This is a piece of music that always makes me smile and think of Christmas.
Tag Archives: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Holidays Scenes That I Love: Charlie Brown Picks Out A Christmas Tree in A Charlie Brown Christmas
I was eight when I first saw this and I immediately asked my parents if we could trade our big Christmas tree for a small one that just needed some extra care.
A Scene That I Love: Charlie Brown Gets The Seasonal Blues In A Charlie Brown Christmas
Charlie Brown isn’t the only one who gets sad around the holidays.
A lot of people do. I’m one of them. I love Christmas but I still get sad thinking about those who are no longer with us and that another year is coming to an end. I know that this holiday, just like last year, is going to be especially difficult for many people around the world. Don’t be ashamed if you’re feeling down this month. You’re not alone.
In this scene that I love, Charlie Brown is feeling down for the holidays too but he finds someone to talk to. Unfortunately, that person is Lucy. However, sometimes it’s most important just to have someone to talk to.
This year, I hope Lucy finally gets her real estate.
Lisa Marie’s Week Television: 12/1/24 — 12/7/24
I watched the classic holiday specials this week!
In order of quality (from best to not-quite-as-good-as-its-reputation), I watched:
- A Charlie Brown Christmas Special (Apple+)
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas (NBC)
- Frosty the Snowman (NBC)
- Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (NBC)
I have to admit that Rudolph has always left me feeling anxious. I think it’s because Santa kind of comes across as being a jerk in that one. The main message seems to be the Santa is a harsh taskmaster and the other reindeer are all jerks. Poor Rudolph!
That said, I will always be happy to watch Charlie Brown learn the true meaning of Christmas. And the Grinch remains a true classic, thanks to Boris Karloff. Frosty always makes me cry, largely because I’ve lived a life largely bereft of snow. In the end, I enjoy watching all four of those specials because it’s a part of my holiday tradition, just like Santa Claus Conquers The Martians, A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street, and It’s A Wonderful Life!
The other thing that I’ve been watching this week is an 80s miniseries called Amerika, which imagines what our country would be like if it was ruled by communists. It would be pretty bad, what with the combination of oppressive politics, drab clothing, and mandatory struggle sessions. Then again, it’s also really not that much different from America today. Anyway, Amerika is interesting but it’s also 13 hours long and, as of this writing, I’ve got five hours to go. (It’s on YouTube.) So, I guess I’ll write more about it next week!
Lisa Marie’s Week In Television: 12/17/23 — 12/23/23
It’s been a busy week. I haven’t even had a chance to watch the finale of Survivor yet! But that’s okay. My mind is on the holidays right now.
Here’s some thoughts on what I watched this week:
Baywatch Nights (YouTube)
I wrote about Baywatch Nights here! I’m really enjoying this extremely silly show.
The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas (YouTube)
This cute animated Christmas special from 1973 followed the adventures of a bear who decided not to hibernate for the winter because he wanted to experience Christmas firsthand. All of the other bears thought he was crazy. I was proud of him for following his dreams.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV+)
I watched this on Friday evening. It’s one of my favorite Christmas traditions, from poor Charlie Brown’s attempts to direct the play to Snoopy’s impersonations. A few years ago, my sister wrote about this special.
Check It Out! (Tubi)
This week’s episode was a strange one. My review will drop in another 30 minutes or so.
CHiPs (Freevee)
I wrote about CHiPs here! Wow, Ponch really is a terrible cop, isn’t he?
Degrassi Junior High (YouTube)
I wrote about Degrassi Junior High and the start of season 2 here.
Fantasy Island (YouTube)
I’m happy to say that Fantasy Island has been re-uploaded to YouTube so now I basically have to binge as many episodes as possible before they get yanked down again. Otherwise, I’ll have to use that terrible Daily Motion site to watch the show. Anyway, I wrote about this week’s episode here.
Friday the 13th: The Series (YouTube)
I wrote about this week’s David Cronenberg-directed episode here!
Frosty The Snowman (DVR)
I recorded this classic Christmas special when CBS aired it on Saturday and then I watched it on Sunday. It always upsets me when Frosty melts. I think that’s because I live in Texas, where it hardly ever snows. So, when a snowman melts down here, it’s totally possible that he will never be able to return.
