In a new strategic partnership, Netflix has extended a lifeline to the iconic children’s program “Sesame Street,” enabling the show to reach a broad global audience without sacrificing its traditional presence on PBS. This innovative agreement, announced Monday, allows new episodes to premiere on Netflix, PBS, and the PBS Kids app simultaneously, starting later this year, although an exact debut date has yet to be released. Additionally, selective past episodes will be available for streaming on Netflix across the globe.
The transformation in the show’s distribution strategy arises after Warner Bros. Discovery, which had been airing “Sesame Street” since 2016, opted not to renew its broadcasting agreement. Despite this, episodes that were aired on HBO and Max will remain accessible on those platforms until 2027.
In a recent statement, Sesame Workshop highlighted the importance of this unique collaboration. It emphasizes how the agreement with Netflix, a platform with global reach, will allow the dissemination of its research-based educational content worldwide. At the same time, “Sesame Street” remains free for U.S. audiences on public television.
Sal Perez, executive producer and vice president of Sesame Workshop, revealed in a recent interview that the upcoming episodes will be longer, with a more in-depth focus on character development. The stories will also aim to nurture the emotional well-being and growth of young viewers.
For the upcoming 56th season, each episode will center around a single 11-minute narrative. Perez mentioned that by enhancing viewers’ engagement with the characters, children will more effectively absorb the educational content. He also disclosed that updates to the show’s visual aesthetic are in the works, alongside further excursions through the “Sesame Street” neighborhood. Audiences will get an inside look into the iconic brownstone at 123 Sesame Street, home to beloved characters such as Elmo, Bert, and Ernie.
Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS, lauded the importance of educational programming like “Sesame Street,” noting it as crucial to public service in the U.S. “Sesame Street” has been making a significant impact for over fifty years, and she expressed enthusiasm for continuing this important partnership.
Throughout its storied history, “Sesame Street” has reached over 150 countries and received myriad accolades, including more than 200 Emmy Awards, along with Grammy, Peabody recognitions, and a Kennedy Center Honor. The series’ beloved characters, such as Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and the Cookie Monster, will now share a digital neighborhood with modern favorites like Ms. Rachel, Blippi, and the stars of “CoComelon Lane.” According to Netflix, programming for “Kids and Family” constitutes 15% of its total viewership, underlining the significance of this new collaboration.