As much a part of the holidays as Rudolph and mistletoe, the legendary first Peanuts special has lived in the hearts of millions since its debut in 1965. In this special episode Jimmy, Harold, and Michael examine the strips that were adapted for the show, discuss the story behind the production, and relay their own experiences with viewing… or not viewing… the classic program. Plus: More graphics get blandished!

This episode was originally released December 13, 2022

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.

Links to articles mentioned in the episode are available at unpackingpeanuts.com/obscurities

The gang takes a look at the strips and sequences that inspired the second Peanuts Christmas Special. Strips from the 70’s to the early nineties are covered making this a great overview of the second half of the Peanuts comic. Plus: George quits the band.

Many thanks to tarvinneeko mainitakaan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tarvinneekomainitakaan

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, Harold Buchholz, and Liz Sumner. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.

Cormac makes his well coiffed debut appearance and brings a bit of 90’s swagger to the strip. But will he be foiled by the Good Ol’ Flying Ace? Also, we learn that Loni Anderson played Blondie, and the strip was pretty good too. Plus: Hippi, Modi, and Go Go!

Protons and Fleurons: Twenty-Two Elements of Fiction by Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is available at https://thornbushpress.com/product/protons-and-fleurons-twenty-two-elements-of-fiction/

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.

Lucy is the laughingstock of the neighborhood because Linus is patting birds on the head again. And that’s not the only throwback, because Violet makes another brief return, as does the Davy Crockett cap. On the other hand, Schulz is experimenting with Zipatone and it’s giving Peanuts a little of that good ol’ 90’s grunge. Plus: Puffer Jacket Snoopy

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.

Snoopy is stuck at the Van Pelt’s. Lydia is still torturing Linus, and Charles Schulz is doing some artwork unlike anything he has created thus far: Plus: paddle balls.

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.

Schulz is getting pretty radical too… at least when it comes to new art techniques and comic strip approaches. Meanwhile, Lydia is still delivering the goods with classic punchlines, Charlie Brown reaches new levels of wishy-washy maturity, and Snoopy’s cookies achieve co-starring status. Plus: The Great Pumpkin is a she.

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.

Sally is teaching Sunday school and runs into a student as obstinate as she is. Linus is still fighting the struggle for security against Snoopy. And meanwhile, in our world, the guys ponder how Schulz sees himself at this point in his life and career, and marvel at the variety of approaches he takes to the strip. Plus: Useless knowledge

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.

Snoopy is drinking all of Marcie’s root beer, but maybe President Wilson can straighten him out. Meanwhile, Schulz takes some major new stylistic swings this year, and the guys debate not only their effects, but also how he did it! Plus: Babbooette?

Transcript available at UnpackingPeanuts.com

Unpacking Peanuts is copyright Jimmy Gownley, Michael Cohen, and Harold Buchholz. Produced and edited by Liz Sumner. Music by Michael Cohen. Additional voiceover by Aziza Shukralla Clark.

For more from the show follow @unpackpeanuts on Instagram and Threads, and @unpackingpeanuts on Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube. For more about Jimmy, Michael, and Harold, visit unpackingpeanuts.com.

Thanks for listening.