Fans of the iconic children's show Sesame Street can rejoice as the series, which has been delighting audiences since 1969, will continue to captivate new generations. After HBO and Max decided not to renew their deal at the end of 2024, Sesame Street has found a new home on both Netflix and PBS. This exciting new partnership ensures that the beloved show remains accessible worldwide.
Starting immediately, viewers can stream new episodes of Sesame Street on Netflix, alongside a comprehensive library of past episodes. Additionally, new episodes will be available on their release day via PBS stations and the PBS Kids platform in the US, maintaining the show's longstanding relationship with PBS, which spans over 50 years. This move not only broadens the show's reach but also introduces it to a global audience through Netflix's extensive platform.
In a thrilling development, this deal also paves the way for Netflix to expand its gaming offerings. Subscribers will soon have the opportunity to play video games inspired by Sesame Street, as well as its spinoff, Sesame Street Mecha Builders, directly through the Netflix app using their mobile devices as controllers. This initiative aligns with Netflix's strategy to enhance its gaming arm, offering a more interactive experience for its users.
Sesame Street shared the news of this significant partnership on their social media on May 19, 2025. "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," stated the Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the series. This collaboration underscores a commitment to educational programming that promotes learning and development for children around the world.
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 Street (@sesamestreet) May 19, 2025
The support of… pic.twitter.com/B76MxQzrpI
For season 56, Sesame Street is set to undergo some structural changes to keep the content fresh and engaging. Each episode will feature an 11-minute story, taking inspiration from other popular character-driven children's shows like Bluey. However, fans can rest assured that cherished segments such as Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck will make a return, blending the new format with familiar favorites.
Originally premiering in November 1969, Sesame Street quickly became a cultural phenomenon and joined the PBS network in the 1970s. The show's partnership with HBO and Max, which began in 2015 with a $35 million deal, came to an end in late 2024. HBO and Max cited a shift away from children's programming as the reason for not renewing the deal. Nonetheless, the Sesame Street library will remain available on HBO and Max until 2027, offering a slight extension to the original 10-year agreement, albeit without the production aspect.
