You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown (1972)

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7.0 Overall Score
Story: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Visuals: 7/10

The only Election Day special I can think of

Does Election Day really need a special?

TV Show Info

TV Show Name:  You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown

Studio:  CBS

Genre(s):  Cartoon/Seasonal

Release Date(s):  October 29, 1972

MPAA Rating:  Not Rated

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Hey guys, Charlie Brown’s a chump…Let’s go for Linus

Sally has problems opening her locker because they are too tall. When it is evident that Charlie Brown can’t be elected, Lucy determines that Linus would be a good representative for his class. Now the Peanuts Gang is working to get Linus elected, but his controversial views of the Great Pumpkin could cost him the election.

You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown first aired on CBS on October 29, 1972. Upon its initial release, it was called You’re Elected Charlie Brown, but the title didn’t make any sense since Charlie Brown is deemed “not electable”…the name was then changed to You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown to fit with the story more.  It followed the special Play It Again, Charlie Brown in 1971.

The episode usually runs with Election Day and is one of the better Peanuts specials. The theme was taken from a series of comic book strips and which was also recently adapted for iTunes and a motion comic strip. It is full of Schulz’s normal wit and political criticism…Linus realizes he has to submit to the principal despite being president and Sally considers him a sellout that campaigned on false promises.

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Joe Cool…how I loathe you.

The special features the first special appearance of Woodstock and also introduces Snoopy’s popular alter ego Joe Cool (and his Vince theme). I’ve never been a big fan of Joe Cool or when Snoopy became a “star”. I always preferred him to a supporting character instead of a lead character, and Joe Cool is just irritating…but his theme song is ok.

You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown is classic Peanuts. The 1970s weren’t always kind to the Peanuts but this one is worth checking out. It has a nice, fun theme and doesn’t feel like random comic strips pieced together.  It isn’t The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or A Charlie Brown Christmas, but it will do.  You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown was followed by There’s No Time For Love, Charlie Brown in 1973.

Related Links:

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

Play It Again, Charlie Brown (1971)

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992)

Author: JPRoscoe View all posts by
Follow me on Twitter/Instagram/Letterboxd @JPRoscoe76! Loves all things pop-culture especially if it has a bit of a counter-culture twist. Plays video games (basically from the start when a neighbor brought home an Atari 2600), comic loving (for almost 30 years), and a true critic of movies. Enjoys the art house but also isn't afraid to let in one or two popular movies at the same time.

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