ABC to keep airing Peanuts specials through 2020

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. television network ABC says it has extended its contract to keep airing the iconic "Peanuts" animated specials until 2020.

ABC has been home to the beloved programs, including "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" -- since 2001.

The TV specials were created by the late comic-strip writer-artist Charles M. Schulz. The shows were produced and animated by Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez.

"We are thrilled that our 13-year association with ABC will now extend to 20 years. The network has shown us tremendous support from the start, including restoring the original length to our holiday shows. Charlie Brown and Snoopy are dancing today," Mendelson said in a statement Monday.