Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1969 that produces and distributes free research-based educational media (Sesame Street) to children ages 0-8 and families globally via streaming, broadcast, gaming, and apps, funded through foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and licensing royalties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1969
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Sesame Workshop does
Sesame Workshop is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1969 and headquartered in New York, operating the globally recognized children's educational media brand Sesame Street. The organization produces research-based educational content combining Muppet puppetry, animation, live-action segments, and interactive digital experiences covering ABCs and 123s, social-emotional learning, healthy habits, school readiness, and emotional well-being. Its portfolio spans linear and streaming television (Netflix, PBS Kids, HBO Max, YouTube), interactive gaming (Sesame Street: Neighborhood Adventures and Sesame Street Mecha Builders on Roblox, Netflix Playground mobile app), regionally adapted mobile applications (Chalo! Sesame Street in India), point-of-care pediatric content delivery (via Phreesia partnership), consumer product licensing (Just Play toys, Glad packaging), and themed live entertainment.
The business model is a hybrid nonprofit funding stack rather than direct consumer revenue. Sesame Workshop provides all content free to families and is funded through foundation grants (PNC Foundation $6.2M in April 2026, LEGO Foundation $100M in 2018, MetLife Foundation, Morgan Stanley Alliance), corporate sponsorships (Abbott for healthy habits, Google and Meta for digital well-being), content and merchandise licensing royalties (Netflix movie deal, Tickle Me Elmo, Oscar the Grouch product licensing), and donations. Distribution channels span major streaming platforms, broadcast television, YouTube, the Roblox platform with over 60M lifetime visits across Sesame experiences, and licensing to the SeaWorld-operated Sesame Place theme parks (currently in active litigation over allegedly unpaid royalties). The organization reports reaching close to 12 million US children ages 0-8 monthly, with culturally adapted versions distributed across 150-190 countries, and documents long-term educational outcomes including 16% higher high school GPAs among viewers.
Sesame Workshop firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sesame Workshop
- Legal name
- Sesame Workshop
- Website
- https://sesameworkshop.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1969
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Sesame Workshop is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1969 that produces and distributes free research-based educational media (Sesame Street) to children ages 0-8 and families globally via streaming, broadcast, gaming, and apps, funded through foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and licensing royalties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sesame Workshop industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Children's Educational Media
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (6117), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Multimedia Learning Production (Video, Animation, Interactive) (EDAGAKAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- K–12 Instructional Video & Multimedia (EDAGALAA), Autism Support Instructional Materials (Structured Teaching, Visual Supports) (EDAGAMAK), Special Needs Skill-Building & Therapy Learning Apps (Autism, OT/PT, Life Skills) (EDAFAKAJ), Certification & Credentialed Creator Programs (MPACALAI)
Keywords
Where Sesame Workshop is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Sesame Workshop business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Foundation and Corporate Grants: Major funding from foundations (PNC Foundation $6.2M grant, MetLife Foundation, Morgan Stanley Alliance) and corporations (Abbott healthcare partnership) to create educational content and programs at no cost to families.
- Content Licensing and Streaming Deals: Licensing Sesame Street content to streaming platforms including Netflix (new seasons, movie), HBO Max (Charlotte's Web special), and YouTube. Content distribution agreements with PBS for broadcast.
- Theme Park Licensing: Licensing Sesame Street brand to theme park operators including SeaWorld for Sesame Place parks (currently subject to ongoing litigation over royalty payments).
- Merchandise Licensing: Licensing characters (Elmo, Oscar the Grouch) to toy manufacturers (Just Play Tickle Me Elmo, Glad trash bags) for product sales with royalty arrangements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free educational content for all families |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels8 records
Sesame Workshop product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sesame Workshop produces research-based educational media and programs for children, with Sesame Street as its flagship product now in reimagined Season 56. The organization develops and distributes free educational content across streaming (Netflix, PBS Kids, YouTube, HBO Max), gaming (Roblox), mobile apps (Chalo! Sesame Street in India), interactive web games, and licensed merchandise, covering ABCs, social-emotional learning, healthy habits, and emotional well-being. It also licenses its characters and content to third parties for theme parks and consumer products.
