Sesame Street is coming to Netflix, but it will require a subscription to watch both new and older episodes.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this month to cut federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), claiming that the publicly funded media broadcasters have turned into “left-wing propaganda” outlets—sparking a broader debate over the role of public news and entertainment and whether they spread “radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news,’” as Trump said.
Why It Matters
Netflix’s continued foray into children’s programming, which composes about 15 percent of its overall content, will welcome Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and other recognizable Sesame Street characters this year. No exact date was announced.
The show’s new 56th season will coincide with more than 90 hours from previously aired episodes in earlier seasons and will be available to worldwide audiences. Episodes will center on one 11-minute character-driven story, the streaming giant said in a press release.
A subscription remains required to watch on Netflix. PBS programming can be accessed for free.
This new multiyear deal between PBS and Netflix will continue celebrating over a half-century of Sesame Street, airing new episodes on PBS stations and across PBS KIDS video and digital platforms.
Newsweek reached out to Netflix and PBS for comment.
The twist is that Netflix will air new episodes of the show on the same days and dates as when they appear on PBS platforms.
This is a shift from the current Sesame Street format streaming on HBO Max, in which new episodes typically air first on Max, then on PBS weeks or months later. Now, PBS programming will air new episodes on the same day and date they stream on Netflix, “bringing critical early learning to children throughout the country for free,” according to a statement.
A deal first struck in 2016 between HBO and Sesame Workshop was not renewed at the end of 2024 due to Max’s intentions of focusing more on adult-driven content.
An HBO Max subscription is required to watch Sesame Street on the platform.
Some social media users hoped that Netflix would allow viewers to tune into old and new episodes without requiring a subscription.
“Thank you Netflix. As long as episodes can still be seen by the children for whom Sesame Street was always primarily intended: the children whose families can’t afford @netflix, (or MAX, or whatever it’s called),” said X user Jim G.
Another X user, Camille DeSantis, wrote: “Please find a way to keep these shows available for those who cannot afford pay channels.”
What People Are Saying
Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO, in a statement: “I strongly believe that our educational programming for children is one of the most important aspects of our service to the American people, and Sesame Street has been an integral part of that critical work for more than half a century. We’re proud to continue our partnership in the pursuit of having a profound impact on the lives of children for years to come.”
Sara DeWitt, PBS KIDS senior vice president and general manager, in a statement: “This announcement continues to build on PBS’ and Sesame Workshop’s more than 50-year history of bringing critical early learning opportunities to families nationwide. Public media is essential, and we know from years of research that providing new, high-quality content to children across the country for free helps prepare them for success in school and life.”
What Happens Next
The new Sesame Street season on Netflix will feature “fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments” like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck.
“Expect new ways to play along as Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street, and explore Abby’s Fairy Garden, a home to surprising and delightful magical creatures,” Netflix said.
The new partnership between Netflix and PBS includes new episodes and app games of The World of Peppa Pig.
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