Since its initiation in 1969 on public television and creation by the legendary and late Jim Henson, Sesame Street has been a part of several generations. Whether educating the younger audiences on the alphabet, counting, or teaching life skills, Sesame Street played a crucial role in the children's media landscape.
The iconic and colorful characters such as Elmo, Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Kermit, Cookie Monster, Grover, and The Count, only added to Sesame Street's legacy and are the most recognized assets in the program. Elmo especially has branched out to different realms, while attaining his childlike curiosity and personality.
Now, Sesame Street will be heading to a new home after cushioning itself for nearly a decade on HBO and its streamer, MAX. Don't worry, though, as PBS has zero plans to drop the show, and it will continue to air on the station. PBS will forever be 123 Sesame Street's home, but it'll have a new second home on Netflix.
Here's when Sesame Street will come to Netflix
Sesame Street will arrive on Netflix beginning with season 56 later this year, and will undergo a "soft reboot" with some of the show's already popular material. Fans can expect to experience the same high-quality value, interactions, and scholastic themes.
Netflix has already provided a preview of what's to come for season 56 and what's in store for Cookie Monster.
"The new season [56 of Sesame Street] will feature fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck. Expect new ways to play along as Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street, and explore Abby’s Fairy Garden, a home to surprising and delightful magical creatures."
The streamer will also host classic and old episodes, allowing proper appreciation for our Sesame Street generation and older ones. You cannot erase the early gems, which are treasured and unlock a childhood memory.
As for Max, Warner Bros. decided not to renew its contract. The parent company believes it's time to retire children's content and focus on more family and adult content. Episodes will continue to stream until 2027, but no new seasons of Sesame Street will be created under the HBO/WB's umbrella. Additionally, with the Netflix partnership, episodes will air the same day on PBS as the streamer, which feels like a smooth transition.
PBS saw the return of fresh Sesame Street episodes earlier this year with season 55, which premiered in January. Parents can be reassured that the program will still be available on the network, as well as the PBS Kids streaming app.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, is grateful for Netflix's acquisition, which means that the partnership will touch every corner of the globe.
Read the Workshop's press statement below!
"This unique public-private partnership will enable us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world with Netflix’s global reach, while ensuring children in communities across the U.S. continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love. We are so grateful to Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Their combined support advances our mission and ensures we can help all children — everywhere — grow smarter, stronger, and kinder."