YouTube and Sesame Street just announced an expanded partnership that will bring hundreds of full episodes of the iconic show to YouTube starting in January 2026. The move follows a huge surge in YouTube viewing for Sesame Street content across its channels on the platform.
Sesame Workshop also plans to keep producing YouTube-first content featuring the Muppets, and will run workshops with YouTube creators to help them make entertaining content that’s also research-driven and curriculum-backed. Per the announcement, Sesame Workshop channels generated more than 5 billion views and a 130% year-over-year increase in the past year.
As more families are watching on connected TV screens and mobile devices, the expanded partnership gives you another way to stream the iconic show.
Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop and Netflix reached an agreement that made the streamer the home of all new seasons. Later this year, the Sesame Street Season 56 premiere will be the first under the deal utilizing Netflix’s worldwide reach. The Netflix deal also brings classic episodes, spinoffs, and other original programming to the platform.
If you’ve dropped cable, this expansion turns YouTube into an even richer destination for family programming. With YouTube, you can enjoy Sesame Street content for free. The expansion makes it easier for households that rely on streaming sticks, smart TVs, or game consoles to access full-episode library content in one place. No traditional broadcast or pay-TV service is needed to watch on your favorite connected device.
Along with the Netflix and YouTube deals, Sesame Workshop’s relationship with PBS remains strong. Sesame Workshop renewed a multi-year agreement to continue airing select content on PBS stations. With that deal, PBS Kids has a collection of library episodes across digital platforms, same-day airing of Netflix episodes, and much more.
New episodes of Sesame Street are coming soon, with Season 56 premiering on November 10 on Netflix and PBS Kids.
