Sesame Street is expanding its reach thanks to a new deal with Netflix, while still remaining available for free on its long-time home, PBS. Starting later this year, new episodes will premiere simultaneously on Netflix, PBS, and the PBS Kids app. An official premiere date hasn’t been set yet, but select past episodes will also become available on Netflix globally.
This move follows Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision not to renew its licensing agreement, which had brought Sesame Street to HBO and Max since 2016. Although new episodes will no longer debut there, existing ones will remain on the platforms until 2027.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the series, emphasized the benefits of combining public access with Netflix’s global reach. “This unique public-private partnership will enable us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world… while ensuring children in communities across the U.S. continue to have free access on public television,” the organization said.
Sal Perez, executive producer and a Sesame Workshop vice president, said the upcoming season will feature longer segments and be “really focused on character,” while also supporting children’s emotional growth and development. Season 56 will center each episode around a single 11-minute story, according to Netflix.
Perez added that the new season will also include a refreshed visual style and more exploration of the neighborhood. Viewers will get a deeper look inside the beloved two-story brownstone at 123 Sesame Street, home to Elmo, Bert, Ernie, and others.
PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger shared her excitement about the renewed partnership, calling Sesame Street one of the most vital parts of public television’s mission. “We’re proud to continue our partnership in the pursuit of having a profound impact on the lives of children for years to come,” she said.
Sesame Street, which has been viewed in over 150 countries and earned more than 200 Emmy Awards, continues to be a pillar of educational entertainment. Its iconic characters like Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Cookie Monster will now be featured alongside modern streaming favorites like Ms. Rachel, Blippi, and the CoComelon Lane crew on Netflix, which says that “Kids and Family” content makes up 15% of its total viewing.
