Somebody was telling me they watched this on PBS because the regular networks don't show it now. Anybody see it on a major network?
Googled and found this:
The Peanuts Christmas special will be available to watch on TV this year for one night only. (In other words, don't miss it!) In previous years, it always aired on ABC—but that's not the case in 2021. A Charlie Brown Christmas will air live on Sunday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET on PBS and PBS Kids.
Also:
Starting last year, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was only supposed to air on Apple TV+ after the streaming service acquired the exclusive rights. ... The public pushback led to Apple TV+ reaching a deal with PBS to air both "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" last year.
Starting last year, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was only supposed to air on Apple TV+ after the streaming service acquired the exclusive rights.
But many criticized the tech company after "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" did not air on broadcast TV last year for the first time since 1966.
The public pushback led to Apple TV+ reaching a deal with PBS to air both "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" last year. PBS aired the "Peanuts" Halloween and Thanksgiving specials earlier this fall too.
So Apple acquired exclusive rights is the reason.