Sesame Street Will Make Netflix Debut With Fresh Format and Old Faves

For over 50 years, Sesame Street has been the go-to for preschoolers and their parents, offering a perfect blend of compassionate stories, humor and education. Now, beloved characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird are making their way to Netflix with an all-new, reimagined 56th season of Sesame Street.

The 56th season will be released later this year in three batches and will remain free and available on PBS Kids and across their digital video and games platforms. Alongside new episodes, Netflix streamers will also have access to 90 hours of previous Sesame Street episodes.

With a new season and platform, parents and their little ones can look forward to a fresh format and exciting new segments. Abby’s Fairy Garden will enchant viewers with magical creatures, while Cookie Monster’s Cookie Cart promises fun-filled chaos. Episodes will now center around one 11-minute story, providing more character-driven humor and emotional depth. Additionally, the new animated segment Tales from 123 will take viewers inside the iconic Sesame Street building, offering a peek into the whimsical world that Elmo, Cookie Monster, and their friends call home.

Despite the many exciting changes, Sesame Street fans will still get to enjoy classic favorites. Segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck will return, ensuring the beloved elements and characters that have made the show a staple for generations remain front and center.

The Netflix partnership comes amid significant cuts to PBS funding, which have threatened to impact the future of public television. Sesame Street reportedly laid off 20 percent of its staff earlier this year after several grants dried up and the brand’s last deal with HBO ended. With the new deal, Sesame Street hopes to expand its reach while continuing its legacy as a free and accessible program on PBS. And while the change may feel a bit scary for some, Elmo reminds us, "Even though things have changed, and some things may never be the same, Elmo is still Elmo and… Elmo is helpful!”