Netflix is developing a 'Sesame Street' feature film, the first since 1999, and extends the series deal
Netflix is developing a theatrical-style 'Sesame Street' movie with Sesame Workshop and producer Rideback, and has extended its deal for the TV series through Season 62. No plot, cast or release date has been announced.
AI-assisted · US Brief desk · Sources listed below
What happened
The film would be the first 'Sesame Street' feature since 'The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland' in 1999; before that came 'Follow That Bird' in 1985. Netflix has not announced a plot, cast, director or release date. Alongside the film, Netflix extended its agreement for the flagship series through Season 62. Season 57 Volume 4 arrives Nov 23, with Volumes 5 and 6 following in 2027, and the spinoff 'Mecha Builders' premieres Oct 26.
Why it matters
'Sesame Street' moved its first-run episodes from HBO to Netflix after years of uncertainty over the show's funding and distribution; public broadcasters also carry the series. A feature film and a multiyear renewal signal that Netflix sees the franchise as a durable draw for preschool audiences, a category streamers compete for heavily because families subscribe for years.
What’s next
Watch for a writer or director attachment, casting of human performers, and a release window.
More context
Big Bird is headed back to features. Netflix said it is developing a 'Sesame Street' movie with Sesame Workshop and producer Rideback, Deadline reported.
The wider slate: The announcement was part of a Netflix kids and family update that also included 'Doozie's Doghouse' (Nov 9), 'Gabby's Dollhouse: Makers and Bakers' (Dec 9), 'Puppy Pirates', second and third seasons of 'Bad Dinosaurs', and games including 'KPop Demon Hunters: Ready, Set, Shine', which launches Sep 29.
Uncertainty: 'In development' is an early stage; many announced films change shape or never reach production. Whether the film gets a theatrical run in addition to streaming has not been said.
5 listed sources
- Deadline (Denise Petski), Sep 24, 2026: Netflix developing 'Sesame Street' movie; series renewed through Season 62
- Variety, Sep 24, 2026: Netflix sets 'Sesame Street' feature and kids and family slate
- The Hollywood Reporter, Sep 24, 2026: 'Sesame Street' movie in the works at Netflix
- TheWrap, Sep 24, 2026: Netflix kids slate — 'Sesame Street' film, 'Mecha Builders' and more
- Advanced Television, Sep 25, 2026: Netflix expands 'Sesame Street' partnership
References listed by US Brief; a source count is not a verification score.
Editorial sourcing notes
Details follow Deadline (Denise Petski, Sep 24, 2026), with Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap and Advanced Television (Sep 25). Netflix has not announced a writer, director, cast, format details or a release window for the film. Earlier features cited ('Follow That Bird', 1985; 'The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland', 1999) are from the same reporting.
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