On Monday, the companies announced that Netflix had offered Sesame Street a safety net with a new streaming deal that would give the popular children's show a wider audience while maintaining its longtime affiliation with PBS.
Beginning later this year, new episodes will be available on Netflix, PBS, and the PBS Kids app on the same day. No exact premiere date has been announced. A number of past episodes will be available on Netflix worldwide.
The change in fortunes for the show, which is more than half a century old, comes after Warner Bros. Discovery, which has aired the program since 2016, decided last year not to renew its deal to air new episodes on HBO and Max, though episodes will remain there until 2027.
“This unique public-private partnership will allow us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world through the global reach of Netflix, while ensuring free access to public television and the beloved Sesame Street to children in communities across the United States,” Sesame Workshop said in a press release.
Sal Perez, the show's executive producer and vice president of Sesame Workshop, recently told the Associated Press that the new season's stories will be longer and “really character-driven,” with an emphasis on audience emotional well-being and development.
Netflix's press release mentions that Season 56 will center episodes around one 11-minute story.
“The more kids want to interact with our characters on Sesame Street, the more they'll learn these lessons,” Mr. Perez said, adding that the show's visual style and feel will also be updated.
The new season also takes a closer look at the Sesame Street neighborhood and takes a look inside the famous two-story brownstone at 123 Sesame Street, home to Elmo, Bert, and Ernie, among other characters.
“I 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 important work for more than half a century,” said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS.
“We are proud to continue our partnership in our efforts to make a significant impact on children’s lives for years to come.”
Sesame Street has been broadcast in more than 150 countries and has won more than 200 Emmy Awards, as well as Grammy and Peabody Awards, including the Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Achievement.
Fan-favorite characters like Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird and Cookie Monster will now share the space with the likes of Miss Rachel, Blippy and the residents of KoKomelon Lane.
Netflix says kids and family programming accounts for 15% of total viewing on the streaming service.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
