Sesame Street heads to Netflix after Trump pulled funding

Sesame Street, a cherished children's television program, is set to make its debut on Netflix, a popular streaming service. This exciting development comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the traditional home of Sesame Street. PBS is a free-to-air channel that has been a staple for many families across the United States. The show, which has been a beloved part of children's media for decades, is known for its ability to engage young minds and foster a love of learning. With this new agreement, Netflix will provide its 300 million subscribers with a fresh season of Sesame Street, along with 90 hours of classic episodes. This means that children will have the opportunity to watch their favorite characters, such as Elmo and Big Bird, anytime they want. Importantly, Sesame Street will still be available on PBS, allowing families to choose how they want to enjoy the show. The history of Sesame Street dates back to the late 1960s when its co-founders, Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney, approached Harvard University's Graduate School of Education with an innovative idea for teaching American children. They collaborated with a team of developmental psychologists to explore childhood psychology and create entertaining lessons that would resonate with young viewers. The show's iconic characters, including the beloved Muppets created by Jim Henson, were designed to teach important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Since its premiere on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of children growing up singing its catchy theme song, 'Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street? ' Over the years, the show has expanded its influence beyond television, addressing significant social issues and promoting positive messages. For instance, in 2002, Elmo made headlines when he was invited to Congress to discuss the importance of music education. Additionally, during the child obesity epidemic in the United States in 2006, Sesame Street aired segments focused on health and nutrition, teaching children about balanced diets and exercise. The Cookie Monster famously declared cookies a 'sometimes food,' emphasizing the importance of moderation. Former First Lady Michelle Obama even visited Sesame Street to film a segment promoting healthy eating habits. As Netflix continues to enhance its children's content offerings, this partnership with Sesame Street is a significant step forward. Children's programming accounts for approximately 15% of Netflix's total viewership, highlighting the demand for quality content for young audiences. In addition to Sesame Street, Netflix recently announced the arrival of new episodes of Peppa Pig, another beloved children's show that follows the adventures of a four-year-old piglet named Peppa and her family. This growing focus on children's entertainment is sure to delight families and provide kids with engaging and educational viewing options.