Did 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' Cause Controversy for CBS Due to Its Religious Content?

Introduction

In 1965, Coca Cola commissioned the Peanuts Christmas special entitled 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.' The goal was to present a light-hearted and family-friendly story, much like the other childrenrsquo;s Christmas programs that were popular at the time. However, what they received was a unique, soulful, and somewhat somber tale that set a new standard for holiday content. This article explores the origins of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' its reception by audiences and critics, and whether it sparked any controversy for CBS due to its religious content.

The Commissioning and Production

Peanuts' Connection to Coca Cola

Coca Cola was known for their annual TV advertisements during the holiday season, most famously featuring the character Santa Claus. In the mid-1960s, they decided to take a leap into production and commissioned Peanuts to create a Christmas special. Interestingly, Peanuts was not originally created with Christmas in mind; although Charles Schulz recognized the commercial potential of a holiday special, he envisioned it with a greater sense of sincerity and depth that deviated from the traditional fare of the time.

Is It a Religious Show?

When Variety first looked at the script, they expressed doubt, wondering if the show was too dark and Christian for young viewers. The script includes references to prayer, the birth of Jesus, and the spirit of kindness, which some could interpret as religious content. However, Schulz aimed to capture the true spirit of Christmas as experienced by children who are innocent of petty materialism and commercialization. The show's message was more about the meaning of Christmas and the importance of love and family.

The Show's Reception and Impact

Initial Expectations

Both Peanuts and CBS initially had low expectations for the show. The show was filmed with child actors doing the voices, and featured a soundtrack with jazz piano by Vince Guaraldi. The show was without a laugh track, and it had a more somber and serious tone. Representatives from both parties feared it would be a catastrophic failure.

Unexpected Success

The show was broadcast on December 9, 1965, and surprisingly, it resonated deeply with viewers.

Positive Feedback

A survey conducted by Nationwide Research had the following feedback from 10,000 New York City school children. 98 percent said they liked the special, and 91 percent said they would like to see it again. Accompanied by a review from a New York Times editorial that deemed it ldquo;one of the best programs of the season,rdquo; 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' began to gain acceptance among adults as well.

Awards and Continued Success

The show was eventually honored with an Emmy and Peabody award, becoming an annual staple of the holiday season. Over the years, it has continued to grow in popularity, generating an enduring fan base and airing repeatedly. The show has been praised for its message of love, kindness, and the essence of the Christmas spirit.

Conclusion: No Controversy for CBS

Contrary to the initial skepticism, 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' did not cause any significant controversy, especially not due to its religious content. Instead, it thrived on its sincerity and emotional depth, appealing to both children and adults. The show's critical and commercial success underscored its ability to convey the true spirit of Christmas through poignant storytelling and heartfelt performances.