Patty's food; the special notes that he learns nothing.
You're in Love, Charlie Brown follows Charlie Brown's attempt to confess his feelings to the Little Red-Haired Girl. The story is filled with awkward moments, including a love letter read to the class and teasing from classmates, and features Peppermint Patty trying to set him up with Lucy.
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown brings the gang to Halloween. The classic includes Charlie Brown's 'I got a rock' line and Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin, a parody of children's excitement for Santa Claus, while Sally loses time waiting with him.
Charlie Brown's All Stars! focuses on the neighborhood baseball team coached by Charlie Brown. A long losing streak makes the kids want to quit, but Charlie Brown secures a sponsor with uniforms and official league play. When the sponsor falls through at the last minute, he tries to keep everyone playing.
The list closes with A Charlie Brown Christmas, described as the special most people have likely seen. It follows Charlie Brown's failed efforts to embrace the holiday, Linus' explanation of what Christmas is about and the gang giving Charlie Brown a break. Its iconic moments include ice skating, the tree and decorating gags, a stage dance and caroling.
Sources: Comic Book Resources.