Snoopy in Space is streaming now on Apple TV.
Those of us who grew up following the adventures of Charlie Brown were elated to see the Peanuts gang help launch Apple TV + last month. There were no better characters to mark Apple TV’s global launch as the new streaming platform fully embraced Charles M. Schulz‘s gang, bringing them back to TV for the first time since 2011. But even more exciting, Apple TV placed Charlie Brown and Snoopy into the exciting world of NASA and space exploration. But does it work?
Snoopy in Space is, in essence, a 98-minute feature film split into 12 bite-sized chunks for kids. Each easily digested episode is coupled with learning opportunities as Snoopy, Woodstock, and the Peanuts gang are taken from a school play to the heady heights of NASA mission control. Snoopy and Woodstock sit centre stage in the adventure as they venture to the International Space Station, the Moon and onto Mars.
READ MORE: THE SNOOPY SHOW
Produced by Mark Evestaff and directed by Rob Boutilier with input from the Schulz family, Snoopy in Space wears its educational remit with pride, combining facts and information on space exploration with the vibrant comedic energy of Peanuts. Here each episode echoes both care and love for the characters created by Schulz as it pays homage to the classic Peanut specials that have become part of TV and animation history. However, as the title suggests this is very much the Snoopy and Woodstock show, and as a result, the Peanuts gang occasionally feel slightly lost in the overarching story.
Snoopy in Space soars in its ability to combine anarchic fun and vibrant energy with science despite this weakness. Here we are reminded of the power inherent in high-quality animation in helping young minds explore, grow and laugh. I, for one, can only hope that Snoopy in Space marks the start of a long and fruitful partnership between Peanuts and Apple TV +.
Cast: Christian Dal Dosso, Holly Gorski, Hattie Kragten, Isabella Leo, Terry McGurrin, Isis Moore, Ethan Pugiotto, Rob Tinkler, Wyatt White, Nicole Byer
