Sesame Street Launches Free Streaming Channel
Sesame Street and Cricket Media are offering episodes from Seasons 39 through 46 on a free, ad-supported channel.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Television
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Sesame Street and Cricket Media announced a free streaming channel that will carry episodes from Seasons 39 through 46. The channel will be distributed through free connected TV platforms and funded by advertising included in the episodes.
Why it matters
The launch gives families in the United States access to the long-running children's series without a paid subscription. It also shows how free, ad-supported platforms are expanding as an option for children's programming.
The announcement covers Seasons 39 through 46 out of a catalog of more than 4,000 episodes that have aired since 1969. The sources do not say how many episodes the channel will include or whether more seasons will follow.
The players
Sesame Street
Sesame Street is a long-running children's television series that has aired since 1969 and is known for its educational programming.
Cricket Media
Cricket Media is a media company that partnered with Sesame Street to bring its episodes to a free, ad-supported streaming channel.
The details
The free channel will be carried on Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Xumo Play and Vizio WatchFree+, with Volkswagen and Toys"R"Us named as launch partners. Cricket Media says the advertisements in the episodes are vetted to be family friendly.
Timeline
1969: Sesame Street first went on air.
2020: Sesame Street found a streaming home on HBO Max.
September 2026: A new Sesame Street movie for Netflix was announced.
November 13, 2026: The free streaming channel was announced.
Industry Dynamics
The free channel follows Sesame Street's 2020 move to HBO Max, marking a further shift from premium subscription streaming toward free, ad-supported distribution. The series has also expanded to Netflix, with a new movie for that service announced in September 2026.
Viewers can watch the Seasons 39 through 46 episodes for free on Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Xumo Play and Vizio WatchFree+ with ads included. The channel does not require a paid subscription to access.
The takeaway
Families looking for Sesame Street without a subscription can find the free channel on supported connected TV platforms. Checking which platform carries the channel on a given device is the simplest way to access it.
Further reading
For more on how children's shows are finding audiences, see Television.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cord Cutters News.
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