Sesame Street fans can breathe easy - their favorite neighborhood isn't going anywhere. The iconic children's series, which first premiered in 1969, has secured new streaming partners after HBO and Max concluded their exclusive deal at the end of 2024.

A New Chapter for an American Classic

Global audiences will now access new episodes and the complete library through Netflix, while PBS stations and PBS Kids will continue airing episodes on their traditional broadcast dates. The agreement also includes exciting digital possibilities - Netflix plans to develop interactive Sesame Street games through its gaming platform, including content featuring the animated spinoff Sesame Street Mecha Builders.

Innovative Public-Private Partnership

Sesame Workshop announced the landmark deal on May 19, emphasizing the unique collaboration between commercial and public broadcasters: "This partnership with Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting ensures Sesame Street can continue its mission of helping children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder," stated their official social media post.

We are excited to announce that all new Sesame Street episodes are coming to @netflix worldwide along with library episodes, and new episodes will also release the same day on @PBS Stations and @PBSKIDS platforms in the US, preserving a 50+ year relationship.

The support of... pic.twitter.com/B76MxQzrpI

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) May 19, 2025

Evolutionary Changes for Season 56

The upcoming season introduces format innovations while keeping beloved elements. New episodes will feature an 11-minute narrative arc inspired by character-driven shows like Bluey, complemented by returning fan favorites including Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck.

Originally premiering November 1969, Sesame Street joined PBS in the 1970s before entering its HBO era in 2015 through a landmark $35 million agreement. While HBO/Max will maintain existing Sesame Street content until 2027, their withdrawal from children's programming paved the way for this innovative new distribution model.