Sesame Street canceled? Warner Bros. ends partnership with iconic series, but could it be revived?

HOUSTON – It’s not a sunny day for Sesame Street fans, as the iconic series’ future lies in limbo after Warner Bros. announced it would not be renewing its contract.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: It’s Elmo! ‘Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic’ heading to NRG Arena February 10-12

According to The Hollywood Reporter, which first broke the story, Max (formerly known as HBO Max) will not feature any episodes. You’ll still be able to watch classic episodes, as instead, THR says the show’s producer “Sesame Workshop” will continue to license episodes from its library through 2027. Its 55th season will also still be available in January 2025.

In an exclusive statement to THR, a Warner Bros. spokesperson said they’re going this route to focus on more adult and family programs instead of children’s shows.

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The response has left many scratching their heads, especially from former Sesame Street directors (via NPR) who were frustrated that executives were treating the series like any other program.

For decades, audiences resonated with Sesame Street for its ability to tackle contemporary, as well as social issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic or racism in an educationally balanced way.

Most importantly, its core message has been inclusion. That testament was further demonstrated in a post soliciting donations by Sesame Street on X featuring a video with actor/director Michael B. Jordan.

“It’s a special place where everyone belongs,” Jordan, who is known for playing the titular role in Creed and the antagonist in Black Panther, says in the video.

The post has been met with dozens of heartwarming messages, people offering what little they can and thanking the iconic series for the education they received.

However, some might feel like Warner Bros. executives may have a point in its strategic move; HuffPost, for example, argues audiences may be indifferent to the series’ cancellation, claiming it lost its message due to its lack of accessibility in moving to a streaming platform and commercial appeal with expensive merchandise.

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Let’s also not forget how social media absolutely destroyed Elmo when he was “checking in” and everyone decided to trauma dump the poor fella!

Time will tell, whether the series will have its clouds swept away.