Good news for Sesame Street fans: The iconic children's series isn't going anywhere. After HBO and Max chose not to renew their licensing agreement at the end of 2024, this beloved show that first aired in 1969 will now stream on both Netflix and PBS platforms.

Netflix will carry the complete Sesame Street library alongside new episodes globally, while PBS stations and PBS Kids will continue airing fresh episodes on their traditional broadcast days. Notably, this partnership also grants Netflix gaming rights - allowing them to develop interactive experiences tied to both the main series and the Mecha Builders spinoff, aligning with Netflix's growing gaming initiative that lets subscribers play directly through their app.

On May 19, Sesame Workshop officially announced this innovative distribution model through their social channels. Their statement highlighted how this "public-private partnership with Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting ensures Sesame Street can keep helping children develop intellectually, physically, and emotionally."

We are excited to announce that all new Sesame Street episodes are coming to @netflix worldwide along with library episodes, and new episodes will also release the same day on @PBS Stations and @PBSKIDS platforms in the US, preserving a 50+ year relationship.

The support of… pic.twitter.com/B76MxQzrpI

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) May 19, 2025

The upcoming 56th season introduces a refreshed format, featuring an 11-minute narrative segment inspired by character-driven successes like Bluey. While embracing this contemporary approach, the production will maintain beloved segments including Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck.

Since its 1969 debut and PBS adoption in the 1970s, Sesame Street has remained an educational cornerstone. HBO's 2015 partnership brought significant funding ($35 million for new content), though the network recently shifted away from children's programming due to perceived subscriber disinterest.

While HBO/Max will retain the existing library until 2027 - extending beyond the original contract terms - they'll no longer participate in new episode production, marking the end of an era while beginning an exciting new chapter for Sesame Street.