May 20, 2025 – BlogHear.com
Sesame Street, the beloved educational children’s program, is making its way to Netflix under a new distribution deal following the withdrawal of federal funding from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The agreement comes after President Trump issued an executive order earlier this month to block funding for PBS and National Public Radio (NPR), accusing both of engaging in “biased and partisan news coverage.” The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which previously supported children’s programming through federal initiatives, confirmed the discontinuation of those funds—leaving shows like Sesame Street in limbo.
Now, Netflix will stream a new season of Sesame Street along with 90 hours of classic episodes to its more than 300 million global subscribers. PBS will continue to air new episodes on the same day they are released on Netflix, preserving access for viewers who rely on free-to-air channels.
“Sesame Street is a beloved cornerstone of children’s media, enchanting young minds and nurturing a love of learning,” said Netflix in a statement announcing the deal.
The move follows Warner Bros Discovery’s decision not to renew its own agreement with Sesame Workshop, which previously brought the show to the HBO platform. The non-renewal, combined with government defunding, had left Sesame Street’s future uncertain—until the Netflix partnership was finalized.
A Legacy of Learning
Sesame Street debuted on November 10, 1969, and revolutionized children’s programming with its blend of entertainment and educational content. Created by Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney, and brought to life by the Muppets of Jim Henson, the show was designed with input from child psychologists and educators to address early childhood learning.
Over the years, Sesame Street’s characters like Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch have become iconic, helping children learn everything from the alphabet to life lessons about kindness, health, and diversity.
During public health challenges like the 2006 obesity epidemic, Sesame Street introduced segments promoting healthy eating. The Cookie Monster famously shifted his message, calling cookies a “sometimes food.” First Lady Michelle Obama even appeared on the show to support its healthy living campaign.
Netflix’s Growing Investment in Kids’ Programming
The Sesame Street deal is part of Netflix’s broader push into children’s content. According to the platform, children’s programming now accounts for 15% of its total viewership.
On the same day the Sesame Street deal was announced, Netflix revealed it would also debut new episodes of Peppa Pig and launch a related mobile game featuring coloring and puzzle activities.
Peppa Pig, a British animated series focused on the life of a four-year-old piglet, has also become a global phenomenon in the realm of preschool entertainment.
As traditional public funding avenues for educational content in the U.S. continue to shrink, streaming services like Netflix are stepping in to ensure that cornerstone programs such as Sesame Street remain accessible for future generations.
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