Frosty Returns (DVR)
Frosty’s back and he sounds a lot like John Goodman! I recorded this the same night that I recorded Frosty the Snowman. Frosty Returns is not quite as charming as the first special, as the environmental message is so heavy-handed that it almost feels like a parody. Still, I like snow and I like snowmen. Come back, Frosty!
Highway to Heaven (Tubi)
By wonderful coincidence, this week’s episode of Highway to Heaven was a Christmas episode! I reviewed it here.
Jennifer Slept Here (YouTube)
The Love Boat (Paramount Plus)
This week’s episode was really good. I wrote about it here!
Monsters (Tubi)
The Murder of Jill Dando (Netflix)
This three-part true crime series took a look at the still unsolved murder of a famous and influential British journalist and television host. It was an intriguing series, full of twists and turns and questions to which we may never get an answer.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (DVR)
This special is undoubtedly a classic but it always bothers me to see what a jerk Santa is.
Seinfeld (Netflix)
Earlier today, I watched the Festivus episode and the episode where Kramer becomes a department store Santa Claus and is accused of being a communist. “Hey, this guy’s a commie! He’s spreading propaganda!”
T and T (Tubi)
Welcome Back, Kotter (Tubi)
I wrote about Welcome Back, Kotter here!
Lisa Marie’s Week In Television: 11/19/23 — 11/25/23
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! Here’s a few thoughts on what I watched this week, in between shopping, eating Thanksgiving dinner, and celebrating Erin’s birthday!
The Amazing Race (Wednesday Night, CBS)
The Race continued! My sister and I need to get on this show while we still can.
Baywatch Nights (YouTube)
I wrote about Baywatch Nights here!
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Apple TV+)
Erin and I watched this on Wednesday night, as we do every November. You can read her thoughts here!
Check It Out (Tubi)
I watched another episode of this show earlier today. Unless I fall asleep, I’ll be posting a review of it in an hour or two. (Warning: There’s a very good chance that I might fall asleep.)
CHiPs (Freevvee)
Degrassi Junior High (YouTube)
Dr. Phil (YouTube)
I watched an episode of Dr. Phil this afternoon, just because I needed some background noise. Dr. Phil was yelling at a woman who was cheating on her husband.
Fantasy Island (Daily Motion)
I wrote about Fantasy Island here!
Football: Commanders vs Cowboys (Thursday Afternoon)
Football: 49ers vs Seahawks (Thursday Night)
Football: Packers vs Lions (Thursday Morning)
Yep, the family was watching football all Thursday and I occasionally glanced at the television. I was happy that the Cowboys beat the Commanders. I can’t remember who won the other games. I accidentally called the Commanders by their original name and I got yelled at by my cousin. Bleh.
Happy Hour (YouTube)
I watched an episode of this 90s, celeb-themed game show on Saturday morning. Unfortunately, one of the celebs was Danny Masterson so I cringed whenever the camera went past him.
Highway to Heaven (Tubi)
I wrote about Highway to Heaven here!
Jennifer Slept Here (YouTube)
I wrote about Jennifer Slept Here on Thursday.
Kitchen Nightmares (Tuesday Night, Fox)
On Tuesday, I watched the latest episode of Kitchen Nightmares, which featured Gordon Ramsay helping out a married couple who were on the verge of divorcing over their restaurant. I always like it when Gordon shows off his nice side and he seemed to really care about this couple. On Wednesday, I rewatched the classic Amy’s Baking Company episode on Hulu.
The Love Boat (Paramount Plus)
I wrote about The Love Boat here!
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Thursday Morning, NBC)
It’s not Thanksgiving without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade playing in the background. I watched some of it with my family. I liked the balloons but I got tired of all the reporters talking.
Monsters (Tubi)
Snub (YouTube)
This is a British music show from the late 80s. I watched the first episode on Friday night. Three bands performed. I particularly liked Fugazi’s performance.
Survivor (Wednesday Night, CBS)
Crazy Eye Kendra is gone so that’s a good thing!
T and T (Tubi)
Welcome Back Kotter (Tubi)
I wrote about Welcome Back Kotter here!
WKRP In Cincinnati (DVD)
On Tuesday night, Jeff and I watched the classic “I thought turkey could fly” episode of this 70s sitcom. This episode always makes me laugh. Jeff has the entire series on DVD so who knows? This could be a future entry in my retro television reviews!
