CBS Nearly Pulled the Plug on A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Because They Thought It Would Flop

Story by Joey Paur

Image from GeekTyrant

scrn logline

CBS execs nearly axed the beloved Peanuts holiday special, fearing it wouldn't connect with audiences - until it became a runaway hit that's now a cherished classic.

beat sheet

According to producer Lee Mendelson, CBS network brass thought the special's slow pacing and lack of a laugh track would be a turn-off for viewers, nearly pulling the plug before its 1965 debut.
But the special ended up being a ratings juggernaut, drawing over 50% of the TV audience and kickstarting a tradition of annual Peanuts holiday specials that persist to this day.

call sheet

Lee Mendelson, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Read the source