Unpacking Peanuts

Special Episode - A Charlie Brown Christmas! Remastered

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As much a part of the holidays as Rudolph and mistletoe, the legendary first Peanuts special has lived in the hearts of millions since its debut in 19...

Bonus Episode - Happy Birthday Beethoven

16 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cut the cake and fire up the hi-fi! The gang is talking music and reviewing some classic strips as we celebrate the birth of Schroeder’s hero, and L...

1979 Part 2 - I Love Chuck. I Think He’s Real Neat.

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The guys have a deep discussion about one of the most famous storylines in Peanuts history. Is it a peak or does the strip turn too dark? Either way, ...

1979 Part 1 - Don’t You Want to Go to Happy Piggy Land?

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Schulz has his Band on the Run moment… and if you understand that, then you’ve listened to too many episodes of this podcast. The guys lov...

1978 Part 2 - Whatever I Was Saying, I’m Not Saying It Anymore

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The enduring friendship of Woodstock and Snoopy is warming hearts and sharing the spotlight with classics like Lucy and Schroeder at the piano. Elsewh...

1978 Part 1 - Linus Versus The Power of Darkness

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Schulz is honing his knuckleball and settling in for the end of the seventies, while Snoopy the Scoutmaster is heading for the edges of civilization i...

1977 Part 2 - He’s Just Drawing Snoopy, Right?

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The gang ponders characters with weird foreheads, characters without mouths, and the unspeakable horror of “Henry.” Meanwhile, back in Peanuts: ...

1977 Part 1 - May the Force Be With You, Sweet Babboo!

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The seventies are skywalking and it’s a time of beginnings and endings, as our old pal Shermy comes to bat for the last time and the greatest term o...

1976 Part 2 - Goodnight, Noodleneck

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Marcie is the object of some unwanted affection, Woodstock gets a makeover, Jimmy explains Pennsylvania sales tax, and Peppermint Patty becomes an ace...

1976 Part 1 - May I Pose a Different Way of Looking at It?

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Beagles, Bummers, and the Bicentennial It’s a year of surreal surprises, and sad sequences as we say goodbye to Sally’s sentient school. But there...

1975 Part 2 - Eggs Benedict for My Brother Spike!

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a red letter day in the strip, as Snoopy’s brother Spike makes his first appearance. But it’s not all new stuff, as Charlie Brown, Linus,...

1975 Part 1 - The Neighbors Hate Me

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Snoopy gets enlisted as Peppermint Patty’s watchdog but gets foiled by a waterbed. Linus falls in love with someone named Truffles but can’t fin...

You Have Dissociative Identity Disorder, Snoopy!

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone loves Snoopy. But which Snoopy is your favorite Snoopy? Does the Flying Ace send your heart soaring? Or is the vulture your fearsome fave? We...

Peanut Butter and Unrequited Love

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The guys look at a selection of lonely heart strips that get to the lonely heart of the strip. Because, if there is one constant in the Peanuts strip,...

It Takes Two, Snoopy!

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our special focus season continues as the guys take a look at some of the best comedic duos in Peanuts. From Linus and Lucy, to Snoopy and Woodstock w...

Go Back to School, Charlie Brown!

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the launch of a special season where we look at some of the themes that made Peanuts a success. And since fall is here, we are hitting the bo...

With Ivan Brunetti - Author of Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we chat with acclaimed cartoonist Ivan Brunetti. Ivan’s work has been seen in the New Yorker and he is currently writing children’s com...

Season 5 Wrap Up 1970-1974 - Peanuts Jubilee

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a fond look back at the early 70’s, as the guys talk about the highlights of the decade so far. Then they take an in-depth look at PEANUTS JU...

1974 Part 2 - Let’s Hang Around the House and Deteriorate

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sally is talking to buildings. Woodstock’s got a bike. Lucy has some pitching advice, and someone called Loretta is selling Girl Scout cookies. Plus...

1974 Part 1 - Give Em the Ol’ Knuckle Shoe

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Peppermint Patty drops out of society to beep ol’ Snoop on the nose. Can Marcie bring her back to reality? Also…what IS reality in Peanuts? Elsewh...

Special Episode - Schulz’s Favorite Story

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take a long look at the famous “Mister Sack” storyline; a sequence of strips from 1973 that Schulz picked as his personal favorite. C...

1973 Part 2 - That’s Not a Grade, It’s Sarcasm

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is Linus a genius, or… not? Thibault the bully is back, but Marcie is having none of it! Miss Othmar is back too, with no fanfare at all. Is it beca...

