PBS Kids Announces New Sesame Street Deal

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[May 19, 2025] PBS is proud to announce that PBS KIDS will continue to be a home to SESAME STREET, extending the more than 50-year history of using the power of public television to bring critical early learning to children across the country for free. This legacy will continue as part of a new multi-year deal that will see its season 56 debut on PBS stations and across PBS KIDS video and games digital platforms. 

“I strongly believe that our educational programming for children is one of the most important aspects of our service to the American people, and Sesame Street has been an integral part of that critical work for more than half a century,” said Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS. “We’re proud to continue our partnership in the pursuit of having a profound impact on the lives of children for years to come.” 

With support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS, this partnership ensures PBS’ ability to continue making this programming with proven educational impact accessible to children across the U.S. for free and without commercials. The episodes will also be available on Netflix the same day. 

“This unique public-private partnership ensures children in communities across the U.S. continue to have free access on PBS KIDS to the Sesame Street they love,” said Sherrie Westin, CEO, Sesame Workshop. “This combined support advances our mission and ensures we can help all children—everywhere—grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. 
 
“This announcement continues to build on PBS’ and Sesame Workshop’s more than 50-year history of bringing critical early learning opportunities to families nationwide,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “Public media is essential, and we know from years of research that providing new, high-quality content to children across the country for free helps prepare them for success in school and life.” 

From screenings and story hours to educational materials for parents and educators, local stations deliver high-quality, localized early learning experiences to children and their families nationwide. This partnership allows local PBS stations to continue to incorporate SESAME STREETinto their outreach to communities on-air, through digital platforms, and on the ground.  

“This is positive news for families across Alaska,” said Ed Ulman, President and CEO, Alaska Public Media. “This is another fine example of the public-private partnerships that ensure children and parents will have uninterrupted, free access to new episodes of this landmark program to help them build a love for learning and new skills.” 

“Today is a great day for quality children’s programming in Arkansas,” said Courtney Pledger, Executive Director and CEO, Arkansas PBS. “This innovative agreement brings an institution directly to the homes of Arkansas families. We are thrilled Sesame Street will remain a quality source of learning and education that is entirely free.” 

What this means on PBS KIDS and public media: 

  • New episodes will be released on PBS stations, the PBS KIDS Channel, and across PBS KIDS digital platforms.
  • An expanded collection of 25 new and library episodes will be available to stream across PBS KIDS digital platforms. New episodes will also be available on Netflix the same day. 
  • New games will be added to the growing 25+ library of SESAME STREET games available on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games app. 
  • Full episodes and clips will be available on the PBS KIDS YouTube Channel. 
  • Sesame Workshop and PBS KIDS will expand the existing library of parent and educator resources on PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia.
  • An evergreen toolkit of SESAME STREET-related assets will be available to PBS stations to support their local sustainability and public service efforts. 

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. With PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Across media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS sparks children’s curiosity, helping them succeed in school and life. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime on the PBS KIDS Video app, connected TV devices, pbskids.org and more (no subscription required). Kids can play hundreds of educational games on the PBS KIDS Games app and pbskids.org. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support children’s learning anytime, anywhere – empowering parents, caregivers, and teachers. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Facebook and Instagram.

About Sesame Workshop:  
Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

Contact

PBS KIDS; 703-739-8463; pbskidspr@pbs.org