Sesame Street is relocating to Netflix.
The classic kids’ TV program, now in its 56th season, has revealed that fresh episodes will debut on Netflix, marking their entry onto the streaming platform. Notably, these initial episodes will introduce a revised format as well.
As per a recent announcement, each upcoming episode of Sesame Street will now focus on one extended 11-minute narrative, thereby enabling increased opportunities for character-rich humor and emotional depth. (Previously, Sesame Street episodes were an hour long. However, in 2014, the show transitioned to half-hour episodes.)
Netflix announced that the revamped Sesame Street show will reintroduce popular segments such as Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Food Truck, along with fresh ideas like Cookie Monster operating “his own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street.” (I’m excited to see an episode where Cookie Monster faces off against Crumbl, but finds he can’t match their size or frequent product launches and social media presence. It seems competition is a new letter for Cookie!)
Netlfix will also add “90 hours” of classic Sesame Street episodes from throughout the show’s run.
Since its debut on public television in 1969, Sesame Street has been a beloved staple of our screens. However, starting from 2020, the show signed an agreement with Warner Bros., allowing new episodes to premiere first on HBO Max (later renamed Max). Over five seasons, the series was produced for HBO Max until late 2024, when Warner Bros. Discovery decided not to renew their contract with Sesame Street. (In other words, the show got “C”-anceled, just like Cookie!)
The upcoming Netflix episodes for this show will also be broadcast on PBS television stations and the PBS Kids streaming service, just as they have been previously. In addition to this, the series will welcome a new head writer, Halcyon Person, who has worked on shows like “Karma’s World” and “Dee & Friends in Oz.
Season 56 of Sesame Street will premiere later this year on Netflix
The Best Movies to Show to Kids to Get Them Hooked on Movies
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
In contemporary marketing jargon, the term “timeless” is frequently used when discussing older movies, yet it genuinely applies to the iconic film, “The Wizard of Oz.” This undeniable classic continues to captivate children even today. Although the special effects may not meet today’s technological standards, they appear unrealistic and whimsical in a manner that surprisingly enhances its charm. The outstanding music and memorable performances further solidify it as an excellent choice for family viewing, with my youngest having regularly watched it since she was 4 years old.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Consider introducing your child to the magical realm of musicals by watching “Singin’ in the Rain”. However, do note that this classic film, being a depiction of the transition from silent films to ‘talkies’, might need some pre-viewing explanation. The storyline about Hollywood actors on the brink of the sound era may be challenging for them to fully grasp. Yet, they won’t mind because the music and especially the dance numbers are simply amazing! If your child doesn’t find “Make ’Em Laugh” amusing, it might be wise to consult a pediatrician to ensure everything is alright.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Few films capture the essence of childhood dreams quite like “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Despite its 100-minute length, this movie feels more like a thrilling race. Once the characters enter Willy Wonka’s enchanting factory, the action never slows down until Willy Wonka and Charlie soar through the ceiling of the chocolate factory, living their happily ever after. If you worry about younger viewers being frightened by Willy Wonka seemingly eliminating the naughty kids who found Golden Tickets, remember that they all turn out fine in the end. (Rest assured, Willy Wonka did not harm these children! Absolutely not! Definitely not.)
Star Wars (1977)
As a diehard film enthusiast, I must admit that the subsequent Star Wars sequels tend to delve into darker and more violent territories. Even the prequels, marketed towards children, aren’t shy about depicting clone wars and the odd lightsaber dismemberment. However, the original Star Wars stands tall as a near-perfect sci-fi fable that exists independently. It’s no wonder this movie held such fascination for kids growing up in the ’70s and ’80s; it struck the perfect balance of excitement and intensity for that generation.
