Sesame Street Season 55 Focuses on Emotional Well-Being with Star-Studded Lineup

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Sesame Workshop announced the 55th season of the iconic children’s show Sesame Street, set to premiere on January 16, 2025, with a focus on emotional well-being. The season will feature celebrity guests including Michael B. Jordan, Reneé Rapp, SZA, Noah Kahan, Chris Stapleton, Samara Joy, Jonathan Van Ness, and Billie Jean King, who will join the beloved characters for songs and educational segments.

The new season, available on Max and later on PBS stations and the PBS KIDS Video app, will introduce children to strategies for managing emotions through engaging stories and mindfulness practices. Executive Producer Sal Perez emphasized the show’s commitment to helping young viewers build resilience and emotional skills. “Whether it’s taking a volcano breath when angry or learning to give yourself a hug when frustrated, we are empowering children with strategies to navigate big feelings,” Perez said.

Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Curriculum & Content at Sesame Workshop, highlighted the curriculum’s relevance in addressing the global mental health crisis affecting children. “This season focuses on emotion awareness and social connection skills, teaching children that all feelings are important and how to navigate social scenarios,” Truglio explained.

Notable episodes include Beachball Bop, where Elmo learns volcano breaths to manage anger, and New School Scaries, where Cookie Monster overcomes nervousness about starting a new cooking school. The season also introduces Mecha Elmo, Mecha Cookie, and Mecha Abby in Mecha Builders shorts, blending STEM education with the show’s signature charm.

Sesame Street, a pioneer in children’s educational programming since 1969, continues to reach audiences in over 150 countries. The show is underwritten in part by Beaches Resorts and Google, ensuring its accessibility to families worldwide.