1973 Part 1 - Goodnight Mister Shlabotnik

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie Brown almost gets honored but then doesn’t. Peppermint Patty takes on the notion of Truth itself, and Snoopy achieves the Alpha State. Meanw...

Special Episode - The Six Bunny Wunnies Get Banned!

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this special edition of Unpacking Peanuts, the guys take a close look at three of Schulz’s classic 1972 stories… Snoopy Versus The Cat Next Doo...

1972 Part 2 - Toodle-oo Caribou!

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie Brown is the talk of the girl’s camp as Peppermint Patty meets the legendary Little Red Haired Girl, and Linus makes a bold move. Back at ho...

1972 Part 1 - Time Alone Can Judge a Work of Art

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Schulz’s life is in upheaval and that is mirrored in the strip. Linus is thrown out of the house, Lucy is thrown off the baseball team, and even Sno...

1971 Part 2 - Here’s Joe Cool

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Snoopy’s got a new persona, and it’s one for the ages. But is Charlie Brown an incompetent or just wishy washy? In the other neighborhood, Pepperm...

1971 Part 1 - For the Love of Miss Helen Sweetstory

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Doomed romance is in the air as Snoopy falls in love with his favorite author, and Peppermint Patty writes a “Dear Chuck” letter. Elsewhere, we ...

With Mark Crilley - author of Miki Falls, Akiko, Brody’s Ghost, and the Drawing Lesson

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s an extra-special day at the studio—Mark Crilley is here! We had a great discussion with the author of the Miki Falls, Akiko and Brody’s Gho...

1970 Part 2 - Woodstock and The World Famous Grocery Clerk

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

At the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm, there’s a riot goin’ on! But amid the chaos, Snoopy finds romance, and Woodstock gets his name. It’s an action-pac...

1970 Part 1 - Charlie Brown is the GOAT

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's a brand new decade, and things are getting weird. Is Snoopy the Head Beagle, or just a funny looking kid with a big nose? Well this year, he’s ...

With Joel Hodgson, Creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a very special day at Unpacking Peanuts, as the guys welcome comedian, actor, writer, and creator of the legendary Mystery Science Theater 3000...

Finale Season 4: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We say so long to the Swinging 60’s, and set the stage for the Sunny 70’s as Jimmy, Michael and Harold look back on what is probably the greatest ...

1969 Part 2 - If You’re Late For The First Day of School, Do They Kill You?

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lucy’s year continues, and apparently even God is a fan! But all is not rosy, cuz the Little Red Haired Girl is moving away! Will Charlie Brown fina...

1969 Part 1 - Feelin’ Groovy

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It may be Lucy’s Year, but Schulz is raising the stakes and going to extremes… and maybe feeling a bit nostalgic for good ol’ Minnesota… as wi...

1968 Part 2 - That’s Art!

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The world is changing, and Charles Schulz is changing with it. As America struggles (once again) with racial divide, Schulz integrates Peanuts. Else...

1968 Part 1 - Let’s Not Overlook The Possibility of Genius

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a bird a Woodstock? Well, someone must know, because even stupid questions have answers! We watch as the classic character slowly comes int...

Special Episode: Happy Anniversary To Us!

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Good Grief, we made it a year! Join us as we pat ourselves on the back, talk about our other influences as cartoonists, and… oh yeah! Talk about Pea...

1967 Part 2 - No One Understands My Generation Either

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the Summer of Love, and we discuss the real world inspiration for the Little Red Haired Girl. Meanwhile, Schulz continues to fine tune the charac...

1967 Part 1 - The Day I Threw My Strike

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Linus continues his reign as the master of sincere sarcasm. Sally gets hysterical, which Michael finds upsetting; and Charles Schulz, now the calm cen...

Happy Valentine’s Day, You Blockhead!

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Love is in the air… or is that despair? Sometimes it’s the same thing, especially for Good Ol’ Charlie Brown. In this episode, we read through a...

The Football Strips - Special Episode

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of the “Big Game” we take a look at all of the annual Charlie Brown versus Lucy football gags from the first 16 years of Peanuts. Is Char...

1966 Part 2 - The Name’s Patty… “Peppermint” Patty

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a new girl on the scene and she’s set to be a star, as Schulz turns the kid comic genre on its head with the debut of a startlingly modern...

1966 Part 1 - I Only Dread One Day at a Time

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Snoopy’s latest persona is a pop culture sensation, and he’s threatening to take over the entire strip! Unless the French Foreign Legion calls him...

