Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Elmo and friends have found a new worldwide home, as Netflix steps in, alongside PBS, to save the iconic US children’s show ‘Sesame Street’ from cancellation.
Since its debut on November 10, 1969, ‘Sesame Street’ has been a cornerstone of children’s educational television, blending entertainment with learning through its unique mix of live-action, puppetry, and animation. Initially airing on the National Educational Television network, which became PBS in 1970, the show provided free access to quality educational content for children across the United States. However, in 2016, facing financial challenges and shifting media landscapes, Sesame Street entered a partnership with HBO. This move allowed for increased production budgets and the creation of more episodes per season, with new episodes premiering on HBO before becoming available on PBS nine months later. The show transitioned to HBO Max in 2020, continuing this distribution model.
Unfortunately, in late 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would not renew its contract with Sesame Workshop, citing a strategic pivot towards adult and family content… This decision left ‘Sesame Street’ seeking a new distribution partner for its upcoming seasons or facing the possibility of cancellation.
Today, it has been announced that Netflix has secured exclusive worldwide premiere rights for the 56th season of Sesame Street, set to debut later this year. The show will also maintain its longstanding presence on public television in the USA, with episodes airing concurrently on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms in the USA.
“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 PBS KIDS platforms in the US, preserving a 50+ year relationship.” Sesame Street said on social media. “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.”
You can see the Netflix announcement video below:
N IS FOR NETFLIX!
Sesame Street is joining the Netflix family! Brand new episodes — as well as past seasons — will premiere later this year. pic.twitter.com/SMEqHm29a2
— Netflix (@netflix) May 19, 2025
