IsSesame StreetEnding? What We Know About the Beloved Series' Future After 55 Years on Air

Mar. 15, 2025

Cookie Monster, Prairie Dawn, Ernie, Elmo, Bert and Grover in ‘Sesame Street’.Photo:©CTW/Sesame Workshop / Courtesy Everett Collection

©CTW/Sesame Workshop / Courtesy Everett Collection

After being a staple on children’s television for nearly six decades, the fate ofSesame Streetis up in the air.

In December 2024,The Hollywood Reporterannounced that Warner Bros. Discovery did not renew its agreement to help finance the production of or air new episodes ofSesame Streeton its streaming platform, Max. Per the outlet, Max — which has beenSesame Street’s home since 2016 — is shifting its programming strategy to focus on adult and family content.

“It has been a wonderful, creative experience working with everyone atSesame Streeton 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.,” a spokesperson for the streaming service told the publication.

Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and the Cookie Monster first debuted on the small screen in 1969. Every year since theSesame Streetcharacters have found new and fun ways to educate young children about everything from letters and numbers to practicing good hygiene and eating healthy.

The 55th season of the beloved children’s show will premiere on Max in January 2025 as planned and the streaming platform will continue to offer a selection of theSesame Streetlibrary through 2027. Beyond that, however,Sesame Street’s future remains unclear.

So, isSesame Streetending? Here’s everything to know about what’s next for the muppet characters and why Max ended its contract with the beloved children’s show.

IsSesame Streetending?

Elmo and Rosita in ‘Sesame Street’.Sesame Workshop

It’s unclear ifSesame Streetwill end after 55 years. The show’s producer, Sesame Workshop, has yet to ink a new programming deal with another streaming service after Max opted not to renew their contract with the show.

However, a spokesperson seemingly assuredThe Hollywood Reporterthat Big Bird and his friends have a bright future.

“We will continue to invest in our best-in-class programming and look forward to announcing our new distribution plans in the coming months, ensuring thatSesame Streetreaches as many children as possible for generations to come," a spokesperson for Sesame Workshop said.

Why is Max not renewing its deal withSesame Street?

Gobo, Ernie, Big Bird, Kermit and Miss Piggy in ‘Sesame Street’.©CTW/Sesame Workshop / Courtesy Everett Collection

Max did not renew its deal withSesame Streetin an effort to put their resources toward adult and family programming, such as its upcomingHarry Potterseries.

According to a spokesperson for the streaming service, the new strategy is “based on consumer usage and feedback,” perThe Hollywood Reporter.

“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 fromSesame Street, at this time, are not as core to our strategy," the spokesperson explained.

Where can I watchSesame Street?

Ernie, Cookie Monster and Elmo in ‘Sesame Street’.Everett

Everett

A portion of theSesame Streetlibrary will be available to view onMaxthrough 2027. Currently, the streaming service only offers seasons 1, 5, 7 and 39–54. A select few episodes ofSesame Streetare also available onPBS Kids.

The streaming platform’s decision to cut ties with Sesame Workshop will not impact the premiere of season 55 on Max in January 2025.

source: people.com