‘Sesame Street’ Finds New Home on Netflix After Trump Pulls US Funding

After more than five decades on public television, "Sesame Street" is heading to Netflix. 

The move comes in the wake of President Trump's executive order cutting federal funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), leaving one of America’s most beloved educational programs facing an uncertain future. 

Netflix confirmed the landmark deal, calling the show a “beloved cornerstone of children's media, enchanting young minds and nurturing a love of learning.” 

Under the agreement, Netflix will offer its 300 million global subscribers a new season of "Sesame Street," along with 90 hours of archived episodes. 

PBS will continue to air the series, receiving episodes on the same day they premiere on the streaming service. 

Public Cuts Prompt Private Solutions 

The shift follows significant setbacks for PBS and National Public Radio (NPR), both affected by Trump’s 2024 executive order accusing the broadcasters of promoting “biased and partisan news coverage.” 

As a result, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—a key federal funding body—terminated several initiatives supporting educational children’s programming. 

Over the decades, the show has grown into a powerful social force. Elmo testified before Congress about music education in 2002. 

The Cookie Monster even revised his famous mantra, telling children that cookies were a "sometimes food." Former First Lady Michelle Obama made a guest appearance to promote healthy eating. 

The Netflix deal signals a growing commitment to children's programming. The platform revealed that 15 percent of its total viewing comes from younger audiences. 

Alongside "Sesame Street," Netflix announced new episodes of "Peppa Pig" and an interactive mobile game featuring puzzles and coloring activities.