WELCOME HOME, FRANKLIN was a sweet, family-friendly special about the character of Franklin and how he became a part of the PEANUTS gang. It was not on the caliber of the original Halloween or Christmas shows, but it projects a wonderful lesson in making friends.
I know some critics would argue that this animated journey was too formula-based and not enough silly spontaneity. But I would have to argue how perfect this sixty-minute romp through meeting the familiar group could help little ones make a new friend. It was easy to follow and there really were no deep surprises. It was all just honest, perfect advice wrapped around those twists and turns of a soap box racing contest. It highlighted how to get along even when things don’t go perfectly, especially when we make the ”right choice.” The universe will then open in mysterious, positive ways. What a wonderful framework for our children to absorb.
WELCOME HOME, FRANKLIN includes all the kids we expect from a PEANUTS neighborhood. We just need to bottle up those good feelings and walk them back to where we live. Sometimes it is the simplest stories that have a huge impact. It is streaming on AppleTV+.