With Benjamin Clark, Curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, the guys welcome Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center Curator Benjamin Clark. Benjamin leads a team of professionals dedicated to the p...

1965 Part 2 - The Flying Ace Takes Off!

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Peanuts is peaking and we are here for it! Charlie Brown goes to camp and makes a good temporary friend. Not content with becoming a mere pilot, Snoop...

1965 Part 1 - Young Beagles In Love

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Snoopy’s late night rendezvous with a certain girl beagle leads to thoughts of marriage. But will Snoopy get left at the altar? Meanwhile, Patty and...

Special Episode - A Charlie Brown Christmas

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As much a part of the holidays as Rudolph and mistletoe, the legendary first Peanuts special has lived in the hearts of millions since its debut in 19...

With Stephen J. Lind, Author of A Charlie Brown Religion

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we chat with Stephen Lind, author of the fascinating book A Charlie Brown Religion. We discuss the ever-evolving nature of Schulz’s...

With Will & Kevin Hines, Hosts of Screw It We’re Just Gonna Talk About Comics podcast

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, the guys are joined by hilarious UCB comedians, and hosts of the popular “Screw It, We’re Just Gonna Talk About Comics” podcast, Will and...

The Unpacking Peanuts Charles M. Schulz 100th Birthday Spectacular!

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

November 26th is Mr. Schulz’s 100th birthday, and we’re throwing a party! You won’t believe who shows up to celebrate the greatest cartoonist of...

Finale Season Three - 1960-1964

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We wrap up the first half of the sixties in style with a look back at Schulz’s best unseen characters, listener questions, and some Peanuts comic bo...

1964 Part 2 - Thrillsville!

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Linus for President, and young Master Van Pelt proves to be an expert orator… but will his belief in the Great Pumpkin sink his candidacy? El...

1964 Part 1 - Good Ol’ Wishy-Washy Charlie Brown

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a true Peanuts epic, Lucy presents Charlie Brown with a slideshow of his faults, and Linus fanboys for Doctor Horwich (who used to be Miss Frances)...

1963 Part 2 - Why Don’t You Ever Call Me Cutie?

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lucy finds out she is an “uncutie.” Snoopy needs to take it on the lam. And we meet a boy named “5.” Also, the guys discuss perhaps the most c...

1963 Part 1 - Oh No! We’re Aware of Our Tongues!

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Peanuts soars from strength to strength in another year of classics. Linus teaches us all a thing or two about empathy when his “Blanket Hating” G...

Bonus Episode - It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Spooky Season is upon us, and Harold, Michael, and Jimmy are taking a special episode long look at the Great Pumpkin, both in the strip and the animat...

1962 Part 2 - Charles Schulz Sees You

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The guys discuss the profound way in which Schulz engages and honors his readers on their own terms. Meanwhile, in the strip, Linus is patting birds o...

1962 Part 1 - Schroeder’s Big Break

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Schulz continues to explore longer stories and more subtle emotions, as Linus (briefly) gets glasses, Lucy and Schroeder bicker, and Snoopy experience...

Special Episode - Duncan Watson and Melanie Kohn - Voices of Charlie Brown and Lucy

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a special day for Unpacking Peanuts. Charlie Brown and Lucy are here! We welcome voice actors Melanie Kohn and Duncan Watson to the show. They ...

1961 Part 2 - Lunchtime With the Little Red Haired Girl

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The most famous character never drawn (the movies don’t count, you blockhead!) makes her first non-appearance, and it’s a heartbreaker. Then Schul...

1961 Part 1 - It’s Run By a Big Eastern Syndicate, You Know

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The character of Charlie Brown is deepening as Schulz explores more subtle shades of emotion. Meanwhile, in the Van Pelt household tempers are wearing...

1960 Part 2 - Do You Believe in Charles Schulz?

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy expands on his theory of how Charles Schulz is a character in Peanuts. Michael talks to leaves, and Harold gets his first comic book! Plus: Liz ...

1960 Part 1 - Happiness is a Warm Puppy

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the Swinging Sixties, and Linus wants to be all love! But Lucy might have a nefarious plan to thwart him. Meanwhile, Snoopy endures the Icicle ...

Special Episode - Todd Webb

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Harold, Jimmy and Michael welcome cartoonist and musician Todd Webb to the show! Todd is the creator of the critically acclaimed daily strip The Poet,...

Finale Season Two - 1956-1959

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We wrap up the fabulous 50’s with a look at how far we have come! Michael, Harold, and Jimmy pick their favorite year of strips so far, answer the m...

