Netflix Is Developing a Sesame Street Film With Sesame Workshop and Rideback
Netflix is developing a Sesame Street film with Sesame Workshop and Rideback.
The project is in early development, which in industry terms means writers and producers are working on it but no cast, director or release date has been locked in. The news was reported by The Hollywood Reporter on Sept. 24, 2026.
Rideback is the production company behind family features, while Sesame Workshop is the non-profit organisation that makes Sesame Street and controls the characters. Their involvement keeps the show's long-time owner at the table as the story moves from television to film.
The film follows a fight for the rights. Netflix won the Sesame Street movie rights after a bidding war, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That deal sits alongside its television agreement, which has now been extended through season 62.
Netflix first signed with Sesame Workshop for new episodes of Sesame Street in May 2025, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Season 56 was then dated for Nov. 10, with The Hollywood Reporter reporting the premiere. Sesame Workshop has described that season as an all-new, reimagined run, according to Sesame Workshop.
For viewers, the film will join a growing shelf of Sesame titles on the service. Monster at the End of This Story (Sesame Street), an animated special based on the Grover picture book, was scheduled for Sept. 7, 2026, according to What's on Netflix. Netflix lists its 2026 Sesame Street series with three seasons and a TV-Y rating, which signals it is suitable for young children, according to Netflix.
What makes this stand out is the double commitment. A series order keeps Elmo, Abby and Grover on screens week to week. A film gives Netflix a larger, one-off event built around the same characters.