Product overview
Sesame Workshop is a global nonprofit media and educational organization operating since 1969, with its flagship product being Sesame Street—one of the world's most-watched children's television shows now in its reimagined Season 56. The organization's portfolio spans multiple platforms including streaming services (Netflix, PBS Kids, HBO Max, YouTube), interactive gaming (Roblox experiences including Sesame Street: Neighborhood Adventures and Mecha Builders with 70M+ visits), mobile applications (Chalo! Sesame Street in India), digital wellness resources developed with Meta and Google, and physical/digital educational content across 150+ countries. Key programs include emotional well-being initiatives (Chhoti Badi Bhaavnaayein), healthy habits programs (Abbott partnership), school readiness resources (PNC Foundation), and point-of-care pediatric health content (Phreesia partnership). Sesame Workshop extends its reach through licensing to theme parks (SeaWorld/Sesame Place), consumer products (Tickle Me Elmo toys, Glad trash bags), public art exhibitions, and international adaptations. The organization generates revenue through licensing, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and philanthropic support rather than direct product sales.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sesame Street: Neighborhood Adventures: Roblox immersive digital experience featuring Sesame Street characters and minigames
- Sesame Street Mecha Builders: The Game
- Chalo! Sesame Street
- Sesame Street for Military Families
Products and services
- Sesame Street (TV Show) Iconic children's educational television show airing since 1969, featuring Muppet characters teaching ABCs, 123s, emotional well-being, and social skills through a research-based curriculum. Distributed on Netflix, PBS Kids, YouTube, and HBO Max.
- Sesame Street: Neighborhood Adventures Immersive Roblox gaming experience featuring minigames, character avatar creation, themed minigames, and Magical Beastie Quest educational gaming. Includes portals to Sesame Street Mecha Builders and exclusive content previews.
- Charlotte's Web Three-Part Animated Special Three-part animated special adaptation of E.B. White's classic novel, produced by Sesame Workshop with Academy Award winner Luke Matheny as showrunner. Available on HBO Max.
- Chalo! Sesame Street App Mobile app in India featuring play-based learning content and the 'Sehatmand Aadatein' (Healthy Habits) program with nutrition education. Approximately 158,000 installs since inception.
- Sesame Street Mecha Builders: The Game Single-player STEM educational experience on Roblox for ages 4+, featuring Mecha Abby, Mecha Cookie, and Mecha Elmo characters. Has surpassed 70 million visits since 2022 launch.
- I Notice, I Feel, I Can Interactive browser-based game helping children manage big feelings through a three-step strategy: noticing body sensations, naming feelings, and trying helpful activities with Sesame Street characters.
- Making It Work Interactive browser-based game helping children build flexibility by practicing responses to disappointments, surprises, and changes with Julia and friends from Sesame Street.
- Digital Well-Being Resources Educational resources teaching children and families six habits for healthy digital media use, developed with funding from Meta and Google. Includes videos, printables, expert interviews, and games.
- Emotional Well-Being Initiative (Chhoti Badi Bhaavnaayein) Emotional well-being initiative featuring immersive theatre experiences and multilingual digital resource hub with caregiver videos and social-emotional learning content. Operating in India, US, Brazil, Mexico, and Middle East, supported by MetLife Foundation.
- Healthy Habits Program (Abbott Partnership) Early childhood healthy habits resources including storybooks, activity guides, yoga-based movement prompts, and interactive games addressing nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. Distributed through Anganwadi centres, ASHA networks, and digital platforms in India.
Quantifiable outcome
- Close to 12 million children ages 0-8 engage with Sesame Street content monthly in the US
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Sesame Workshop
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Sesame Workshop technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Sesame Workshop partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NetflixcoreNetflix secured rights to produce a Sesame Street movie following a bidding war with Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Rideback (Dan Lin) set to produce alongside Sesame Workshop. Also streaming new Sesame Street episodes. No director or release date attached to movie project.
