Why Sesame Street is Now Streaming on Netflix: The Impact of Funding Cuts and What It Means for Fans

Sesame Street is making a comeback on Netflix! The beloved children’s show will start streaming new episodes for its 300 million subscribers later this year, along with 90 hours of classic episodes. This shift follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cut funding for PBS, which has aired Sesame Street for decades.

Netflix called Sesame Street a "cornerstone of children’s media" that inspires a love of learning. Meanwhile, PBS will still have access to the show the same day new episodes launch on Netflix. This deal is especially important since Warner Bros Discovery, which owns HBO, didn’t renew its agreement with Sesame Street, leaving its future uncertain.

Recently, Trump signed an executive order to stop federal funding for PBS and NPR, claiming they produced biased news. This led to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting ending a federal initiative that supported programs like Sesame Street.

Sesame Street has a rich history. It first aired on November 10, 1969, thanks to co-founders Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett. They teamed up with experts in child development to create engaging lessons using beloved characters like Big Bird and Cookie Monster, all set against a vibrant urban backdrop.

Over the years, Sesame Street has tackled important topics. In 2002, Elmo discussed music education in Congress. During the 2006 child obesity crisis, the show launched "Health Habits" segments that encouraged kids to adopt better eating and exercise habits. Even former First Lady Michelle Obama made a guest appearance to promote healthy eating.

Today, children’s programming is a key focus for Netflix, making up about 15% of their viewership. Recently, they also announced new episodes of Peppa Pig and plans for a mobile game featuring puzzles and coloring activities.

With Sesame Street now spanning generations, it’s exciting to see how the show will continue to shape young minds and introduce them to the world. For more about this acclaimed show, you can visit Netflix and Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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