‘Unique public-private partnership’ as Netflix and long running TV show Sesame Street ink new streaming deal
Popular children’s show Sesame Street has announced new deals with public broadcaster PBS and streaming giant Netflix after Warner Bros Discovery, which has broadcast the show since 2016, opted not to renew its contract with the show last year.
Starting later this year, new episodes of Sesame Street will launch on Netflix, PBS and the PBS Kids app on the same day. Previous episodes will also be made available on Netflix for audiences worldwide.
PBS Kids will continue to be a home for Sesame Street. As well as episodes being broadcast on PBS stations and PBS Kids video and digital platforms, new games will also be added to the PBS Kids website and app. Full episodes and clips from Sesame Street will also be added to the PBS Kids YouTube Channel.
Previous episodes of Sesame Street will continue to air on HBO and Max until 2027.
Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization that produces Sesame Street, will also work with PBS Kids to expand the library of parent and educator resources available on PBS Kids for Parents and PBS LearningMedia.
“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,” says Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager at PBS Kids.
“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.”
The new season of Sesame Street will include an updated format and the return of favourite segments such as Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Food Truck. New episodes will each center on one 11 minute story, allowing for more character-driven humor and heart.
As part of the new deal, Netflix will also be able to develop video games for both Sesame Street and Sesame Street Mecha Builders. Netflix, which has also announced The World of Peppa Pig, a new exclusive app focused on the popular character, says kids and family viewing now represents 15 percent of its total views.
“This unique public-private partnership ensures children in communities across the U.S. continue to have free access on PBS Kids to the Sesame Street they love,” adds Sherrie Westin, CEO at Sesame Workshop. “This combined support advances our mission and ensures we can help all children - everywhere - grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Last year, Sesame Workshop, in collaboration with Kide Science and Programa Adopte un Talento (PAUTA), launched a new initiative to mprove access to STEM education for preschool children in underserved communities across Mexico.
