Snoopy and 'Fraggle Rock' are back for the new year on Apple TV+

"Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin" (Source: Apple TV+)

Apple TV+ has unveiled its latest children and family slate of programming, which centers on a new "Peanuts" special with Snoopy, plus a second season for "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock."

The Apple TV+ winter programming slate is headlined by the "Peanuts" special, the latest in Apple's new shows since it acquired the rights to Charles M. Schulz's beloved "Charlie Brown" characters. As with the original comic strip, the character of Snoopy has become the stand-out star, and consequently the new special is called "Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin."

Streaming from February 16, 2024, Apple says that the special is "the origin story for one of Peanuts' most beloved characters, Franklin [and[ follows how he approaches making new friends."

Written by Robb Armstrong, best known for "Jump Start," with Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano, and based on an original story by Armstrong and Scott Montgomery. It's directed by Emmy winner Raymond S. Persi, known for "The Simpsons" and "Wreck-It-Ralph."

Back to the rock once more

"Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock," the reboot of the classic original series, has been picked up for a second season.

"This time, with big changes affecting the Rock, the Fraggles, Doozers and Gorgs will be forced to confront their past and celebrate their interdependence," says Apple, "as they move through challenges together with hope, silliness and brand new songs, all while dancing their cares away down at Fraggle Rock."

The new season will stream from March 29. The series is believed to be written by multiple writers, including executive producer John Tartaglia.

As well as an initial first season of the show, Apple TV+ has previously also released three "Fraggle Rock" specials, and done so to mark what would have been the 85th birthday of its creator, Jim Henson.