A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first prime-time animated TV special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was produced and directed by former Warner Bros. and UPA animator Bill Meléndez, who also supplied the voice for the character of Snoopy.


Initially sponsored by Coca-Cola, the special aired on CBS from its debut in 1965 through 2000, and has aired on ABC since 2001. For many years it aired only annually, but is now telecast at least twice during the Christmas season. The special has been honored with both an Emmy and Peabody award.


A Charlie Brown Christmas is also one of CBS's most successful specials, airing annually more times on that network than even MGM's classic motion picture The Wizard of Oz.


Created by: Charles M. Schulz


Directed by: Bill Meléndez


Voices:
Peter Robbins: Charlie Brown
Chris Shea: Linus van Pelt
Tracy Stratford: Lucille "Lucy" van Pelt
Kathy Steinberg: Sally Brown
Chris Doran: Schroeder and Shermy
Geoffrey Ornstein: Pig-Pen
Karen Mendelson: Patty (not the same as Peppermint Patty)
Sally Dryer: Violet Gray
Ann Altieri: Frieda
Bill Meléndez: Snoopy


Theme music composer: Vince Guaraldi


Composer: Vince Guaraldi


Country of origin: USA


Original airing December 9, 1965