*On May 19, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the iconic children’s series, announced that new episodes will return to PBS after a nearly decade-long hiatus. Additionally, both fresh and classic episodes will stream on Netflix later this year, following the end of a previous agreement with HBO.
This move coincides with the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce funding for PBS and the Ready to Learn Grant, which supports educational children’s content.
Likely in response to these budget concerns, Sesame Workshop secured deals with both PBS and Netflix. The show’s 56th season will debut on the streaming platform, accompanied by 90 hours of archived episodes.
“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,” Sesame Workshop CEO Sherrie Westin said in a statement, per USA Today.
“This combined support advances our mission and ensures we can help all children – everywhere – grow smarter, stronger and kinder,” Westin continued.
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What’s Coming in Season 56
Season 56 has been reimagined around single, 11-minute narratives designed to amplify character-driven humor and heart. Fan-favorite bits “Elmo’s World” and “Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck,” return, joined by new explorations:
- Cookie Cart: Cookie Monster runs his own food stand, swapping sweets for math and problem-solving.
- Abby’s Fairy Garden: Abby Cadabby cultivates a magical plot where surprising creatures teach science-rich lessons.
All first-run episodes will land day-and-date on PBS stations, PBS KIDS digital platforms, and Netflix. The streamer will also add roughly 90 hours of earlier seasons, filling the gap left by the show’s expiring HBO agreement.
Sal Perez and Kay Wilson Stallings continue as executive producers, while Halcyon Person, an Emmy, Humanitas, and NAACP Award nominee, steps in as head writer to steer the refreshed story structure.
Netflix also hinted at a new “Sesame Street” video game, aligning with efforts to enhance the show’s interactivity, while PBS Kids digital platforms will also provide interactive games.
“I strongly believe that our educational programming for children is one of the most important aspects of our service to the American people, and ‘Sesame Street’ has been an integral part of that critical work for more than half a century,” Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS, said in a statement.
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