Sesame Street launches a free streaming channel with Cricket Media

A new free home for the street

Sesame Street and children's media company Cricket Media have announced a free streaming channel devoted to the long-running children's programme. According to Cord Cutters News, which cites a report by Deadline, the channel was revealed on 13 November 2026 and will give families another way to watch the show without paying for a subscription.

The free, ad-supported format means viewers will see adverts during episodes. Cricket Media says the adverts are checked in advance to make sure they suit a family audience.

At launch, the channel will carry episodes from Seasons 39 through 46. Additional seasons may be added later, though the companies have not confirmed which ones or when.

Where the channel will be available

Several free streaming platforms are confirmed as launch partners. These include Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Xumo Play and Vizio WatchFree+. All of them are channels built into smart televisions or free apps, so no extra device or paid plan should be needed on supported sets.

Cricket Media says more platforms are expected to join over time. A specific launch date and full list of regions have not been announced, so viewers should check their TV's free channel guide for availability.

A long history of streaming deals

Sesame Street has been on television since 1969 and has accumulated more than 4,000 episodes. Its streaming history is busy: the show moved to HBO Max in 2020 and later struck a deal with Netflix. That partnership has grown, and in September a new Sesame Street film for Netflix was announced.

New episodes also continue to air on PBS stations, keeping the programme on broadcast television alongside its streaming arrangements. The new free channel adds a route that costs viewers nothing at all.

Why Cricket Media is doing this

Cricket Media chief executive Eric Berger told Deadline that the series is among the most trusted and best-known names in children's media, and that bringing it to families through free connected television is a key part of the company's plans. He described the firm as building a modern children's media business that combines well-known brands, wider streaming distribution, advertising and new ways for children to find content.

Berger also pointed to launch advertisers Volkswagen and Toys“R”Us as examples of how well-known programming can draw major brands to the channel. This suggests the service is intended as a business in its own right, funded by advertising rather than subscriptions.

What it means for viewers

For families, the announcement means classic episodes of one of television's best-known children's shows will be easier to reach at no cost, provided they own a television or device that carries one of the launch platforms.

The exact episode line-up, launch timing and regional availability remain unconfirmed. Readers who want the details as they are finalised should watch for updates from Sesame Workshop and Cricket Media, and check the free channel sections of Samsung, LG, Xumo and Vizio platforms.