The beloved children’s show Sesame Street is facing an uncertain future after Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would be ending its HBO output deal with Sesame Workshop. The partnership, which began in 2016, saw Sesame Street episodes airing on HBO and later streaming on Max. While episodes will continue to be available on Max until 2027, the show must find a new platform to continue producing new episodes.
As fans express concern over the show’s future, they’ve also begun to speculate about where it could go next. Some lightheartedly suggested streaming services like Shudder, known for horror content, as a potential home for a darker, more “creepy” version of Sesame Street. Imagine Cookie Monster in a slasher film! While this idea is clearly a joke, it taps into a broader trend of re-imagining childhood characters in darker genres, like the success of Five Nights at Freddy’s.
However, there are more practical suggestions. Many fans believe Sesame Street would be a perfect fit for Disney+. Since Disney owns the Muppets, a key part of Sesame Street’s legacy through Jim Henson’s creations, it makes sense for the show to join the Disney family. The idea of seeing Kermit the Frog team up with the Sesame Street crew has a lot of appeal, though some are wary of Disney’s corporate influence over the franchise.
Other fans have floated the idea of platforms like Apple TV+ and Universal stepping in. Universal could bring Sesame Street into its theme parks, potentially giving the show more exposure, while any network with a strong children’s programming focus could benefit from its dedicated fanbase.
Despite the current uncertainty, Sesame Street‘s future remains hopeful. Kay Wilson Stallings, Executive VP of Sesame Workshop, has expressed optimism about the show’s direction, particularly with the upcoming Season 56, which will focus on longer, narrative-driven episodes. The shift toward more emotional stakes and deeper storylines is an exciting evolution for the show.
It’s clear that Sesame Street has a loyal fanbase eager to see the show continue, and fans are hoping that a new partnership will ensure the program’s legacy endures. With its rich history and significant cultural impact, it seems likely that a new home for the beloved characters will be found soon.