After nearly sixty years as a beloved staple on children’s television, the future of Sesame Street is uncertain. In December 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery revealed that they would not be extending their agreement to support the production or airing of new episodes of Sesame Street on their streaming platform, Max. The platform, which has been home to Sesame Street since 2016, is shifting its focus to adult and family content. While some library series will remain available on Max in the U.S., the fate of the iconic children’s show beyond 2027 is unclear.
Debuting in 1969, characters like Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and the Cookie Monster have captivated audiences with their educational content about letters, numbers, hygiene, and healthy eating. The 55th season of Sesame Street is scheduled to premiere on Max in January 2025, with the platform continuing to offer select episodes through 2027.
As for the question of whether Sesame Street is coming to an end, there is no definitive answer yet. Sesame Workshop, the show’s producer, has not secured a new deal with another streaming service following the conclusion of their partnership with Max. Despite this, a spokesperson for Sesame Workshop remains optimistic about the future, stating that they are committed to ensuring Sesame Street reaches as many children as possible in the years to come.
In a move to prioritize adult and family programming, Max chose not to renew its contract with Sesame Street. This decision aligns with their new strategy based on consumer feedback and usage, focusing on stories for adults and families, such as the upcoming Harry Potter series.
For those looking to watch Sesame Street, a selection of episodes will be available on Max until 2027, with seasons 1, 5, 7, and 39–54 currently offered. Additionally, some episodes can be found on PBS Kids. The transition away from Max will not affect the upcoming season 56, which promises a “reimagined” format featuring an animated series called Tales From 123, along with two 11-minute story segments.
On January 5, 2025, a significant event unfolded on Max Avenue. For more detailed information, refer to the original article in People magazine.
