Sesame Street New Seasons to Stream on Netflix, PBS

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the iconic children’s program Sesame Street, has today announced that starting with Season 56, new episodes will premiere simultaneously on Netflix and PBS.

This change follows the conclusion of a decade-long partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform. The new arrangement ensures that while Sesame Street expands its global reach through Netflix’s extensive platform, it maintains its commitment to free public access via PBS.

Season 56 introduces a reimagined format aimed at engaging today’s young audiences. Each episode will feature a single 11-minute, character-driven story, complemented by the return of popular segments like “Elmo’s World” and “Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck.”

Additionally, a new animated segment titled “Tales from 123” will explore the lives of residents in the show’s iconic apartment building.

This narrative-focused approach replaces the traditional magazine-style format, allowing for deeper storytelling and stronger connections with viewers. The season will be released in three batches on Netflix, catering to the binge-watching habits of modern audiences.

The transition comes amid financial challenges for Sesame Workshop, including the end of its previous $35 million annual deal with Max and declining viewership among children aged 3 to 5. In response, the organization is implementing strategic changes to revitalize the brand and ensure its relevance in a competitive media landscape.

Despite these hurdles, the partnership with Netflix is seen as a positive step forward. With over 300 million subscribers worldwide, Netflix offers an opportunity to introduce Sesame Street to new audiences while preserving its educational mission.

N IS FOR NETFLIX!

Sesame Street is joining the Netflix family! Brand new episodes — as well as past seasons — will premiere later this year. pic.twitter.com/SMEqHm29a2

— Netflix (@netflix) May 19, 2025

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger emphasized the importance of the continued collaboration, stating that the public-private partnership will help extend the show’s educational reach globally while maintaining free access for U.S. viewers.