Netflix Strikes Deal to Stream Sesame Street as U.S. Funding for PBS Ends

TDT | Manama

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Sesame Street is set to debut on Netflix later this year following major shifts in U.S. public broadcasting policy. The beloved children’s show, a staple of educational programming for over five decades, will stream a new season and 90 hours of past episodes to Netflix’s 300 million global subscribers.

The move comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order to block federal funding for PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) and NPR (National Public Radio), citing concerns of "biased and partisan news coverage." As a result, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced the termination of a federal initiative that funded children’s programs—including Sesame Street.

Facing uncertainty after Warner Bros. Discovery, parent company of HBO, declined to renew its deal with the show, Sesame Workshop—the nonprofit behind the series—turned to Netflix to secure its future. Under the new arrangement, PBS will retain same-day broadcast access to episodes that premiere on Netflix, ensuring the program remains free for American households.

Netflix called Sesame Street a “beloved cornerstone of children’s media,” emphasizing its role in early childhood learning. The streaming giant has been expanding its children’s programming slate, which now accounts for 15% of total viewing time on the platform. In addition to Sesame Street, Netflix also announced upcoming episodes of Peppa Pig and a new mobile game featuring coloring activities and puzzles.

Since its debut on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street has educated and entertained generations of children with its iconic Muppets, urban-themed set, and curriculum-based storytelling. Characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster have not only become household names but have also engaged with social issues—from promoting healthy eating to discussing public policy.

The show’s educational mission was born from a collaboration between co-founders Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney, who worked with child development experts and Muppets creator Jim Henson to revolutionize children’s television.

With this new deal, Sesame Street enters a new era, ensuring its values of learning, inclusion, and joy will continue to reach audiences in the digital age.