‘Sesame Street’ moves to Netflix and PBS for streaming, with new episodes and games. Library stays on HBO/Max until 2027. Season 56 gets a format refresh.
In a major shakeup for children’s television, “Sesame Street” is embarking on a new chapter as its streaming rights shift to PBS Kids and Netflix. This move comes after the conclusion of its deal with HBO and Max in 2024, signaling a fresh era for the iconic series that has educated and entertained generations since 1969.
Starting with its upcoming seasons, new episodes of “Sesame Street” will be available to stream globally on Netflix, broadening the show’s reach to families worldwide.
At the same time, these episodes will premiere day-and-date on PBS stations and the PBS Kids platform, preserving the show’s deep-rooted commitment to free, accessible programming. This dual-distribution approach marries the traditional public broadcasting model with the expansive reach of a streaming giant.
But the deal doesn’t stop at streaming. Netflix has also secured rights to develop video games based on “Sesame Street” and its spin-off series, “Sesame Street Mecha Builders,” promising to bring the beloved characters into interactive digital spaces for young fans.
This transition is underpinned by what’s being called a “unique public-private partnership” between Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The official “Sesame Street” account highlighted the collaboration’s significance, noting, “The support of Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting serve as a unique public-private partnership to enable Sesame Street to continue to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”
It’s a mission that has defined the show for over five decades, and this alliance ensures its continuation in an evolving media landscape.
Alongside the distribution shift, “Sesame Street” is set to refresh its format with Season 56. Episodes will now center on a single 11-minute story, embracing a more character-driven narrative style akin to modern hits like “Bluey.”
This change promises to keep the show engaging for today’s young viewers while staying true to its educational core. Fan-favorite segments, including “Elmo’s World” and “Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck,” will also make a return, blending nostalgia with the updated approach.
For those wondering about the fate of “Sesame Street’s” extensive back catalog, there’s good news: the library will remain available on HBO and Max through 2027. While new episodes will no longer premiere on these platforms, fans can still revisit classic moments featuring Big Bird, Elmo, and the gang for the next few years.
The end of the HBO partnership, which began in 2016, reflects broader changes at Max, where the focus has shifted toward adult and family-oriented programming. Under the previous deal, new “Sesame Street” episodes debuted on HBO before airing on PBS.
Now, with Netflix stepping in, the show gains a global streaming stage while maintaining its PBS roots—a balance that aligns with its mission of accessibility and impact.
Produced by Sesame Workshop, a global nonprofit, “Sesame Street” has long been a trailblazer in children’s media. Since its debut, it has tackled everything from counting and letters to complex social issues, all through a vibrant cast of puppets and humans.
Its ability to adapt—whether through format changes or new platforms—has kept it relevant, even as the streaming wars heat up with players like Netflix and Disney+ vying for young audiences.
As “Sesame Street” steps into this next phase, its blend of education, entertainment, and innovation ensures it remains a cornerstone of children’s programming.
With Netflix’s global reach and PBS’s public service legacy, the show is poised to inspire a new generation to grow smarter, stronger, and kinder—just as it always has.
Source The Wrap
