Can you tell me how to get...how to get to Sesame Street? That line from the opening title sequence of the hit children’s TV show 56 years in the making has new meaning today thanks to the news that streaming giant Netflix just rescued the series, inking a distribution deal that will make the show available to more than 300 million subscribers—new episodes included.
Netflix Swoops in and Saves the Goddamn Day—Here’s What Parents Need to Know
Sunny day!
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Published May 19, 2025
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According to the New York Times, the news comes after many months of uncertainty for the beloved children’s institution, known as Sesame Workshop, which has been plagued by financial hits this year including the loss of several grants and the expiration of its current (and lucrative) distribution deal with HBO. (It got so bad that they had to lay off 20 percent of their staff earlier this year.)
Even better, the Netflix news is coupled with the announcement of another partnership: New episodes of Sesame Street will also be available on PBS the day after they are released on Netflix. This marks the first time in almost a decade that the public broadcaster will have access to the latest Sesame Street content.
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The deal is expected to take effect later this year with a plan to unveil a revamped show with fewer segments and more animation. (Per Netflix, beloved segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck will remain.) This effort to mix things up comes at a time when children’s TV is going through a bit of a reckoning with shows like Bluey and PAW Patrol ranking at the top. As part of the arrangement, Netflix will get access to new episodes of the 56th season as well as 90 hours of library episodes. (Sesame Street-related games are also likely to come.)
As long as the Sesame Street evolution still includes Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of the gang, we think we can speak for all parents when we say, we’re absolutely along for the ride.
