At a Glance
- YouTube now hosts 100+ full Sesame Street episodes free in the main and Kids apps
- Viewers can stream the 1969 series premiere, Fred Rogers’ visit, and the Snuffleupagus reveal without a subscription
- New Shorts and 1- to 2-hour compilations cover ABCs, STEM, and adventures
- Why it matters: Families get no-cost, ad-supported access to decades of educational content on a platform kids already use
YouTube has quietly turned itself into the largest digital library of Sesame Street content. More than 100 full-length episodes are now streaming free across the Sesame Street YouTube channel and the Sesame Street Classics channel, according to a statement from YouTube.
What’s Available Right Now
Episodes span recent seasons and iconic moments:
- The first-ever broadcast from 1969 that introduced Big Bird, Bert, and Ernie
- The moment Mr. Snuffleupagus was finally revealed to the grown-ups
- Fred Rogers’ visit to the neighborhood
- Classic songs and sketches that have aired over the show’s 56-season run
Kids can also watch:
- Shorts starring the Muppets in quick, mobile-friendly clips
- Compilations that run 1-2 hours and group content by theme
- ABCs & 123s
- STEM
- Adventure & Imagination
All videos are ad-supported, so no subscription or login is required.
Where to Watch
Use the main YouTube app or the YouTube Kids app on:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Smart TVs
- Game consoles
- Streaming sticks
Search “Sesame Street” or navigate directly to the two official channels:
- Sesame Street – current clips and full episodes
- Sesame Street Classics – vintage episodes and specials
Parental controls inside YouTube Kids let adults limit screen time and block content they prefer not to show.
What You Still Need Netflix For
The latest season is not on YouTube. Season 56 premiered in November and drops new episodes the same day on:
- Local PBS stations
- PBS Kids digital platforms
- Netflix
YouTube’s free library focuses on earlier seasons and curated compilations, so subscribers who want the newest segments will still need a Netflix plan or access to PBS.
How the Deal Happened
The upload is part of a previously announced partnership between YouTube and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the show. Under the agreement, YouTube becomes the largest digital home for the brand’s catalog, outranking other streamers in total minutes available.
Sophia A. Reynolds reported the partnership for News Of Losangeles, noting that the move gives YouTube a competitive edge in the crowded kids’ content space while giving Sesame Workshop a fresh revenue stream through ad shares.
Why Families Are Tuning In
Parents cite three main reasons for the surge in views:
- Zero cost – no cable bill or streaming subscription needed
- Portability – episodes load on any device with the YouTube app
- Nostalgia – adults who grew up on the show can share favorite sketches with their children
Viewership data released by YouTube shows the 1969 premiere episode has already passed one million views within its first week back online. Compilations labeled “ABC Songs” and “Elmo’s World” are climbing the Kids app leaderboard, often ranking ahead of contemporary cartoons.
Tips for Safe Viewing
While the official channels are kid-friendly, autoplay can lead to third-party uploads. To keep the experience safe:
- Turn on Restricted Mode in the main YouTube app
- Use the YouTube Kids app and set a passcode
- Create a playlist of verified episodes so autoplay stays inside official content
- Check viewing history weekly to catch any off-brand clips that slipped through
Sesame Workshop reminds caregivers that co-viewing-watching together and talking about the lessons-boosts early literacy and math skills more than passive viewing alone.
Key Takeaways
- 100+ episodes, including the black-and-white premiere, are now free on YouTube
- Compilations and Shorts add hours of educational content without a subscription
- Latest season remains exclusive to Netflix and PBS for day-and-date releases
- The catalog expansion is part of a strategic partnership between YouTube and Sesame Workshop aimed at widening access to early-childhood education
