Snoopy’s First Christmas Special in 5 Years Comes With a Musical Twist

Snoopy faces a holiday deadline

With 12 days left before Christmas, Snoopy panics after learning he is on Santa’s naughty list. Unsure why, he sets out to show that he is a good dog and discovers what that means along the way.

The story centers on kindness and care for the community, themes associated with the Peanuts holiday specials. Snoopy’s comic antics also bring a different focus from stories led by Charlie Brown and his friends.

Music adds a modern touch

The special includes original music from John Legend, Raphael Saadiq, Kamasi Washington and Leon Bridges, among others. Legend and Saadiq’s new song is “Get Ready,” while Washington and Bridges perform “Trying to Get There.” Laufey contributes a cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and Jeff Morrow composed the score. The music is intended to fill the quiet in a Snoopy-led story, which may have less dialogue.

A milestone for Peanuts

The new entry joins Apple’s Snoopy Presents series and arrives alongside a library that includes earlier Peanuts specials, series and movies. A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown are among the titles available on Apple TV.

An early holiday release

Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy premieres Friday, November 13, on Apple TV. Earlier Peanuts holiday specials often debuted close to Christmas, while the new release gives viewers more time to hear about it and plan a family viewing.

Apple TV’s existing Peanuts holiday offerings could also compete for viewers’ attention. Fans may use the season to revisit older specials, including the Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve entries mentioned in the story.