1959 Part 2 - If You Can’t Trust Dogs and Little Babies

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While Charlie Brown is succeeding as a brother, Linus is ranting about someone called “The Great Pumpkin.” When he’s not fawning over his belove...

1959 Part 1 - Psychiatric Help 5¢

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sally Brown is born! Will becoming a big brother change Charlie Brown for the better, or is it just going to derail his baseball career? Also, Lucy st...

1958 Part 2 - Germs! Disease! Infection!

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had to try to glue crayons together? Linus has. Jimmy tells more vaguely troubling childhood anecdotes, and Lucy thinks Charlie Brown is...

1958 Part 1 - I Thought It Was The Fallout

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy asks: What is art for? Linus becomes a fanatic. Lucy loves Schroeder. Violet admires her dad, and Snoopy starts a very weird trend. Be sure to t...

Special Episode - William Pepper

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We welcome the host of the OG Peanuts podcast, It’s a Podcast, Charlie Brown, William Pepper. William gives us the lowdown on his long running show ...

1957 Part 2 - Who Do You Like Better, Your Mother or Your Father?

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Harold, Michael and Jimmy discuss what makes Schulz’s art different from contemporaries like Mort Walker or Dik Brown. Michael unlocks one of the se...

1957 Part 1 - Frustrated and Inhibited

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Schulz is loosening up and branching out. He even hires his friend, good ol’ Jim Sasseville and launches a second strip. Meanwhile, Lucy is ...

1956 Part 2 - If My Kite Was Caught In A Tree I’d Yell At It

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie Brown’s kite is stuck in a tree… for a week! We take a long look at this rarely seen series of strips that Schulz himself considered a hig...

1956 Part 1 - Will You Be My Friend, Charlie Brown?

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lucy presents some little known facts and Linus figures some things out. There are a lot of kids in the Schulz household, and it’s fueling a whole b...

Finale Season 1 - 1950-1955

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are halfway through the first decade of Peanuts, and It’s been a thrill to watch Charles Schulz develop his strip from humble beginnings to the c...

1955- Part 2 - Be of Good Cheer, Snoopy!

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a year filled with classic jokes and classical music, but Charlie Brown’s stomach hurts and it’s all Lucy’s fault. Yet while Charlie Brow...

1955 Part 1 - The World Develops Before Our Eyes

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Schulz is living the posh life in Minnesota while willing Peanuts to ever greater heights. It’s the era of big laughs and big jaws, and Snoopy is bu...

1954 Part 2 - A Cold Wet Nose on a Warm Summer Day

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy unleashes an outlandish Peanuts conspiracy theory as we investigate the strangest sequence in all of Peanuts when Lucy hits the links with … a...

1954 Part 1 - Look at Me! I’m Dancing!

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Slick and ever-tightening cartooning mixed with some beautiful detail and a touch of the surreal is the look of the year for Schulz, and his cast of c...

1953 Part 2 - Ode To Joy

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Linus is growing up fast. Also, how to become a virtuoso the Charles Schulz way, and more discussion about the letter “W” than is allowed in most ...

1953 Part 1 - A Bundle of Fuss

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Schulz world continues to grow both in life and within the panels of Peanuts, Jimmy, Michael, and Harold reflect on the influence of Schulz on thei...

Special Episode - Alexis Fajardo

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we chat with accomplished cartoonist, and Editorial Director of the Charles M. Schulz Studio, Alexis Fajardo! We discuss Lex’s two decade...

1952 Part 2 - Mangle Terror War Hate

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the first appearance of Snoopy the mimic! And he may be the most complex character in the history of western literature, but he’ll always b...

1952 Part 1 - I’ll Be A Hypocrite

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

PEANUTS EVERY SUNDAY! Peanuts gets a Sunday page, and Charles Schulz comes out swinging. Interesting developments on the Snoopy watch, and Jimmy and M...

1951 Part 2 - A Pretty Good Guy

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s all the best, the funniest, and the firsts as we go through the strips of Peanuts’ first full year. We touch on the deepening of Schulz’s c...

1951 Part 1 - Music for Mudpies

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Schulz spends his first year as a full-time cartoonist exploring the form, and honing his themes. Little gags, little folks, and toy pianos ar...

1950 Part 2 - How I Hate Him

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We do a deep dive into the first few months of the Peanuts comic strip, as Charles Schulz and Charlie Brown begin their epic journey together. We meet...

1950 Part 1 - Good Ol’ Charlie Brown

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Peanuts is the greatest comic strip of all time, and three cartoonists, Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules! & 7 Good Reasons Not to Grow Up) Harold Buchholz ...