New York: Sesame Street, the iconic children’s program, will join Netflix following recent federal funding cuts to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the show’s traditional home.
The move came after US President Donald Trump’s executive order halted government support for PBS and National Public Radio (NPR), citing concerns over biased coverage.
Netflix announced it will stream a new season of Sesame Street along with 90 hours of previous episodes to its 300 million subscribers. The show will remain available on PBS, with both platforms releasing new episodes simultaneously under the deal.
The series faced uncertainty after Warner Bros Discovery, owner of HBO, chose not to renew its streaming agreement. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting ended a federal children’s programming initiative that supported Sesame Street following the funding cuts.
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
Since its debut in 1969, Sesame Street has blended education and entertainment, using beloved characters like Big Bird and Elmo. The creators of the show collaborated with developmental psychologists and Jim Henson to develop programming based on childhood learning research.
Over the decades, Sesame Street has addressed social issues, including child health. Elmo has spoken before Congress on music education, and segments promoting healthy eating aired during the U.S. childhood obesity crisis. Former First Lady Michelle Obama also filmed a healthy eating segment with the cast.
Netflix’s children’s content now accounts for 15 percent of total viewing, and the company recently announced new Peppa Pig episodes and an interactive mobile game, expanding its offerings for young audiences.
The deal ensures Sesame Street will continue to educate and entertain millions of children worldwide, combining its legacy with Netflix’s global platform.
