The Great Pumpkin Rocks

ABC’s seventh airing of former CBS classic It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown rocked the ratings last night, notching a second-place 7.2 household rating and a first-place 3.8 adults 18-49 rating, which is up 46 percent from last year’s airing, which landed on a Friday, and posted significant ratings improvement over the sagging time period averages of Cavemen and Carpoolers.

Meanwhile, fans of Peanuts fare (like yours truly) will be pleased to know that Warner Home Video has struck a deal with United Media to distribute the entire Peanuts library on home video. This includes classic specials (A Charlie Brown Christmas), the Saturday Morning cartoon series The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show (1983-86) and new media distribution (The home video rights of the four theatrical releases are remaining with CBS/Paramount.) The re-release of titles are being digitally re-mastered and will be accompanied by brand new bonus features.

The first title to be released in the new deal is Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975), which will be out in stores January 15.

“Peanuts” home video properties were previously held by Paramount Home Video. In the split that separated CBS from Viacom in 2006, the home video division went to the Paramount side. “Peanuts” specials of course, originated at CBS in 1965 with A Charlie Brown Christmas.

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