The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
In the world of online resources discussing children’s films, it’s often praised that “The Muppet Movie” is a standout. Personally, I agree – I adore “The Muppet Movie” as well. However, based on my own experience with my kids, they seem to find the original “Muppet Movie” a bit dull. Instead, they prefer “The Great Muppet Caper,” which offers even more widespread humor. This film includes a hilarious recurring joke about Charles Grodin pursuing Miss Piggy romantically. Interestingly, kids really enjoy Charles Grodin; they can’t seem to get enough of him.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Parents often hope their children will share their fondness for movies from their youth, but this isn’t always the case. For instance, my daughters didn’t appreciate the Sam Raimi version of Spider-Man as much as I did, leaving me considering a paternity test! Fortunately, both my kids are enthusiastic Ghostbusters fans, with my older daughter even becoming an avid collector of Ghostbusters gear. She was thrilled to accompany me to the exclusive New York City screening of the rare preview cut of Ghostbusters. Though she enjoys all versions of Ghostbusters, the original remains her clear favorite due to its enduring charm and humor, still appealing to younger audiences despite occasional scares.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Paul Reubens, who sadly passed away, might have intended Pee-wee as a critique of innocent children’s shows, but “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” despite its hidden rebellious elements, has consistently managed to amuse kids and stir feelings of envy about his fantastic Rube Goldberg machine house or stunning bicycle. In truth, I still find myself laughing just as much as my children do during the “Tequila” scene.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
When it comes to introducing Hayao Miyazaki’s films to your children, many people recommend starting with “My Neighbor Totoro”. However, based on my personal experience raising my kids, they were more drawn to “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, a story about a 13-year-old witch in training. If your children are sensitive to scary villain characters, as my eldest daughter was for quite some time, then “Kiki” is an excellent choice because it doesn’t feature any antagonist at all.
Home Alone (1990)
Before deciding to watch ‘Home Alone’, it’s crucial to be aware that this movie contains scenes that are just as intense or even more violent than classic ‘Looney Tunes’ cartoons, featuring real people instead of animated characters. The protagonist, Kevin McCallister, employs various tricky and potentially harmful traps to ward off the intruders, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. If you’re uncomfortable with exposing your children to such content, it’s best to avoid this film. However, if you choose to show them ‘Home Alone’, be prepared for their laughter and repeated viewings, as the movie is likely to amuse them greatly. Additionally, if you mention that there are sequels, they will probably want to watch those too, so it might be wise to keep that detail a secret.
The Lion King (1994)
In a nutshell, “The Lion King” captivates children with its intricate portrayal of life’s cycle, engaging animation, catchy tunes, and even a sprinkle of humor (like fart jokes). However, do bear in mind the emotional intensity of Mufasa’s death scene, which might be challenging for younger viewers.
Toy Story (1995)
In my childhood, I used to imagine that when I fell asleep at night, my toys would start their own activities, a belief I suspect many kids share. It’s no surprise then, that Toy Story remains captivating across generations, as it vividly portrays this idea in an enjoyable and surprisingly convincing manner.
Elf (2003)
In this movie, you’ll find the same authentic excitement, childlike wonder, and unique point of view as if it were made by kids themselves. The movie “Elf” truly understands children’s hearts, and it beautifully expresses this through a heartwarming tale about a man (the charismatic Will Ferrell) who was raised by elves at the North Pole, and then embarks on a journey to find his human family.
Moana (2016)
I have two daughters, one who adores princesses and the other who prefers superheroes and adventure tales. They often don’t see eye to eye on our movie night choices because of this. However, there’s one movie they both love without fail – Moana. This film appeals to both their preferences as it features a brave princess (whose voice is charmingly brought to life by Auli‘i Cravalho) embarking on a mission to save her village. My children enjoy rewatching movies frequently, and truthfully, some of their favorites can become quite tiresome for an adult. But much like them, I never grow tired of watching Moana. (By the way, The Paw Patrol Movie is one such film that tends to wear on a man’s patience.) Yet, just as they don’t tire of their favorite movies, neither do I with Moana.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
I adore comics, so I’ve introduced many superhero movies to my children. Among all the films I’ve shared with them, the one that elicited the most excitement was “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”. Notably, “The LEGO Batman Movie” also deserves a mention, as it was my daughter’s favorite when she was around two years old. It’s an excellent and humorous superhero film for young children. My kids are captivated by the distinctive animation and style of Spider-Verse, which beautifully complement Miles Morales’ transformation into the new Spider-Man. Additionally, having characters like Spider-Gwen and Spider-Ham adds to the fun!
Dino Dana: The Movie (2020)
If your child adores dinosaurs, don’t forget to introduce them to the thrilling journeys of Dino Dan and his fellow young paleontologists from the connected Canadian TV series, Dino Trek and Dino Dana. These shows feature kids who can interact with dinosaurs in present times. There was also a movie based on Dino Dana a few years back. While it might not have expanded the show’s scale as much as one might hope, it will undoubtedly delight fans of both the series and dinosaurs alike.
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2025-05-19 18:25