Fans of the iconic children's show *Sesame Street* can breathe a sigh of relief as the series, which has been a staple since 1969, secures a new home on Netflix and PBS after HBO and Max decided not to renew their contract at the end of 2024. This exciting development means that new episodes of *Sesame Street* will be available to stream worldwide on Netflix, along with an extensive catalog of past episodes. Additionally, new episodes will be accessible on their air day via both PBS stations and PBS Kids in the US, ensuring that the show's long-standing relationship with PBS remains intact.
In a move that highlights Netflix's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming offerings, this deal also paves the way for the development of video games based on *Sesame Street* and its spinoff, *Sesame Street Mecha Builders*. Subscribers will be able to enjoy these games through the Netflix app, using their mobile devices as controllers, which adds a new layer of engagement for fans of the show.
The announcement of this new partnership was shared by *Sesame Street* across their social media platforms on May 19. They emphasized the unique public-private partnership with Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which they believe will continue to support the show's mission of helping children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. "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," the announcement read.
As *Sesame Street* moves into its 56th season, the show is set to undergo some structural changes. Each episode will now feature an 11-minute story segment, drawing inspiration from other character-driven children's shows like *Bluey*. Despite these changes, beloved segments such as *Elmo's World* and *Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck* will continue to delight fans.
Since its debut in November 1969 and its integration into the PBS network in the 1970s, *Sesame Street* has been a cultural landmark. The show's collaboration with HBO and Max began in 2015 with a significant $35 million deal for new episodes. However, this partnership ended in late 2024 as the streamers shifted away from children's programming. Despite this, the *Sesame Street* library will remain available on HBO and Max until 2027, though without the production of new content.