Yes, Prime Minister (Monday Night, PBS)
This week’s episode was amazingly cynical, even by the standards of this rather cynical show. Sir Humphrey effortlessly manipulated Jim Hacker into nominating a corrupt banker to an important post. Somehow, it was also quite funny. There’s just something about the way that poor, earnest (if occasionally pompous) Jim Hacker continually falls for every scheme that Sir Humphrey comes up with. It helps that the schemes usually seem to turn out for the best. If anything, Sir Humphrey might have a point about the importance of not giving the Prime Minister too much room to think for himself.
Lisa Marie’s Week In Television: 12/18/22 — 12/24/18
Merry Christmas! I spent the first part of this week shopping and I’m spending the second half of the week with my family. It’s literally freezing outside! Wheeee!
Anyway, here’s a few thoughts on what I watched this week:
The Brady Bunch (Sunday Afternoon, MeTV)
Oh no! It’s Christmas and Carol is supposed to sing! But she’s losing her voice! Don’t worry, she gets it back.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV+)
I watched this with my sisters on Friday night. It’s still a classic and it’s really not the Christmas season without it. Erin wrote about what this special means to her a few years ago. Read her thoughts!
Community (Netflix)
Poor Shirley. Her efforts to have a great Christmas were ruined by Jeff Winger’s need to fight a bully.
Degrassi (Tubi)
My sisters and I watched the season 3 “Holiday” episode on Friday. Actually, I kind of forced my sisters to watch it with me and, as we watched, I made sure they knew all about how Craig cheated on Ashley with Manny and how, long before that, Joey cheated on Caitlin with Tessa. I don’t know if they really cared but I had fun telling the story!
Full House (Sunday Afternoon, MeTV)
Uncle Jesse went on tour in Japan, where he was inexplicably popular. But he realized that he missed his family so he went home. Michelle gave Jesse a hard time for trying to find success out of the house. This was followed by Jesse trying to become a radio DJ but losing the job to Joey. Things aren’t looking good for Uncle Jesse.
King of the Hill (Tubi)
After walking in on his mother and her new boyfriend, Hank is struck blind! Still, it’s Christmas and Hank is determined to hand out the gifts like he always does. Bobby gets a nightgown. “A nightgown,” he says, “I’ll wear this when I’m older.” That line always makes me laugh.
Leave It To Beaver (Sunday Afternoon, MeTV)
Beaver loses the money that his father gave him to get a haircut so he gives himself a haircut. Then he asks his brother, Wally, to help him fix his new haircut. Beaver ends with a mohawk but his parents realize that they’re partially to blame for being too hard on him. It was a sweet episode.
Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Tubi)
Friday night, I watched the MST version of Santa Claus Conquers The Martians with Jeff and our friend Pat. Hooray for Santy Claus!
The Office (Peacock)
On Saturday morning, I watched my two favorite Christmas episodes of The Office. First, I watched as Michael destroyed Secret Santa by turning it into Yankee Swap. (“How is this better than an iPod!?”) Secondly, I watched the 3rd season episode in which Michael, Andy, and Dwight went to Benihana. I always enjoy the episodes where Andy’s evil more than the episodes where Andy is so needy for approval that it’s difficult to take. I know that one of the actresses who played a Benihana waitress has subsequently spent a lot of time condemning the episode and trying to get the outrage machine going. There’s really nothing more Twitter than signaling that you appeared in a classic TV show while, at the same time, trying to cancel it. Anyway, for the first four or five seasons, every Office Christmas episode was a classic. Secret Santa, especially, is brilliant.
Saved By The Bell (DVD)
On Saturday morning, Megan and I watched an episode in which Zack and the gang met a homeless girl and her father at the mall. Because it was Christmas, the girl and her father moved in with Zack and his mom. The girl and her father were never mentioned again.
Don’t Look For The Great Pumpkin On TV This Year
Don’t look for It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on television this year.
When I was growing up, watching the Charlie Brown holiday specials on CBS and ABC was an annual tradition. Unfortunately, after Apple TV+ bought the rights to all of the Peanuts specials in 2018, ABC stopped airing them. There was enough of an outcry that Apple TV+ partnered up with PBS to air the main holiday specials. However, it appears that not even PBS will be airing them in 2022.
