Those classic “Peanuts” animated holiday specials are going to remain on TV for a while.
ABC has extended its deal with Peanuts Worldwide LLC and Lee Mendelson Film Productions to keep the Charles M. Schulz cartoons on the network until 2020.
The specials — which include “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” have aired on ABC since 2001.
Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang have proved a consistent ratings draw over the years, even in the era of the DVR. This year’s Halloween special rebroadcast drew seven million viewers while the Thanksgiving special averaged 5.3 million viewers.
The annual Christmas-themed “Peanuts” special will air Thursday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. on ABC.