Netflix secures global streaming rights for Sesame Street

In a strategic move, the global nonprofit Sesame Workshop has entered into a partnership with Netflix to ensure the continuation of its iconic children's program, Sesame Street, which has educated and entertained children for over 50 years. This new deal, announced in 2023, allows Netflix to stream the upcoming 56th season and 90 hours of previous episodes worldwide, marking a significant shift in the show's distribution after Warner Bros. Discovery chose not to renew its streaming agreement. Sesame Street episodes will also continue airing on PBS stations in the U.S., thus preserving public access to the show for children nationwide. Under the updated format for Season 56, each episode will revolve around a single 11-minute story, emphasizing character-driven narratives and humor. This new approach aims to enhance the emotional engagement of children while maintaining the educational value that Sesame Street is known for. With more than 200 Emmy awards under its belt, Sesame Street has been a pioneer in children's media, and this partnership with Netflix presents a unique opportunity to expand its reach globally while ensuring its longstanding presence on PBS. The collaboration between Sesame Workshop and Netflix represents a unique public-private partnership that prioritizes educational content for children. While Netflix gains exclusive global streaming rights, PBS retains its role as a traditional broadcasting platform, which is crucial for maintaining free access for children in communities across the United States. With this initiative, both organizations aim to leverage their strengths and reach a broader audience, ultimately preparing children for success in school and life. Moreover, this partnership comes at a time when children’s content has been undergoing significant transformation within the streaming market. Streaming services have been expanding their portfolios amid competition, and incorporating a well-established program like Sesame Street aligns with Netflix’s strategy to attract and retain family audiences. As part of this collaboration, Netflix will also develop video games for both Sesame Street and its spinoff series, Sesame Street: Mecha Builders, further extending the brand’s engagement with its young audience and tapping into the interactive media space.