Netflix has acquired the rights to produce new episodes of *Sesame Street*, rescuing the long-running children’s show after Warner Bros. Discovery declined to renew its contract. This unique partnership with Sesame Workshop will see new episodes debut simultaneously on PBS and Netflix, ensuring continued free access for US viewers while expanding the show’s global reach. The deal underscores Netflix’s commitment to family-friendly programming and the show’s Season 56 will feature a new format, including animated segments, released in three batches on the platform. This collaboration preserves *Sesame Street*’s legacy and expands its educational impact on future generations.
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Following a Trump executive order defunding PBS and NPR for allegedly biased reporting, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting terminated a federal initiative funding children’s programming. This impacted shows like *Sesame Street*, which, since its 1969 debut, has used innovative educational methods and popular characters to teach children valuable lessons, including healthy habits and the importance of music education. The show’s enduring impact is evidenced by its continued relevance and collaborations with figures like Michelle Obama. This funding cut comes as Netflix expands its children’s programming, including new *Peppa Pig* content.
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Public television programs like *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood* and *Sesame Street* fostered empathy and broadened perspectives for many viewers, including the author. These shows, crucial to the author’s development, are now threatened by President Trump’s proposed cuts to PBS and NPR funding. This action targets the very values – empathy, enlightenment, and a global perspective – that these programs instilled. The author laments this move, seeing it as a step toward a less informed and less empathetic society.
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John Q. Hosedrinker