Entertainment briefing

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.

By US Brief desk · Updated 2026-09-26T17:43:00-07:00

Netflix headquarters building at 101 Albright Way in Los Gatos, California (file photo)

Editor’s note: 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.

Big Bird is headed back to features. Netflix said it is developing a 'Sesame Street' movie with Sesame Workshop and producer Rideback, Deadline reported.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What's next: Watch for a writer or director attachment, casting of human performers, and a release window.

Method note: US Brief digests are AI-assisted from the US Brief desk. We synthesize reputable reporting with cited sources; we do not invent quotes, figures, or forecasts.

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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.

By US Brief desk · Updated 2026-09-26T17:43:00-07:00

AI-assisted digests from the US Brief desk. Synthesizes reputable reporting with cited sources; not a wire service. Corrections welcomed.

Netflix headquarters building at 101 Albright Way in Los Gatos, California (file photo)

Big Bird is headed back to features. Netflix said it is developing a 'Sesame Street' movie with Sesame Workshop and producer Rideback, Deadline reported.

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.

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