Instead, you’ll have to go to Apple TV+ and watch them. The good news is that Apple TV+ will be streaming the specials for free during the holiday season. The bad news is that it still just doesn’t feel right that none of these specials are going to air on television. Watching Linus wait for the Great Pumpkin or Charlie Brown buy a Christmas tree on television was a part of the holiday season. The specials may have been old-fashioned but watching them was tradition. It was something that I and a lot of other people grew up with. It always felt good to know that, no matter what else was happening, those specials would always air and that, for at least one night, people could set aside their disagreements and watch them. Now, you can only watch them online and hope that there’s not too much buffering. It feels like the end of an era.
It feels like we all got a rock this holiday season.
Lisa Marie’s Week In Televison: 12/19/21 — 12/25/21
Merry Christmas! Here’s what I watched this holiday week! It’s a short list because it’s the holidays. Next week, I’m planning on getting caught up on a few shows before the start of 2022.
A Very Boy Band Holiday (Thursday Night, ABC)
Erin and I watched this two weeks ago. On Thursday night, we watched it with our other two sisters, Megan and Melissa. It was fun. How can’t you love Joey Fatone holding a bunch of boy banders hostage in a Christmas cabin?
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Sunday Night, PBS)
I watched this with my sister. It’s a tradition! Be sure to read what Erin wrote about this special and why it’s still important.
Dexter (Sunday Night, Showtime)
It was a good episode this week. I wrote about it here!
Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around (Thursday Night, NBC)
I like Kelly Clarkson. She’s from Texas and she’s got a helluva voice.
The Love Boat (Sunday Night, MeTV)
On yet another Christmas cruise, there was love and there were laughs. This time, the overly eager crew hired three separate Santa Clauses. It cause a bit of trouble but, in the end, everything worked out for the best because there’s always room for multiple Santas! The other plotline of this episode dealt with a down-on-his-luck comedian who ended up sharing his cabin with an adorable dog, who he adopted at the end of the cruise. Awwwwwww!
The Office (Friday Morning, Comedy Central)
On Friday morning, my sister Megan and I watched the first three of The Office Christmas episodes. My favorite is still the first, the one where Michael ruins Secret Santa. Benihana Christmas is pretty funny as well, though I do think Karen could have tried hard to work with Angela before forming her own rival Party Planning Committee.
Santa Claus is Coming To Town (Thursday Night, ABC)
I watched this classic 1970 animated special with my sisters on Thursday night. It had actually been a few years since I had last watched this and I was surprised to discover that it was a lot better than I remembered. The animation was adorable and the voice acting of Mickey Rooney and Fred Astaire holds up surprisingly well. I’m glad I watched it and I’m even happier that I watched it with my family.
Seinfeld (Weeknights, Comedy Central & Netflix)
A chicken place with a bright red neon sign turned Kramer’s apartment in the Angry Red Planet. This was followed by an episode in which Kramer got the wrong personalized license plates and suddenly became very popular. The 90s were a wild time.
On Thursday morning, Jeff & I watched the episode where Kramer returned to his old job making bagels, Elaine tried to get back a card that she could use to get a free submarine sandwich, Jerry dated a woman whose appearance kept changing, and — most importantly — the Constanzas once again celebrated Festivus!
It was a Festivus miracle!
Scene That I Love: Charlie Brown Gets “Therapy” in A Charlie Brown Christmas
Charlie Brown isn’t the only one who gets sad around the holidays.
A lot of people do. I’m one of them. I love Christmas but I still get sad thinking about those who are no longer with us and that another year is coming to an end. I know that this holiday, just like last year, is going to be especially difficult for many people around the world. Don’t be ashamed if you’re feeling down this week. You’re not alone.
Last night, I was cheered up by watching A Charlie Brown Christmas on PBS. (I’m still mad that Apple TV+ tried to make the specials an excusive to their streaming service. Talk about going commercial!) Charlie Brown is feeling down for the holidays too but he finds someone to talk to. Unfortunately, that person is Lucy. However, sometimes it’s most important just to have someone to talk to.
This year, I hope Lucy finally gets her real estate.
Through the Shattered Lens 