Netflix Should Revive These Classic PBS Kids Shows for a New Generation

The future of several PBS shows is uncertain as the current government plans to reduce funding for the organization and HBO, which holds the rights to stream many of these shows, has chosen to focus less on producing children’s content. This has left many worried about the fate of beloved programs like Sesame Street. However, when Netflix announced it had bought Sesame Street, many breathed a sigh of relief because this classic educational show would continue to prosper and reach a wide audience of young viewers. In fact, Sesame Street is now gearing up for its 56th season on Netflix, offering access to over 4,500 episodes. So, fans can rejoice as Elmo, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch will continue their educational journeys for years to come!

Sesame Street will continue to air on PBS but will additionally find a protective cushion on Netflix. If Sesame Street proves successful on this streaming service, as some predict, it could mark a shift towards focusing on classic children’s programming. Interestingly, there are two other PBS shows that would also fit well on the platform.

‘Reading Rainbow’ Can Help Inspire Kids To Read and Is an Affordable Program To Make

For over 21 seasons and 155 episodes, the beloved children’s program Reading Rainbow, led by LeVar Burton, fostered a love for reading in countless kids. The significance of early education and literacy continues to hold importance, suggesting that the program could continue to thrive with future seasons. At present, Reading Rainbow is under the auspices of WNED (a PBS affiliate), which broadcasts a live show and offers a mobile-friendly adaptation called Looped. This potential complexity in distribution might pose challenges for bringing it to Netflix. Nevertheless, with its nostalgic appeal and commitment to educational programming, it is worth considering whether Netflix could be the ideal platform for the iconic Reading Rainbow.

Originally, Reading Rainbow was taken off the air due to several factors. Interestingly, the “No Child Left Behind” initiative played a role in its demise, as encouraging a passion for reading wasn’t viewed as equivalent to teaching reading skills. Additionally, the expense of securing book licensing agreements for the show was another hurdle. Nonetheless, by foregoing funding and adopting a different strategy, Reading Rainbow could potentially become not just viable but lucrative on Netflix. Instead of acquiring existing books, they might opt to publish their own content or find a more advantageous way to collaborate with current authors.

To create an economical yet impactful production, Netflix could strategically select cost-effective options, resulting in a cherished classic on their platform that showcases their dedication to both education and amusement.

‘Arthur’ Has a Broad Cultural Appeal and Can Shine on Netflix

The series “Arthur,” which recently concluded after 25 seasons on PBS, continues to be cherished by fans who grew up with it. Similar to “Reading Rainbow,” “Arthur” is under the ownership of WGBH Boston, a PBS affiliate, and there are no current plans for a revival. This leaves the adored children’s TV show featuring the curious Aardvark poised to embark on a fresh journey on Netflix. With Netflix providing support and “Arthur” taking on the role of helping kids navigate emotions and morality, it might even challenge “Bluey,” the most popular children’s show from the past year.

Netflix has already added PBS shows like The Magic School Bus for a movie and a rebooted TV series. However, adding Sesame Street is particularly significant since many people grew up with the show. If Sesame Street does well on the platform, it would be great if Netflix also considered expanding its children’s educational programming to include shows like Reading Rainbow and Arthur.

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2025-05-21 02:04