In a landmark deal for children’s television, Netflix has acquired the rights to “Sesame Street,” ensuring the show’s continuation amid financial challenges faced by Sesame Workshop. This move comes after HBO and HBO Max opted not to renew their contracts, leaving the program’s future uncertain.
The new agreement brings a reimagined 56th “Sesame Street” season—featuring a refreshed format and new segments like “Tales from 123,” “Abby’s Fairy Garden,” and “Cookie Monster’s Cookie Cart”—to Netflix, alongside 90 hours of classic episodes. Fan favorites “Elmo’s World” and “Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck” will also return.
READ MORE: ‘The Rage’: Andrew Garfield Aims To Replace Matthew McConaughey In Paul Greengrass Peasants’ Revolt Pic
Each episode will center around an 11-minute story, enriched with to-camera character moments and visual animation overlays to heighten engagement. The show will continue to air free on PBS stations and PBS KIDS platforms in the U.S., supporting its long-standing public television legacy.
Netflix now holds exclusive global premiere rights and can also develop video games based on “Sesame Street” and “Sesame Street Mecha Builders.” The new season will be released in three batches later this year.
Support independent movie journalism to keep it alive. Sign up for The Playlist Newsletter. All the content you want and, oh, right, it’s free.
Executive producers Sal Perez and Kay Wilson Stallings will lead the “Sesame Street” production, with Halcyon Person (“Karma’s World,” “Dee & Friends in Oz”) joining as head writer. Watch the teaser announcement below.