‘Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin’ introduces Black character’s backstory

Apple TV+ is set to premiere a new special, “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” on February 16, 2024. This special is an origin story for Franklin Armstrong, one of the most beloved characters from the “Peanuts” comic strip.

The plot revolves around Franklin, whose family is often on the move due to his father’s military job. Franklin carries a notebook filled with his grandfather’s advice on friendship, which he uses to navigate new friendships. However, he has trouble fitting in when he tries his usual strategies with the Peanuts gang. This changes when he learns about the neighborhood Soap Box Derby race[6][8][13]. Franklin believes that winning the race will help him win over new friends. He partners with Charlie Brown to build a car for the race, and they become good buddies in the process. The story explores whether their car and newfound friendship can withstand the pressure as the race nears.

The special is directed by Raymond S. Persi and co-written by Robb Armstrong, Bryan Schulz, Craig Schulz, and Cornelius Uliano. The story was inspired by Robb Armstrong, a cartoonist inspired by Charles Schulz, the creator of “Peanuts,” and who Schulz named Franklin after.

The cast and crew of the special include Robb Armstrong (Story By, Co-Writer), Scott Montgomery (Story By), Craig Schulz (Co-Writer, Executive Producer), Bryan Schulz (Co-Writer, Executive Producer), Cornelius Uliano (Co-Writer, Executive Producer), Raymond S. Persi (Director), and Paige Braddock (Executive Producer).

The special is a significant step in the representation of Franklin, the first Black character in the “Peanuts” comic strip, who was introduced during the Civil Rights Movement in 1968. The special explores Franklin’s experiences and challenges as he tries to fit in with the Peanuts gang and make new friends.

“Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin” promises to be a heartwarming and insightful exploration of friendship, resilience, and the experiences of a beloved character from the “Peanuts” comic strip.