From PBS to Netflix: The Iconic Journey of Sesame Street After Funding Cuts

In a significant development for children’s programming, Sesame Street has entered a partnership with Netflix following funding cuts to PBS by President Donald Trump. With this new deal, Netflix will deliver a fresh season along with 90 hours of previous episodes to its 300 million subscribers, while the show will remain accessible on PBS. This move comes after Warner Bros Discovery chose not to renew its contract with the beloved series, prompting uncertainty about its future.

The context for this partnership stems from Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at blocking federal financial support for PBS and NPR, accusing them of biased reporting. Consequently, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has discontinued a federal initiative that funded key children’s programs like Sesame Street.

Under the new agreement, PBS viewers will have access to episodes on the same day they debut on Netflix, ensuring continuity for fans of the program. Sesame Street, which premiered in 1969, was groundbreaking in its approach to early childhood education, combining entertainment with lessons for young viewers. Founders Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney, alongside developmental psychologists and Jim Henson, created the show to help children learn through engaging characters, such as Big Bird.

Over the years, the show’s impact has extended beyond entertainment; in 2002, Elmo appeared before Congress to advocate for music education, and during a child obesity crisis in 2006, it introduced segments on healthy eating habits. Notable figures like Michelle Obama have also contributed to its educational initiatives.

Netflix’s increasing commitment to children’s content highlights the growing demand, as this demographic already constitutes 15% of its viewership. The platform’s expansion includes other popular children’s franchises like Peppa Pig, further solidifying its position in the family-friendly entertainment space.