Here's a rundown of the history of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang—one of the most beloved comic strips and pop culture phenomena of all time.
The Birth of Peanuts
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Creator: Charles M. Schulz
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Debut: October 2, 1950
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Original Name: The strip was originally going to be titled "Li'l Folks," but the syndicate changed it to Peanuts, a name Schulz disliked.
The Characters
At the heart of Peanuts is a group of relatable, quirky, and timeless characters, led by:
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Charlie Brown: The lovable underdog—kind-hearted but perpetually unlucky.
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Snoopy: His imaginative and cool beagle, who often dreams of being a World War I flying ace.
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Lucy Van Pelt: Bossy and bold, often gives psychiatric advice for 5 cents.
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Linus Van Pelt: Lucy’s younger brother, philosophical and wise, always holding his security blanket.
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Schroeder: A musical prodigy obsessed with Beethoven.
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Peppermint Patty: Athletic, confident, but struggles in school.
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Marcie: Patty’s soft-spoken and intellectual best friend.
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Woodstock: Snoopy’s tiny, feathered sidekick.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
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Peanuts became a global phenomenon, syndicated in 2,600+ newspapers in 75 countries at its peak.
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Schulz wrote and illustrated nearly 18,000 strips until his death in 2000.
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Animated Specials: Starting with A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), the Peanuts gang starred in many beloved TV specials, becoming seasonal staples.
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Merchandise & Influence: From lunchboxes to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons, Peanuts characters are cultural icons.
End of an Era
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Charles Schulz passed away on February 12, 2000, just a day before his final original strip was published.
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In accordance with his wishes, no one continued the strip after his death.
Peanuts Today
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Classic strips are still in print and enjoyed by new generations.
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The characters continue to appear in books, TV specials, movies, and even a 2015 3D animated film (The Peanuts Movie).
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The legacy lives on through the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California.
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