Sesame Street" Finds New Home on Netflix While Staying on PBS

The beloved children's series Sesame Street has secured a new streaming deal with Netflix, ensuring its future after Warner Bros. Discovery decided not to renew its agreement with HBO Max. Under the new arrangement, fresh episodes will debut simultaneously on Netflix and PBS, making them widely available to kids across the U.S.  

For over 50 years, Sesame Street has been a staple on PBS, though its HBO deal had delayed the show’s public broadcast release by several months. Now, with Netflix stepping in, the educational program will reach even more children worldwide while maintaining free access on PBS and the PBS Kids app.  

This partnership allows us to share Sesame Street's valuable lessons with a global audience through Netflix, while keeping it free for families on public television," said Sesame Workshop CEO Sherri Westin.  

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger echoed the sentiment, calling the show a vital part of children’s education. For more than 50 years, Sesame Street has played a key role in our mission to support young learners, and we’re proud to continue that legacy, she said.  

Starting later this year with Season 56, the show will undergo a refresh, moving away from its magazine-style format to longer segments, along with a new animated feature, Tales From 123. Netflix will release the season in three parts.  

The deal comes at a crucial time for Sesame Workshop, which faced financial strain after the HBO agreement ended, leading to layoffs earlier this year. The Netflix and PBS partnership not only stabilizes the nonprofit’s funding but also ensures free access to the show—an uncommon move for the streaming giant.  

With its annual fundraiser approaching, the new agreement offers both financial relief and a brighter future for Sesame Street and its young viewers.