Imagine a show that has been teaching and entertaining children for over five decades—a true cultural icon. But now, it’s at a crossroads. Is the beloved Sesame Street we grew up with still the same show after its move to Netflix? Let’s dive in and find out.
On November 10, 1969, Sesame Street first graced public television screens, a year before PBS even existed. Its mission? To educate young minds from all walks of life, with a special focus on children in underserved urban areas who might be falling through the cracks. Fast forward 56 years, and the show is entering a new era. The first batch of Season 56 episodes has arrived on Netflix—its new streaming home—while still airing on PBS Kids. But here’s where it gets interesting: this season comes with a revamped format that was already in the works before the Netflix deal was inked.
SESAME STREET SEASON 56: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The season kicks off with Elmo (Ryan Dillon) breaking the fourth wall, greeting viewers with his signature enthusiasm: “There you are! Hi! Elmo is so happy to see you!” This opening sets the tone for what’s to come—a mix of familiarity and fresh twists.
The Gist: Elmo, Abby (Leslie Carrara-Rudolph), and Zoe (Jennifer Barnhart) gather at Hooper’s Store, gearing up for “The Sesame Street Races.” Alan (Alan Muraoka), the store’s owner, hands them sandwiches for energy. But Elmo, ever the busy bee, leaves his sandwich untouched, tempting Cookie Monster (David Rudman). Grover (Eric Jacobson) referees the race, tasking each participant with carrying a chicken on their back. NASCAR star Bubba Wallace provides the play-by-play commentary. Despite his initial enthusiasm, Elmo tires out and loses to Abby, while Zoe and her oversized chicken never even get started. His tummy growls, but he still resists the sandwich Alan saved for him.
And this is the part most people miss: The episode introduces a new animated segment, “Tales From The 123,” set in the apartment building where most of the Sesame Street gang lives. In this segment, Elmo and his puppy Tango (Leslie Carrara-Rudolph) head to Grover’s apartment for a playdate, but a mix-up ensues—they’re on different floors, yet somehow both near and far from each other.
Next up is Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck, where Cookie and Gonger (Warrick Brownlow-Pike) face a challenge: they need to make a birthday cake but have no eggs! They call a farmer and her daughter, who teach them where eggs come from. The episode wraps with “Elmo’s World,” where Elmo celebrates the joy of friendship, joined by Mr. Noodle’s brother (Daniel Koren) and his poodle, Schmoodle.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Think of it as Sesame Street, but with a modern twist—Seasons 1-55 meet 2023.
Our Take: Season 56 marks the first collaboration between Sesame Workshop and Netflix after the HBO deal ended. While the format has changed, these updates were already in development before Netflix entered the picture. Sesame Workshop has always adapted to how kids consume media, and this season is no exception.
A Parade article highlights the key changes: the first segment is 11 minutes long, with more music and animation, including “shouty lines” and “rumbly lines” for added emphasis. The Muppets interact directly with the camera more than ever, and “Tales From The 123” is a new staple. The focus is now on Elmo, Abby, Cookie, and Grover, with the rest of the cast in supporting roles. Notably, short segments like “Number of the Day” are gone.
Here’s the controversial part: Sesame Street has shifted its target audience to children aged 3 and under. While it’s still engaging and educational, some argue that the show has lost its edge. It’s no longer the intellectually stimulating program that didn’t dumb things down for its young viewers. Without its iconic characters, it might blend in with other preschool shows that rely heavily on songs, colors, and noise.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this evolution a necessary adaptation to modern viewing habits, or has Sesame Street sacrificed its uniqueness? The show has been trending this way for decades, especially since Elmo became the central character. But the shift feels more pronounced since the HBO era, when the show was cut from an hour to 30 minutes.
We get it—keeping kids engaged in today’s crowded media landscape is tough. But at what point does Sesame Street lose its identity? Is it still the show we remember, or something entirely different?
What Age Group Is This For? As mentioned, the show now caters primarily to the 3-and-under crowd. Older preschoolers might still enjoy it, but it’s no longer tailored to them.
Parting Shot: The episode ends with Elmo’s joyful dance on “Elmo’s World,” followed by a new end-credit sequence featuring the Muppet cast grooving together.
Sleeper Star: The Muppeteers deserve all the praise. Their ability to bring these characters to life is so seamless that it’s easy to forget there are humans behind the puppets.
Most Pilot-y Line: The added animations in the opening segment feel unnecessary. The Muppeteers’ talent has carried the show for 56 years—why fix what isn’t broken?
Our Call: STREAM IT. Yes, Sesame Street isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still a treasure. The characters remain timeless, and the lessons are delivered in a way that sticks. But we have to ask: Is this the Sesame Street you remember, or has it changed too much? Let us know in the comments!
