See Charlie Brown's 'Great Pumpkin' Without Going To A Patch

Halloween traditionalists this year will have to try something new if they want to watch the classic seasonal special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

For the first time since it premiered in 1966, the TV special will not be broadcast on television in 2020, Vulture reports.

There is, however, good news for fall fiends hoping to enjoy the story of friendship. This year, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” will stream for free on Apple TV+.

Even viewers without paid accounts will be able to hop online, visit the Apple TV+ website and stream right away. All that’s needed is a computer with an internet connection or a web-connected television with the Apple TV+ application.

While this news might leave some mourning their Halloween tradition, there is a silver lining. Apple is joining forces with WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson Film Production to bring forth new holiday specials starring Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts universe, the tech company said in a news release.

Among new programming coming to Apple TV+ is a slate of new Peanuts episodes, including a second season of “Snoopy in Space” and several holiday-themed specials.

The specials are set to center on going back to school along with holidays such as Mother’s Day, Earth Day and New Year’s Eve. “The Snoopy Show” and a Peanuts 70th anniversary documentary are also in the works.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” hit Apple TV+ on Oct. 19. It can be watched for free from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, and even more holiday specials will be available to stream for free in the coming months.

“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will go live on Apple TV+ on Nov. 18 and stream for free from Nov. 25 to Nov. 27. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” can be viewed for free from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” follows the Peanuts kids as they go trick-or-treating before attending a Halloween party at Violet’s house.

Missing from the crew, however, is Linus, who sits vigil in his local pumpkin patch awaiting the Great Pumpkin. Linus believes the pumpkin will rise from the ground and deliver presents to boys and girls around the world.

Ultimately, the Great Pumpkin fails to arrive, and Charlie consoles his friend, assuring him that he, too, has done his fair share of foolish things.

The Great Pumpkin probably won’t arrive this year, either. But thanks to Apple, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” viewers won’t have to feel the same way as Linus.