On Monday, Netflix unveiled that “Sesame Street” will be part of its streaming lineup, continuing its long-term partnership with PBS.
New episodes are set to debut on Netflix, PBS, and PBS Kids apps simultaneously later this year, though exact dates haven’t been shared. Meanwhile, viewers can find a selection of older episodes available on Netflix worldwide.
Over the past 50 years, the show has evolved significantly. Warner Bros Discovery has been airing “Sesame Street” since 2016, and although it decided not to renew its airing of new episodes on HBO and MAX last year, previous content will continue to be available until 2027.
The Sesame Workshop commented that this collaboration will leverage Netflix’s extensive reach to deliver a research-based curriculum to children, ensuring free access to public television for kids across various communities in the United States.
Salperez, the show’s executive producer and VP at Sesame Workshop, mentioned in a recent discussion that the upcoming season will feature longer segments that focus on the characters, promoting emotional well-being among young viewers.
For its 56th season, each episode will revolve around a standalone story lasting about 11 minutes, according to Netflix. Salperez emphasized that the deeper connection with the characters would help children absorb important lessons. The new season will also refresh the show’s aesthetic, allowing viewers to explore the streets and even the iconic brownstones at 123 Sesame Street, home to beloved characters like Elmo, Burt, and Ernie.
Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO, expressed pride in their continued partnership, highlighting the collective goal of positively impacting children’s lives.
“Sesame Street” has been broadcast in more than 150 countries and has garnered over 200 Emmy Awards, in addition to Grammy and Peabody Awards, not to mention recognition from the Kennedy Center for lifelong artistic achievements.
Familiar faces like Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster coexist with characters such as Rachel and Brippi from “Cocomelon Lane.” Interestingly, “Kids and Family” programming makes up about 15% of Netflix’s overall viewership.
