Netflix is the new destination to watch Sesame Street as the streamer bags viewing rights

Elmo from Sesame Street is finally back on the payroll. The hallmark children's TV show viewing rights have been acquired by the streaming network Netflix. According to the new deal, the beloved show will be available on PBS Kids and PBS broadcast stations on the same day as the streaming network, under a unique public-private partnership.

Since its premiere in 1969, the show has been a cornerstone in enchanting young minds to grow smarter, stronger, kinder, and in building a love for learning. It went through a brief era of unemployment, but it's coming back stronger.

Here's everything we know about the new Sesame Street deal with Netflix.

Sesame Street is now coming over to Netflix

For over half a century, this iconic series has been driving kids' love for learning while teaching them to be kinder and stronger. There were a few uncertain weeks for the show after the expiration of its 2016 deal with HBO, which is now rebranding with adult-centered content under the name HBO Max. Elmo, from Sesame Street, announced through a LinkedIn post that:

"Hi LinkedIn, unfortunately Elmo was recently laid off because of the federal budget cuts. Elmo worked at Sesame Street for 45 years. Elmo is sad. Elmo loved his time at Sesame Street."

Fortunately for kids all over the United States, as well as the world, now that Netflix has bagged viewing rights, Elmo is back on the payroll, and the show will be returning with a reimagined Season 56 later this year. Netflix will be dropping the magazine-style format for a new, longer one. Sesame Street will have a fresher format where all episodes centre on an 11-minute story. As per Netflix, this will give way to

"even more character-driven humour and heart."

Additionally, Netflix will cover the nine-month-long distance of new episode premieres on HBO and PBS, and ensure same-day streaming on the PBS Broadcast channels. Sherri Westin, CEO of the global non-profit Sesame Workshop, which is responsible for the show, revealed in an official statement that:

"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,"

Netflix also announced that it will bring back fan-favorite formats like Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck and Elmo's World. An official statement from Netflix reveals that:

"Expect new ways to play along as Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street, and explore Abby’s Fairy Garden, a home to surprising and delightful magical creatures."

15% of Netflix's viewing hours are made up of kids and family programming. So, this hallmark Children's TV show is an addition to its existing shows, including Cocomelon Lane, Ms. Rachel, Blippi, Gabby's Dollhouse, and Hot Wheels Let's Race. Netflix is hoping for an even bigger boost in its viewing hours for Kids TV by making this show available to its 300 million subscribers globally.

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