By Kayla DeKraker
Sunny days will continue for SESAME STREET, thanks to Netflix.
The streaming giant has picked up the classic kids’ show that’s been running for over five decades after it was in risk of cancelation since HBO Max declined to renew.
“This unique public-private partnership will enable Sesame Workshop to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world with Netflix’s global reach, while ensuring children in communities across the U.S. continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love,” said Sherri Westin, CEO of Sesame Workshop.
President and CEO of PBS Paula Kerger added, “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. We’re proud to continue our partnership in the pursuit of having a profound impact on the lives of children for years to come.”
The Hollywood Reporter shared the news to their Instagram account, and fans were thrilled.
“Yay!!!!! This generation of kids needs more sesame street. We all do. ❤️” one fan said. Another person shared how the show helped her personally: “Love this 😍 SESAME STREET means so much. Went to States [for the] 1st time around 2 years old and my mom used to say watching this show I was suddenly fluent in English way beyond my age.”
Related: SESAME STREET Looking For New Partner After HBO Declines Deal Renewal
Max chose not to renew the show due to a change in direction for the company, which wants to focus more on content aimed at adults and less on children’s shows. A spokesperson for the streamer previously said, “It has been a wonderful, creative experience working with everyone at SESAME STREET on the iconic children’s series and we are thrilled to be able to keep some of the library series on Max in the U.S.”
However, they added, “As we’ve launched Max though and based on consumer usage and feedback, we’ve had to prioritize our focus on stories for adults and families, and so new episodes from SESAME STREET, at this time, are not as core to our strategy.”
Sesame Street began in 1969 as one of the first educational children’s shows. Marilyn Agrelo, who directed a documentary about the show, stated that back then, “the programming was geared to sell children toys, Tootsie Rolls and breakfast cereals, and there was no thought of educating them in any way.”
But SESAME STREET wanted to not only educate but also specifically reach under-privileged, inner-city children who were lacking in educational opportunity.
When Netflix streams SESAME STREET later this year, it will mark the 56th year of the show. Creators are planning on some changes to make it even better, such as long segments and more elaborate stories. Regardless, we can all be thankful that the classic we know and love will continue to provide educational content for children.
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