Now Netflix has scored a coup on that front! And beloved children’s program Sesame Street will make its multi-platform debut on Amazon, thrilling its 300 million subscribers around the globe. Beginning with a new 56th season, the streaming giant will offer 90 hours of previous episodes, ensuring that generations of children can continue to enjoy the iconic show.
Sesame Street’s first episode aired on November 10, 1969 and was the brainchild of Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney. In the late 1960s, two colorful reformers found their way to Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. They brought with them a radical idea—that you could educate American kids using TV. The program’s creative twist is to combine education and entertainment. Using the incredible creative talents of Muppets creator Jim Henson, it brings in endearing characters such as Big Bird and Elmo to captivate audiences.
From its first airing more than five decades ago, Sesame Street has always been much more than a TV program. It has sought to respond to urgent needs of children in American life. In 2006, the country was mired in a child obesity epidemic. To counteract this trend, the show featured Health Habits segments that empowered adults and children to choose healthier ways of living. In addition, the show’s characters have often used their platform to raise awareness on topics like diet and exercise in order to improve health.
Beyond the wonderful education it provides, Sesame Street has been home to memorable visits from public figures. Former First Lady Michelle Obama visited the studios to film a segment on the importance of healthy eating. This endears the show even more to its mission of imparting great lessons about life.
As of early this year, Sesame Street’s future was very much up in the air. Warner Bros Discovery’s non-renewal of its decades-long licensing agreement with the program. This left the future of the beloved series in doubt until Netflix swooped in to save the show and bring it back to life.
Its staying power and influence on the culture cannot be overstated. Not without reason — more than 12 million children have seen their first episode of Sesame Street since it debuted! Today, it continues to inspire young minds and encourage a passion for knowledge. Its theme tune, “Can you tell me how to get, how get to Sesame Street?” remains a well-recognized refrain among fans.
“Sesame Street is a beloved cornerstone of children’s media, enchanting young minds and nurturing a love of learning.” – Netflix
In exchange, Netflix has committed to producing more episodes of Peppa Pig. They will be debuting a mobile game that features creative puzzles and coloring fun. This incredible expansion marks a major step forward in Netflix’s commitment to children’s programming. Perhaps less obviously, it highlights how Sesame Street is staying relevant amid the fast-changing media landscape.