The iconic series Sesame Street, which has accompanied generations since its debut in 1969, is back with a new season aimed at teaching children how to manage their emotions. On January 16, Max will premiere the first episodes of Season 55, with episodes arriving on PBS and the free PBS KIDS Video app in Fall 2025. With a renewed focus on emotional well-being, the series will offer practical and entertaining tools for young viewers to handle their feelings through stories full of humor and creativity.
According to Sal Perez, the show’s executive producer, “the new episodes will help kids understand and express their emotions, learn mindfulness techniques, and, as always, have a blast with their favorite furry and funny friends.” From deep breaths to calm anger to small exercises for overcoming frustration, the new season aims to be a companion in building children’s resilience.
Addressing a Global Children’s Mental Health Crisis
Sesame Street’s return with this focus is no coincidence. According to Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop, this season responds to the growing mental health crisis affecting children worldwide. “Focusing on emotional awareness and social connection skills is crucial. We want to teach children that all feelings matter and that facing them is a part of life,” Truglio emphasized.
Season 55 includes episodes designed to address everyday situations. For example, in the premiere episode, Beachball Bop, Elmo learns to manage his anger with “volcano breaths,” while in Happy Bert Day, Bert and Ernie navigate a conflict over how they want to celebrate a birthday. These stories promise not only entertainment but also valuable lessons for kids and adults alike.
Adding to the excitement, this season features a star-studded guest lineup, including Michael B. Jordan, SZA, Chris Stapleton, and tennis legend Billie Jean King, among others. Each celebrity will bring their unique style to the show through songs, special segments, and Sesame Street’s signature charm.
Exciting Additions: From Mecha Builders to Nature Explorers
In its quest to remain innovative and relevant, Sesame Street is introducing fresh elements that expand its universe. Among these is Mecha Builders, the show’s first-ever 3D CGI animated series, blending beloved characters with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum. These shorts will appear in select episodes, offering children a new way to learn with their favorite characters in an entirely new format.
Fans of Elmo, Tango, and Gabrielle will also enjoy Sesame Street Nature Explorers, an animated series of shorts inviting children to explore the natural world through adventures both on and off the famous street. Meanwhile, for culinary enthusiasts, Cookie Monster returns with his popular Foodie Truck segment, mixing humor and educational cooking fun.
The show’s commitment to inclusion and cultural diversity remains one of its core values. Since its inception, Sesame Street has been a space where lessons in empathy, kindness, and equality blend seamlessly with fundamental education in literacy and math. Today, the program reaches over 150 countries, continually evolving to meet the educational needs of new generations.
Why Is Sesame Street Still So Relevant?
Over fifty years since its debut, Sesame Street remains a gold standard for educational television. Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett during the Civil Rights Movement, the series has adapted to the times without losing its essence. Addressing current issues like children’s mental health highlights a deep understanding of modern family concerns.
But it’s not just about learning—Sesame Street’s humor, music, and magic ensure that both kids and adults feel connected to every episode. The result? A show that, beyond its longevity, remains as essential as ever.
With carefully designed programming, celebrity appearances, and a renewed educational approach, Sesame Street proves why it’s a global leader in children’s entertainment. What surprises might this season bring? All that’s left is to tune in on January 16 to find out.
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