Netflix is poised to revitalize the iconic children’s program Sesame Street through a newly secured partnership with Sesame Workshop. This collaboration comes after Warner Bros. Discovery chose not to renew its deal for the show, which has been a staple of children’s programming for over 50 years and previously aired on PBS.
In a significant departure from the HBO arrangement, new episodes will be accessible simultaneously on PBS and the PBS Kids app, ensuring children have free access to the beloved series. This public-private partnership aims to leverage Netflix’s extensive reach while maintaining public television’s mission to serve communities. Sesame Workshop CEO Sherri Westin emphasized the importance of making educational content available to young audiences worldwide.
PBS President Paula Kerger echoed these sentiments, highlighting the show’s longstanding contribution to educational programming and its fundamental role in supporting children’s development.
Starting later this year with the reimagined season 56, Sesame Street will adopt a new format that includes longer segments and an animated feature called Tales From 123. The episodes will be released in three separate batches on Netflix, offering a fresh take on the classic that has resonated with generations.
This agreement not only presents a crucial financial boost for Sesame Workshop, especially following recent layoffs but also reaffirms a commitment to providing accessible educational programming to families. The combination of Netflix’s resources with PBS’s dedication to market access represents a hopeful chapter for both organizations and, importantly, for the young viewers who will benefit from the experiences shared on this celebrated show.
The future of Sesame Street looks promising as it adapts to modern needs while retaining its core mission of educating and entertaining children.