‘Sesame Street’ heads to Netflix: New season and format changes coming in 2025
Following the end of its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, Sesame Street will launch season 56 on Netflix and PBS Kids later this year with new segments and storytelling updates.
The iconic children’s television series Sesame Street is set to premiere a new season on Netflix in 2025, following a recently announced streaming deal. Sesame Workshop confirmed the agreement on Monday, marking a major shift for the long-running show after Warner Bros. Discovery chose not to renew its previous distribution arrangement.
Season 56 of Sesame Street will feature updated storytelling formats and the return of beloved characters and segments. Episodes will also continue to air on PBS Kids, maintaining the show’s decades-long commitment to public broadcasting and educational programming.
New content and format changes
According to Sesame Workshop, the upcoming season will introduce several updates designed to engage today’s young viewers. Each episode will center on an 11-minute story, allowing for deeper character development and increased emotional resonance. Fan-favorite segments like “Elmo’s World” and “Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck” will also return, alongside new additions like Cookie Monster’s “Cookie Cart” and Abby Cadabby’s magical Fairy Garden.
These changes aim to preserve the educational mission of Sesame Street while modernizing its format to reflect the viewing habits of preschool audiences. The show continues to focus on foundational skills, social-emotional learning, and imaginative play.
Distribution strategy and global reach
Season 56 will be released on Netflix in three batches throughout the year. While new episodes will stream globally on Netflix, they will also be made available in the United States on the same day via PBS stations and PBS Kids platforms. This dual-distribution model ensures broad access for families, regardless of platform preferences.
In a statement posted on X, Sesame Street emphasized its commitment to public service and education: “The support of Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting serve as a unique public-private partnership to enable Sesame Street to continue to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”
