Encore: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Apologies Accepted

In honor of Thanksgiving, here is a super special bonus encore episode of our fan favorite, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. If you are celebrating or not, we wish you the very best for the upcoming holiday season. May your Quorn Roast be toasted to perfection!

Snoopy is cooking Thanksgiving dinner and everyone is invited! Jelly Beans and toast for all - including Franklin, the only black kid in the world of Charlie Brown and Peanuts! Franklin gets a seat at the table all by himself as the other kids crowd around the opposite side of the table. Some people see this moment in the show as emblematic of the black experience in America: included but excluded at the same time. Other people see this as Franklin getting a place of honor: by sitting alone he stands out amidst all the chaos of a dog and bird cooking and serving everyone dinner. Some people see racism, some see cartoon fun, but everyone can agree that a dog and a bird shouldn’t have to do all the work while a bunch of kids sit around and complain about the food.

What is Thanksgiving, where does it come from, what’s the fact vs. fiction in the history of Thanksgiving? And what about Snoopy – is there racism going on and is there an actual apology being made by anyone for Franklin sitting all alone at a table crowded with white friends?

Get ready to dish (sorry) about the tasteful (sorry) history of Franklin, his first appearance, his meaning and importance in the world of Peanuts (sorry and yes, we’re using it as a food pun), and the sweet (sorry) teacher from Los Angeles who helped flavor (sorry) his creation.

AI Recap:

Welcome to another engaging episode of Apologies Accepted. Join Theo and Juliette as they explore the intricate layers of Thanksgiving history and the cultural nuances spotlighted in the iconic Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special. From the harrowing journey of the pilgrims to the 1973 animated celebration, they shed light on historical narratives, discuss the introduction of Franklin as Peanuts' first African-American character, and delve into the recent discussions on diversity and representation in media.

The episode navigates through Harriet Glickman's pivotal role in encouraging Charles Schultz to create Franklin, reflecting on 1968 America post-MLK assassination, and the personal narratives of those who've seen themselves reflected in Peanuts. Whether it’s the inadvertent symbolism of seating arrangements or the broader societal implications, Theo and Juliette critically assess Schultz’s legacy and its resonance today.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that poignantly mixes nostalgia with a contemporary lens, challenging us all to reflect on inclusion, equality, and the significance of mainstream representation.