Not Now Charlie Brown

Come and take a look at the fascinating world of Charlie Brown

This week, I put down my security blanket and walked through the world that belongs to the Peanut characters and Charlie Brown.

Next Tuesday sees the next episode of Animated Anecdotes with the excellent Kathleen from the Matterhorn Substack. Please let me know if you would like to do your guest post. :)

History

Charlie Brown, the endearing ‘loveable loser,’ debuted in the comic strip Peanuts, created by Charles M. Schulz on October 2, 1950, and quickly became a beloved staple of American comic culture.

Charlie Brown's universal appeal led to various adaptations, including animated television specials, movies, and merchandise, cementing his status as a timeless and iconic character.

The comic strip history was part of the ‘golden age’ of comic strips in the mid-1960s, reaching a global audience of almost 355 million readers, which would be hard to achieve now.

When Schultz devised Charlie Brown, he said, ‘He has to be the one that suffers because he is the caricature of the average person.’

Due to the comic strip's popularity in 1965, Coca-Cola sponsored a Peanuts Christmas Special featuring Charlie Brown and the other Peanuts characters. 

Titled Charlie Brown Christmas, it was broadcast on CBS on 9th December 1965. It was watched by almost 15.5 million viewers, making it the second most viewed programme of the holiday season (pipped to the number one spot by Bonanza!) 

Charlie Brown All Stars followed in June of 1966, and then It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown in October of the same year.

Amazingly, in February 1967, the stage show opened using comic strip vignettes, with the musical version opening in March of the same year.

In December 1969, the first full-length movie was made and grossed over $6 million at the box office. 

As the 1960s ended, Charlie Brown and his dog Snoopy became semi-official mascots for the Apollo 10 mission. Shultz drew a picture of Charlie Brown in a space suit hidden aboard the craft for astronauts to find when in orbit, which has survived and is now on display in the Kennedy Space Center.

It was the 1970s that saw the natural transition from comic strips to television as twelve Peanuts specials were made along with two full-length animations over the decade. Then, in the 1980s, thirty years after the original comic strip, another fourteen television specials were created.

In the 1990s, as television audiences started to change, only six specials were commissioned. In February 2000, the final comic strip was published just one day after the death of Schultz. Despite no more originals being created, the brand was still printed until 2022.

Plotline

The Peanuts comic strip and its adaptations follow the lives of a group of children, with a central focus on the ever-optimistic but often hapless Charlie Brown. Charlie Brown navigates childhood challenges, from school to friendship, often facing moments of self-doubt and misadventures. The iconic Peanuts gang, including Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, and Snoopy, provides a colourful and relatable backdrop to Charlie Brown's journey.

While Charlie Brown is known for his struggles, his unwavering determination and kindness endeared him to readers and viewers alike. Despite facing repeated setbacks, particularly in his pursuit of kicking a football held by Lucy, he remains a symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of optimism.

Characters

Charlie Brown: The main character, known for his signature zigzag t-shirt and earnest yet often thwarted attempts to succeed. He is kind-hearted, often taking on the role of the voice of reason within the group.

Snoopy: Charlie Brown's imaginative and iconic beagle, Snoopy, is known for his whimsical daydreams, particularly his alter ego as a World War I flying ace. He brings humour and imagination to the Peanuts universe.

Lucy van Pelt: Charlie Brown's sometimes bossy and opinionated friend, Lucy, is known for her "psychiatric booth" and her complex relationship with her younger brother, Linus.

Linus van Pelt: Linus is known for his security blanket and philosophical insights. He contrasts Lucy's assertiveness, often offering a calm and thoughtful perspective.

Sally Brown: Charlie Brown's younger sister, Sally, is sweet, naïve, and occasionally prone to misunderstanding the world around her.

We will all remember many characters, but I have decided to go with these as the prominent gang for my piece.

Merchandise

The popularity of Peanuts led to a wide range of merchandise featuring Charlie Brown and the gang. Peanuts merchandise has become part of popular culture, from comic strip collections to plush toys, clothing, stationery, and holiday-themed products. The characters' simple yet expressive designs have made them instantly recognisable and cherished by fans of all ages.

Fun Facts

Influence on Language: The term "security blanket," popularly used to describe a source of comfort, was popularised by Linus and his attachment to his blanket in "Peanuts."

Madonna in Concert: In November 2006, the Charlie Brown special had more viewers than a Madonna concert aired at the same time (10 million viewers)

Movies and Money: Peanuts the movie (2015) grossed $246m some 65 years since the first comic strip.

Charlie Brown's enduring legacy as a symbol of hope, friendship, and the universal experiences of childhood has left an indelible mark on generations of readers, viewers, and fans. His endearing personality and the timeless themes of the Peanuts universe continue to resonate, making him a cherished and iconic figure in comics and entertainment.