For nearly two decades, Sisimpur has been a beloved fixture in Bangladeshi households, bringing joy and early learning to millions of children through its colorful characters and engaging storytelling.
As the local adaptation of the globally renowned Sesame Street, Sisimpur has played a vital role in early childhood education in Bangladesh since its launch in 2005, co-produced by Sesame Workshop and Nayantara Communications.
Now, a major shift in the US has raised new questions about the future of this iconic children’s franchise, including what it might mean for international versions like Sisimpur.
In a major development, Sesame Street is moving to Netflix after US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to federal funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the long-time broadcaster of the show in the United States. This move also ended government support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which had funded numerous educational programs, including Sesame Street and its international projects.
Netflix, calling Sesame Street “a beloved cornerstone of children`s media,” has signed a deal to bring a new season of the show to its 300 million subscribers worldwide, along with 90 hours of past episodes. Importantly, PBS will still air new episodes on the same day they debut on Netflix, ensuring continued access for traditional viewers in the US.
The transition comes after another blow to the program—Warner Bros Discovery, owner of HBO, declined to renew its partnership with Sesame Street, pushing the show toward new platforms for survival.
Sesame Street has had a transformative impact on children’s learning since its debut in 1969, combining entertainment with lessons on literacy, numbers, health, and emotional well-being. The show was born from a collaboration between co-founders Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney, and featured characters developed by Muppets creator Jim Henson. Over the years, it tackled serious topics like nutrition, equality, and public health, famously introducing segments like Cookie Monster’s “cookies are a sometimes food” to promote healthy habits.
Its influence extended into policy and public awareness, with appearances from notable figures like former US First Lady Michelle Obama and even testifying puppet characters like Elmo in support of music education.
For Bangladesh, Sisimpur has carried this legacy forward, adapting global messages for local culture and needs—teaching children everything from hygiene to gender equality. With the US parent show entering a new era on a commercial platform like Netflix, the focus now shifts to how international versions, which often rely on donor or institutional support, will be affected.
At a time when digital access is rising in Bangladesh, the shift to streaming could offer new opportunities for Sisimpur’s reach—but it also raises concerns about funding and free access for children in underprivileged areas.
As Sesame Street charts a new path forward in the streaming era, Bangladeshi fans and educators will be watching closely to see how Sisimpur continues its mission to educate, entertain, and empower the nation’s youngest minds.
