HBO Max Deletes Nearly 200 Episodes of “Sesame St”

HBO Max didn’t announce the reason why films and TV shows would be removed from their service. However, the move will allow the company to save money that could have been used for residual payments.

A representative from HBO Max stated that Sesame Street has been and will continue to be an integral part of television culture. “We are committed to continuing to bring Sesame Street into families’ homes, including this season that premieres this fall as well as the nearly 400 episodes from the most recent and historic seasons that still remain on Cartoonito at HBO Max.”

Representatives from Sesame Workshop didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

PBS aired “Sesame Street” for the first time in 1969. It introduced Cookie Monster, Kermit, and Big Bird to Generation Xers who were starting kindergarten and preschool. It first aired on HBO in 2016, and on HBO Max in 2020.

Many fans took to Twitter to express their dissatisfaction with the decision.

“I truly, deeply hate this. “I watch Sesame Street together with my children,” a user said. “My oldest son is now at an age when he can rewatch certain episodes.”

Another person commented, “It’s so sad that a child such as my brother might have lost access to one of their favorite things and there isn’t any explanation that a parent could give them.”

PBS’ “Sesame St” has been widely praised for its easy-to-understand education and dedication to inclusion and diversity.

Another fan pointed out that “this show was created in order to give low-income children access to early education that they might otherwise miss.” He also suggested that the show should be free and not require a subscription.