Sesame Street secures new deal with Netflix following cancellation on HBO.
“Sesame Street,” the iconic children’s television series, is set to embark on a new chapter with Netflix following its recent cancellation on HBO Max. Media News Source reports that Netflix announced a collaboration with Sesame Workshop on a deal that promises to bring new episodes of the beloved series to viewers beginning later this year. This update is particularly significant in light of the show’s abrupt discontinuation on HBO Max, which occurred after its five-year agreement was not renewed by Warner Bros. Discovery in December 2024.
The forthcoming 56th season of “Sesame Street” will feature a conceptual redesign, centering around an innovative format that will highlight a singular 11-minute story. Additionally, the season will introduce “Tales From 123,” a new animated segment aimed at engaging young audiences. Netflix plans to release the season in three distinct “batches,” ensuring a steady stream of fresh content for viewers.
In a groundbreaking public-private partnership, Sesame Workshop aims to leverage the extensive reach of Netflix to distribute its research-based curriculum globally while maintaining availability on PBS, the platform that introduced “Sesame Street” to audiences in 1969. This brings reassurance to families, as children across the United States will still have free access to the show on public television, which is crucial for the educational impact the series has provided over the decades.
The new season also promises the return of much-loved segments, such as “Elmo’s World” and “Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck,” alongside new playful opportunities for interaction, including Cookie Monster’s Cookie Cart on Sesame Street and Abby’s Fairy Garden—a magical realm inhabited by delightful creatures. According to Netflix’s announcement, an impressive 90 hours of past episodes will be made available to subscribers, enriching the streaming experience with a wealth of content from the show’s storied history.
The introduction of Halcyon Person as the new head writer signals a commitment to innovation in storytelling and format, with new episodes expected to premiere simultaneously on PBS and the PBS Kids app. This dual-release strategy underscores the commitment to accessibility, ensuring that families can enjoy the world of “Sesame Street” across multiple platforms.
While a specific premiere date has yet to be announced, the excitement surrounding the revival of “Sesame Street” through this partnership with Netflix marks a promising evolution of a cherished institution in children’s educational entertainment. The plans also hint at the development of video games based on the beloved characters, further expanding the franchise’s footprint in the digital age.