- RXR (Real Estate)minorRXR partnered with Gillie and Marc and Sesame Workshop for public art exhibition 'The Power of Togetherness' at 590 Madison Avenue in Manhattan featuring larger-than-life sculptures of Sesame Street characters alongside endangered animals.
- PhreesiaminorFive-year collaboration delivering pediatric health and wellness campaign with educational content featuring Sesame Street characters delivered during pediatric appointments. Won Point of Care Excellence Award for Best Unbranded Campaign in 2026.
- Toys and ColorsminorSesame Workshop partnered with Toys and Colors (world's largest kids entertainment channel with 121 million subscribers) to produce crossover videos featuring Elmo, Grover, and Abby Cadabby alongside Toys and Colors personalities.
- On (Swiss Sportswear Brand)minorOn launched SOFT WINS campaign featuring Sesame Street's Elmo to promote balanced approach to running, accompanying Cloudsurfer 2 shoe release. Campaign emphasizes self-compassion and personal milestones.
- PBS KidscorePublic Broadcasting Service distributes Sesame Street episodes on same day as Netflix, ensuring free access for U.S. families. 50+ year partnership continues with new reimagined Season 56 launching simultaneously on both platforms.
- YouTubecoreYouTube partnership makes Sesame Street content available on YouTube and YouTube Kids with over 100 full episodes streaming. Companies stated YouTube is now the largest digital library of Sesame Street content.
- RobloxcoreSesame Workshop developed Sesame Street: Neighborhood Adventures immersive digital experience on Roblox platform. Includes character creator, themed minigames, exclusive content, and Magical Beastie Quest educational gaming. Made possible by Roblox Development Fund grant.
- NBCUniversalcoreNBCUniversal partnered with Sesame Street for Olympic coverage, bringing Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover to Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Characters featured in social media activations, broadcast coverage, and athlete interactions following success of Paris 2024 partnership.
- Crunch LabsminorPartnership with Crunch Labs on a Christmas special produced on accelerated timeline. Crunch Labs founded by YouTube creator Mark Rober, achieved Netflix global top ten within days of first library drop.
- Girl Scouts of the USAminorMeta and Google partnered with Girl Scouts alongside Sesame Workshop to deliver digital well-being lessons to children, though critics argued partnerships represent conflicts of interest.
- Just PlayminorJust Play launched Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max, 18-inch interactive toy celebrating 30th anniversary of original 1996 phenomenon. Sesame Workshop collaborated as IP licensor. Available at Amazon and Walmart with wider retail rollout mid-July 2026.
- GladminorGlad introduced limited-edition trash bag packaging featuring Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch, available exclusively at Walmart starting May 21, 2026. Collaboration follows previous campaign with humor-focused household product branding.
- SeaWorld Parks & EntertainmentminorSeaWorld licensed Sesame Street brand for Sesame Place theme parks. Currently in active litigation as Sesame Workshop filed lawsuit in March 2026 alleging breach of licensing agreement, unpaid royalties since September 2024, and unauthorized closure of Sesame Place San Diego.
- Craigslist/NewmarkminorCraigslist founder Craig Newmark partnered with Sesame Street's Count von Count character for Take9 public service campaign encouraging people to count to nine seconds before clicking suspicious content to avoid online scams.
- Beaches ResortsminorBeaches Resorts sponsorship of Sesame Street content, supporting free family programming.
- Nex PlaygroundminorNex Playground, family-fitness gaming console, secured IP partnerships with Sesame Workshop offering motion, dance, fitness, and educational games. Console outsold Xbox devices in U.S. during Black Friday week.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Sesame Workshop competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- PBS Kids: PBS Kids is the free, advertiser- and sponsor-supported children's educational media arm of PBS and Sesame Workshop's longest-standing distribution partner, airing Sesame Street alongside its own original educational programming for the same 0-8 audience with comparable curriculum-driven, non-commercial mission.
- Highlights for Children: Highlights is a long-running children's media brand offering books, magazines, and digital content focused on reading, math, and social-emotional learning for roughly the same age band as Sesame Workshop. It operates via a similar content-plus-licensed-products model aimed at parents and educators.
