Elmo Sesame Street fans have exciting news as the beloved characters prepare for a major streaming transition. Netflix has secured exclusive worldwide premiere rights to Season 56 of Sesame Street, which will debut later this year with fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments.
Netflix will release new episodes beginning with Season 56, which doesn’t have a specific release date but has been confirmed to debut in 2025. The streaming giant will also gain access to more than 90 hours of previous episodes, ensuring longtime fans can revisit classic content alongside new adventures.
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New Format Changes Transform the Classic Show
Season 56 has been reimagined around single, 11-minute narratives designed to amplify character-driven humor and heart. The new season will feature fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck.
Season 56 will blend beloved segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck with brand-new additions, including Cookie Monster’s “Cookie Cart” and Abby’s whimsical “Fairy Garden”. The format also includes fourth-wall-breaking moments, animation overlays with sparkles and bubbles.
Elmo Stays on PBS While Expanding to Netflix
Sesame Street will continue to be available on PBS KIDS and across their digital video and games platforms, continuing its 50+ year legacy of using the power of public television to bring critical early learning to children across the country for free. Netflix will begin streaming new episodes of Sesame Street worldwide as Season 56 debuts later this year—and do so simultaneously with PBS and the PBS Kids app, instead of claiming first-run rights.
Key Points Summary
- Netflix gains exclusive worldwide premiere rights to Season 56
- Show maintains free availability on PBS KIDS platforms
- New 11-minute narrative format focuses on character-driven content
- Classic segments like Elmo’s World return with fresh additions
- Over 90 hours of previous episodes will stream on Netflix
- Season 56 debuts in 2025 with simultaneous PBS and Netflix releases
Recent Social Media Buzz Around the Character
The beloved red monster recently became the subject of viral social media attention when a parody LinkedIn post falsely claimed Elmo was laid off from Sesame Street due to federal budget cuts. Sesame Workshop confirmed to Deadline that it was simply a parody account, quickly dispelling concerns among fans.
The viral post stated “Unfortunately Elmo was recently laid off. Elmo worked at Sesame Street for 45 years. Elmo is sad,” generating significant online discussion before being revealed as fake content.
International Expansion and New Programming
Beyond the Netflix deal, Elmo continues expanding globally with new programming initiatives. A new series called “Elmo’s Like It Rap” debuted on NHK Educational TV in March 2025, supporting children’s emotional well-being and sense of self.
Season 56 will be released in three batches under new head writer Halcyon Person, an Emmy, Humanitas, and NAACP Award-nominated TV maker. This strategic approach allows for sustained engagement throughout the year while maintaining production quality standards.
The Netflix partnership represents a significant milestone for Sesame Street after Sesame Workshop recently lost a $30-35 million licensing deal with HBO. This transition ensures the show’s continued reach while preserving its educational mission and accessibility through PBS.
As Elmo and his Sesame Street friends prepare for this exciting new chapter, fans can look forward to innovative storytelling that honors the show’s legacy while embracing modern streaming capabilities. What are your thoughts on Sesame Street’s move to Netflix? Share your favorite Elmo moments in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates on Season 56’s official release date.