Classic Sesame Street episodes are coming to YouTube
Classic Sesame Street episodes are set to arrive on YouTube in January 2026, making it the largest digital library for the show's classic content. This move provides parents with another educational viewing option, while new Sesame Street episodes will simultaneously debut on Netflix and PBS platforms starting November 10th.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
- YouTube will host "hundreds" of classic Sesame Street episodes starting January 2026.
- This makes YouTube the largest digital collection of classic Sesame Street content.
- New Sesame Street episodes (Season 56) will premiere on Netflix on November 10th.
- New episodes will also be available on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms simultaneously.
- Warner Bros. Discovery previously ended its deal with Sesame Workshop for new episodes on HBO Max.
KEY POINTS
- Classic Episodes on YouTube: Beginning January 2026, YouTube will add "hundreds" of full classic Sesame Street episodes, creating the most extensive digital library for this content.
- New Episodes on Netflix & PBS: Season 56 of Sesame Street will debut new episodes on Netflix starting November 10th, featuring a fresh format with a focus on one 11-minute story per episode. These new episodes will also be available on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms concurrently in the US.
- Educational Option for Parents: The addition of classic episodes to YouTube offers parents a valuable educational resource on a widely accessible platform, alongside popular children's channels.
- Shift from HBO Max: This development follows Warner Bros. Discovery's decision not to renew its deal with Sesame Workshop, previously making HBO Max (now HBO) the streaming home for new episodes.
PRACTICAL INSIGHTS
- Parents seeking educational content will find a significant expansion of Sesame Street available on YouTube in 2026.
- Access to new Sesame Street content will be split between Netflix and PBS, offering multiple viewing avenues for current seasons.
- The "hundreds" of episodes indicate a substantial back catalog becoming digitally accessible.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
This information allows parents and educators to plan their access to Sesame Street content. Families seeking classic episodes will find a free, comprehensive library on YouTube from early 2026, while those interested in new content can subscribe to Netflix or utilize PBS platforms starting November 2025. This dual availability strategy expands the reach of the beloved educational show across different digital ecosystems.