Good news for Sesame Street fans - the beloved children's show isn't going anywhere. After HBO and Max didn't renew their licensing agreement at the end of 2024, the iconic series will now stream on Netflix and PBS starting in 2025.
Netflix will host new episodes along with the entire Sesame Street back catalog globally, while PBS stations and PBS Kids will continue airing new episodes on their traditional broadcast schedule. The deal also grants Netflix rights to develop video games based on the series, including the animated spinoff Sesame Street Mecha Builders, as the streaming platform expands its gaming offerings.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Classic
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the show, announced the partnership on May 19 via social media. "This unique public-private partnership with Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting ensures Sesame Street can continue its mission of helping children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder," their statement read.
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
The show's 56th season will introduce some format changes, including shorter 11-minute story segments inspired by popular children's shows like Bluey. However, classic segments like Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck will remain.
A Legacy of Education and Entertainment
First airing in November 1969, Sesame Street joined PBS in the 1970s and became a cultural institution. HBO's 2015 deal brought the show premium cable exposure in a $35 million agreement, though the network recently shifted focus away from children's programming.
While HBO and Max will retain the Sesame Street library through 2027 (an extension of their original 10-year deal), they will no longer produce new episodes. This new distribution model ensures the show's continued availability to generations of young learners worldwide.
