Last year, I quipped about the dismal offerings of Thanksgiving Specials airing on TV. This year, sadly, it’s much worse- there are fewer specials airing than ever, and it took a lot of searching to even find those. Many of the past cartoon specials have been replaced with turkey- day episodes of primetime content- some appropriate for kids, some not. For the purpose of this list, if it airs at or after 8pm and it’s not animated for children (no South Park!), it’s not on this list. Nevertheless, here’s what’s available this year. Note that all of these shows are airing on Thanksgiving Day:

ABC Family
Like last year, ABD Family will be airing “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “This is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers”, 8/7c. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” features all of the “Peanuts” gang gathering for Thanksgiving. What happens when Charlie Brown is in charge of the menu? Tune in to find out. This show will again be followed by “This is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers”, which shows pilgrims’ journey to the new land and the first Thanksgiving, set in 1620. This is a great way to introduce or reinforce this early history with your kids, without it feeling too much like learning. You won’t want to miss it!

On Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th, ABC Family will also be airing two other Charlie Brown classics: “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” and “Snoopy Come Home”. Their schedule will be the following:
“A Boy Named Charlie Brown”- Friday, Nov, 25th, 7-9pm; Saturday, Nov. 26th, 2-4pm
“Snoopy Come Home”- Friday, Nov. 25th, 9-11pm; Saturday, Nov. 26th, 4-6pm.

Fox Network
Fir the first time ever, Fox will be airing a new Charlie Brown special, called “Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.” This special was created this year, making it the newest Charlie Brown special to air. It centers around Linus and his attachment to his blanket. Will he kick the habit once and for all? Tune in to find out! If you miss it on Thanksgiving Day, it airs again on Dec. 16th.

NBC
Once again, Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC beginning at 9am in all time zones. This is the Parade’s 85th year, and in addition to the morning parade, an anniversary special will air Thanksgiving evening at 10pm, looking back over the past 85 years of parades.

Nick and Disney Jr.

Both channels will feature Thanksgiving- themed episodes of your kids’ favorite shows. Check out their website for specific show information.

Have a Happy and Blessed Holiday!