A Charlie Brown Christmas was first broadcast on December 9, 1965 on CBS, six decades ago. I was 8 years old and I was stunned at the time by the passage of Linus quoting the Gospel of Luke in explaining the true meaning of Christmas. Apparently CBS executives wanted to cut this passage out, but Charles Schulz, normally a fairly non-confrontational man, was adamant that it remain in.
That was the most important battle Schulz waged and won over this first of the Charlie Brown specials, but there were many others. The CBS executives wanted a laugh track, they didn’t like using kid voice actors instead of adult voice actors and they thought that the jazz music throughout the show was too unusual for what they perceived as a show for kids. When the show was finished the executives were horrified and thought they had a major flop on their hands.
The show was a critical and popular success, with 50% of all televisions in America tuned in to it when it was first broadcast. The show won a Peabody and an Emmy and became a Christmas fixture for many American families. This year, 2025, Apple TV has the rights to the show. Non subscribers like me may watch it for free December 14-December 15. The ending of the show underlines Schulz’ s desire to focus on Christ, something sadly lacking too often at Christmas time.
The Citizen Kane of Christmas specials.
Indeed Dave. Ironic that one of the more powerful moments in television history was delivered by an animated cartoon.
Jesus Christ came into the world as the Son of God. Jesus Christ was crucified and died as the Son of Man.
Man comes into the world as the son of Adam and dies as a child of God.
I dunno, Don. The entire story of the nativity is one of humility, so it seems very poetic and fitting that one of the most powerful recountings of it on TV is by one of the lowest, humblest forms of the medium that others look down on.
I think God has a lot more poetry in His heart than we realize.
A real heck of a sense of humor.
I saw this as a child – was spellbound. Still love it.
Agreed, still my favorite by far of all the made-for-TV “Christmas specials.”
I wonder how many get the topical sarcasm of Sally wanting her “fair share”. I believe that was a Left-Dem talking point of the day. I know my Dad laughed at it.
(By the way: the 6-year-old actress couldn’t read yet, and had to memorize lines recited to her.)
@Nate Winchester.
The creator…His poetry is Truth.
Think of poetry in its Greek meaning “to do, to create”.
The little way is the proven way.
Unless you become as one of these… or just examine St. Therese, the lil’ flower. Examination and imitation. The little flower was poetry in motion.
Father I thank you…for what you have hidden from the learned and the wise you have revealed to the merest of children.
Peace be yours, everyone.
Peace of Christ.
I know we have now all (probably) been made aware of it, but I still get a tear in my eye when Linus drops his security blanket when he says “Fear not . . .”
The child actor who read those lines, Christopher Shea, died in 2010 at the age of 52 from natural causes. He also voiced Linus in “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” and did guest shots on some prime time shows such as “Bonanza” in the 60s, but he was and always will be remembered for explaining “what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”.
Off Topic?…yes.
But a great sign on our steps;
https://www.lifenews.com/2024/12/11/nativity-scene-will-be-displayed-at-the-us-capitol-for-the-first-time-in-american-history/
Among the show’s salutary cultural impacts, the music made composer/performer Vince Guaraldi a household name, a well deserved recognition, in my view anyway.
A lot of comic strips had tremendous wisdom, raising questions on challenging issues. I miss Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes and even Bugs Bunny. You try and read or watch them today and they are completely sanitized.
My son and daughter-in-law created a lawn display of Charlie Brown’s Christmas complete with music (and made films of it) Me proud.