- Universal Kids (NBCUniversal): Universal Kids is NBCUniversal's cable and streaming preschool/early-elementary entertainment brand delivering curriculum-aligned shows. It competes for the same family audience and corporate-sponsor dollars and is co-distributed through NBCUniversal's broader platform alongside Sesame Workshop's Olympic partnership.
- Disney Junior: Disney Junior is Disney's preschool- and early-elementary-targeted programming brand delivering educational entertainment franchises (e.g., Doc McStuffins, Bluey on Disney+) to the same 0-8 audience Sesame Workshop serves, competing for parents' curriculum credibility and streaming attention.
- Nick Jr. (Paramount): Nick Jr. is the preschool-targeted programming block and streaming destination within Paramount targeting the same 0-8 demographic with educational and social-emotional shows such as PAW Patrol and Blue's Clues, competing directly for preschool screen time alongside Sesame Street.
Emerging players
- BYJU's: BYJU's is a leading EdTech company in India delivering app- and video-based early learning content to children, including through Disney content partnerships. It overlaps Sesame Workshop's India-focused early childhood education strategy (e.g., Chalo! Sesame Street) on geography and audience.
- Khan Academy Kids: Khan Academy Kids is a free, nonprofit early-learning app and platform for ages 2-8 covering literacy, math, and social-emotional skills. It directly overlaps Sesame Workshop's mission and audience through app-based adaptive learning content, though at a younger age band and without TV roots.
- Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media is a nonprofit that rates, reviews, and produces original educational media and digital well-being content for children and families. It overlaps Sesame Workshop's mission of guiding parents on kids' media, particularly in the digital well-being space funded by Meta and Google.
Broad incumbents
- YouTube Kids: YouTube Kids is Google's curated video product for children and Sesame Workshop's largest digital library partner (100+ episodes). It is the dominant user-generated and creator-led platform competing for the 0-8 audience and serves as both distributor and indirect competitor to Sesame's owned channels.
Others
- LEGO Foundation: The LEGO Foundation funds Learning through Play research and has committed substantial grants (e.g., $100M to Sesame Workshop in 2018) to advance play-based early childhood education. It is a key funding partner of Sesame Workshop with shared pedagogical approach, though it operates as a grantmaker rather than direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sesame Workshop social profiles
Digital presenceSesame Workshop financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sesame Workshop leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Sesame Workshop subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Sesame Workshop funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sesame Workshop M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments4 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sesame Workshop
What does Sesame Workshop do?
Sesame Workshop produces research-based educational media and programs for children, with Sesame Street as its flagship product now in reimagined Season 56. The organization develops and distributes free educational content across streaming (Netflix, PBS Kids, YouTube, HBO Max), gaming (Roblox), mobile apps (Chalo! Sesame Street in India), interactive web games, and licensed merchandise, covering ABCs, social-emotional learning, healthy habits, and emotional well-being. It also licenses its characters and content to third parties for theme parks and consumer products.
Is Sesame Workshop a public or private company?
Sesame Workshop is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Sesame Workshop founded?
Sesame Workshop was founded in 1969. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Sesame Workshop based?
Sesame Workshop is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sesame Workshop make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Foundation and Corporate Grants are the primary driver. The others are content Licensing and Streaming Deals, theme Park Licensing and merchandise Licensing.
Who are Sesame Workshop's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are PBS Kids, Highlights for Children, Universal Kids (NBCUniversal), Disney Junior and Nick Jr. (Paramount). Emerging players are BYJU's, Khan Academy Kids and Common Sense Media. YouTube Kids is listed as a broad incumbent. LEGO Foundation is listed as an others.
Does Sesame Workshop have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sesame Workshop.
What industry is Sesame Workshop in?
Sesame Workshop's product category is Children's Educational Media. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAGAKAG, Multimedia Learning Production (Video, Animation, Interactive), with a secondary code of EDAGALAA, K–12 Instructional Video & Multimedia. Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 8200.