Sesame Street is coming to YouTube—and parents say it’s the comfort watch kids need now

Few children’s shows have left as lasting a mark as Sesame Street. For more than five decades, families around the world have tuned in to learn numbers, letters, and life lessons from Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends. Now, the beloved series is taking a major step into the digital age—meeting kids right where they already watch.

Beginning in January 2026, YouTube will host the largest-ever digital library of Sesame Street episodes, with hundreds of full-length shows available on the official Sesame Street channels. The announcement, which quickly went viral with more than 70,000 reactions, 1,600 comments, and 28,000 shares, has parents cheering—and breathing a sigh of relief.

Related: The powerful way Sesame Street is talking about how kids are affected by addiction

A bridge between generations

For millennial parents, Sesame Street’s YouTube debut feels personal. Many grew up learning their ABCs alongside Elmo and Grover, and now they’ll have the chance to share those same episodes with their own children.

Parents have been sharing their own Sesame Street stories on social media, reflecting just how deeply the show shaped their childhoods. On Facebook, Tamara Nicole recalled, “In the 80s, my mom worked nights and slept during the day. Due to her fears stemming from the McMartin Trial, I didn’t do daycare. However, she bought me DOZENS of Sesame Street VHS tapes and kept PBS (WKNO Memphis) on rotation. I began Kindergarten reading on 6th grade level with no formal education. Sesame Street was a VERY vital part of my education, and I even showed my SpEd students videos last year. I will forever sing the praises of Sesame Street.” Krla Ryes also shared her sentiments on Facebook. “Not only did I learn english watching sesame street, also kindness and acceptance,” 

This blending of past and present makes Sesame Street uniquely powerful—it connects generations through a shared soundtrack of sunny days and simple, timeless lessons.

Parents who grew up with Sesame Street now get to pass along the same comfort to their kids, this time with the added reassurance that the show remains safe and research-backed.

Peace of mind for parents

According to a study published in the Pew Research Center, YouTube is a staple in most households, but it’s also a source of worry. Parents often find themselves hovering nearby, concerned about what might autoplay next. The arrival of Sesame Street provides something rare: a trusted, research-driven safe space on a platform children are already using daily.

Instead of fighting against screen time, families can lean into content that sparks learning, empathy, and creativity. 

How to make Sesame Street part of your child’s routine

Here’s how to build Sesame Street into your child’s screen time in ways that feel intentional and connected:

• Make it a ritual. Set aside a dedicated time each week to watch together—like Saturday mornings or after school.
• Talk it through. After an episode, chat about the themes, whether it’s sharing, kindness, or learning a new number.
• Extend the play. Use episodes as springboards for art projects, pretend play, or even simple games tied to the lesson.

By weaving Sesame Street into your child’s day with a little structure, you transform screen time from something to monitor into something to share.

Why Sesame Street still works

Sesame Street has endured for more than 50 years because it was built on a strong educational foundation. Every sketch, song, and storyline is designed in consultation with educators, child psychologists, and curriculum experts.

That means every silly song or monster-sized laugh comes with layers of intentional learning—helping kids pick up letters, numbers, empathy, and resilience in ways that feel effortless.

What’s next for the show

The YouTube expansion is part of a broader push to keep Sesame Street thriving across platforms. In November 2025, brand-new episodes will debut on Netflix while continuing to air on PBS, ensuring both new and classic content reach as many children as possible. Sesame Workshop is also collaborating with YouTube creators to keep kids’ programming safe, playful, and educational.

It’s proof that while the formats change, the mission remains the same: helping children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

Related: The powerful way Sesame Street is talking about how kids are affected by addiction

A win parents can feel good about

At a time when screen time often feels like a minefield, Sesame Street’s move to YouTube offers something simple but profound: a show parents trust and kids love.

For families navigating endless content choices, it’s a reminder that not all screen time is created equal—and that some shows can actually strengthen bonds instead of straining them. It’s an opportunity to sit side by side, singing familiar songs and sharing lessons that have stood the test of time.

Come January, parents may find themselves humming along again—this time with their little ones joining in.