Sesame Street Finds a New Home on Netflix: A Win for Kids and Parents

After months of uncertainty, Sesame Street has secured its future with a groundbreaking streaming deal. The beloved children’s show will now call Netflix its global streaming home while maintaining its historic relationship with PBS.

A New Chapter for an American Institution

The iconic children’s series, which has educated and entertained generations since 1969, will debut its 56th season on Netflix later this year. This partnership comes after Warner Bros. Discovery ended its decade-long relationship with Sesame Workshop in December 2024.

“We are excited to announce that all new Sesame Street episodes are coming to Netflix worldwide along with library episodes, and new episodes will also release the same day on PBS Stations and PBSKIDS platforms in the US, preserving a 50+ year relationship,” Sesame Workshop announced on social media.

Unlike previous streaming arrangements, PBS stations will air new episodes simultaneously with Netflix, ensuring the show remains accessible to all American children regardless of their family’s ability to pay for streaming services.

What’s Changing on Sesame Street

The Netflix deal brings several format changes to keep the show fresh and engaging for today’s young viewers:

• Episodes will now focus on single 11-minute stories, allowing for “more character-driven humor and heart”
• Fan-favorite segments like “Elmo’s World” and “Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck” will return
• Cookie Monster will open his own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street
• Netflix will develop new Sesame Street-themed video games

Additionally, Netflix will make 90 hours of previous episodes available globally, preserving the show’s legacy for new generations.

A Public-Private Partnership for Children’s Education

This innovative arrangement represents what Sesame Workshop calls “a unique public-private partnership” between Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The deal ensures Sesame Street can “continue to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

The move comes after Sesame Workshop announced in March that it would lay off about 20% of its staff due to “the changing media and funding landscape.” This Netflix partnership appears to provide the financial stability needed to secure the show’s future.

For parents concerned about screen time, this partnership offers quality educational content on multiple platforms, maintaining Sesame Street’s 55-year mission of combining entertainment with early childhood education.