Grover laughs with a group of children outside

Welcome to Sesame Workshop

The nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more—a community built on diversity, equity, and inclusion, where creators, educators, partners, and unforgettable characters come together on a mission to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

Mission driven. Kid focused.

We care about one thing: children. And we’re working to meet their needs in all sorts of ways: educating through great shows, enriching lives through global social impact work, and creating experiences that bring families of all shapes, sizes, and colors together.

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A girl watches The Power of We on television

Helping Families Talk About—and Stand Up To—Racism

Sesame Workshop has always modeled diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now we’re explicitly addressing racism and helping families talk together about the issue. Premiering October 15, “The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special” shows kids ways to be “upstanders” against unfair treatment based on skin—or fur—color. And new “Sesame Street in Communities” content and more for children and families is coming soon!

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A boy and Elmo look at books on the shelves in a library

New CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall Helps Families Navigate Back-To-School 2020

On Saturday, September 12, “The ABCs of Back to School,” hosted by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Erica Hill, provided timely tools and information for families. With Elmo, Big Bird, and Rosita representing in-person, hybrid, and virtual learning, the special also features school-aged kids from across the country and addresses their concerns about returning to school in the era of COVID-19.

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A girl and a purple muppet smile at each other

Ahlan Simsim Season 2 Brings Timely Lessons to Children Across Middle East

Another season of learning adventures, in a new video playdate format, follows Basma, Jad, and friends as they play, laugh, and learn ways to manage big feelings and cope with the uncertainty so many children are experiencing today. Ahlan Simsim is part of our broader humanitarian partnership with the International Rescue Committee to bring hope and opportunity to children and families affected by the Syrian refugee crisis. Through our TV show and direct services, we’re reaching millions of families with the educational resources they need to thrive, through the global pandemic and beyond.

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Big Bird stands with a mom and 2 children outdoors. One child stands on a stool to be taller.

Helping Support Children in New Ways During COVID-19

Our “Caring For Each Other” initiative helps families around the world navigate new challenges and changing routines by providing free resources that help children manage big feelings, learn joyfully whether at home or in school, and stay physically and emotionally healthy.

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Children and an adult play with blocks with Halum

Sharing the Power of Learning Through Play

Play is vital for children to learn. With the LEGO Foundation’s help, we’ve brought playful learning to South Africa, Mexico, and India—and now, to the Syrian response region and Bangladesh.

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A child hugs a stuffed animal while sitting on a woman's lap. Grover smiles at them while the sun shines.

You Can Help Children and Families During COVID-19

When you give to our Critical Needs Response Fund, you’re helping us meet the needs of children in crisis—whatever they may be.

Your gift will contribute to our COVID-19 response efforts and may support other initiatives critical to children and families everywhere. For legal disclosures, click here.

Latest News from the Workshop

Abby, Tamir and Elmo wear masks and make crafts
“The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special” Helps Children Stand Up to Racism

Our new family special debuts October 15, with celebrity guests and current and former Sesame Street cast members on hand to help kids learn to be “upstanders” against unfair treatment based on skin – or fur – color. A free viewing guide helps families have honest conversations around race.

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The Count, Rosita, and Elmo standing smiling on Sesame Street while Rosita holds a Census ballot
Helping to Make Sure Every Child is Counted

As the 2020 Census draws to a close, it’s more urgent than ever that all children and their family members are counted. Our census campaign explains why, with PSAs featuring Elmo, Rosita, and Count von Count helping parents and caregivers understand how the census benefits communities and how easy it is to participate.

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A woman and young girl laugh with Abby Cadabby while reading a book
Three New Communities and Digital Special Announced

“Sesame Street in Communities” expands to Baltimore, Miami, and Maricopa Country, AZ, with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The nationwide initiative, now in 12 locations, helps children build coping skills and fosters nurturing connections between children and caring adults in their lives. An all-new digital family special featuring the Sesame Street Muppets will mark the occasion on Facebook Premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 2pm EST.

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A mother and her 2 kids smile outdoors with Julia
More Resources for Autistic Children and their Families

New materials featuring Julia, a 4-year-old Sesame Street Muppet with autism, help families cope with some impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthering our commitment to autistic children and their families, free resources in English and Spanish help users navigate new routines including wearing face masks and adjusting to on-screen learning.

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An orange monster puppet and yellow monster puppet smile at the camera while two children climb a large stack of books in another image
New Seasons for Ghostwriter and Helpsters

Emmy Award-winner series “Ghostwriter” is back with more literary mysteries for kids in Season 2, launching October 9—and “Helpsters” Season 2 brings new pre-coding skills, the power of teamwork, and celebrity guests to audiences on October 16. Both award-winning shows air on Apple TV+.

Big Bird walks along a rural road with a mother and 3 girls
CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall Answers More Questions From Kids About Coronavirus

On Saturday, June 13, a second “The ABC’s of COVID-19,” hosted by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Erica Hill, helped answer kids’ big questions about Coronavirus and more. Featuring Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and friends, the special builds on our “Caring for Each Other” initiative, which provides free resources to families and is powered by our Critical Needs Response Fund. Viewers can support this crucial source of flexible funding by visiting SesameWorkshop.org/response. Watch the Town Hall special on CNN.com by clicking below.

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A group of children sits on the stairs laughing with Abby Cadabby
CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall On Racism

CNN and Sesame Street teamed up on Saturday, June 6 for a special Town Hall to help kids and families talk about racism and the ongoing nationwide protests and find ways to build empathy and embrace diversity. The one-hour program, hosted by CNN’s commentator Van Jones and anchor Erica Hill, featured Big Bird, Elmo, and friends and reached families around the world. Watch it on CNN.com by clicking below.

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A little boy and his mom watch Elmo's Scavenger Hunt on a laptop computer
“Elmo’s Playdate: Scavenger Hunt” and More Streaming Now

Summer is in full swing on Sesame Street, and Elmo and friends are back with games, activities, and celebrity guests in a new half-hour special. Elmo teams up with Abby Cadabby for a virtual scavenger hunt with help from their Sesame Street pals, and kids at home can join the fun with a printable worksheet. Along the way, Amy Sedaris shares an easy craft, Gabrielle Union leads a sweet sing-along, and “Monster Foodies” Cookie Monster and Gonger whip up a tasty summer dessert. “Elmo’s Playdate: Scavenger Hunt” is now streaming on HBO Max, along with Seasons 1 and 2 of the award-winning “Esme & Roy.”

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Elmo holds a microphone in front of a blue curtain
Launching New Shows for Kids and Families

We’re thrilled to announce our brand new family program! Elmo is the cutest, furriest talk show host ever in "The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo," debuting with the launch of WarnerMedia’s streaming platform, HBO Max, on May 27. More new shows from Sesame Workshop will be coming to HBO Max soon—and in the meantime, Sesame Street fans will find a trove of beloved episodes from our 50-year history.

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