Sesame Workshop, U-NEXT Partner on SVOD Exclusive

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind “Sesame Street,” and U-NEXT, a subsidiary of the USEN-NEXT GROUP, are partnering on a multi-year SVOD exclusive to deliver new content for families in Japan.

U-NEXT will premiere TV programs, read-along videos and e-book titles from Sesame Workshop, streaming exclusively on U-NEXT. Users will be able to enjoy a comprehensive “Sesame Street” experience of reading, watching, playing and learning all within a single application.

In tandem with plans to launch more exclusive content, U-NEXT and Sesame Workshop share a commitment to grow the partnership going forward.

“At the heart of everything we do is something we deeply believe in – the power of early childhood education to change lives,” says Ed Wells, executive vice president, global head of media and education, Sesame Workshop. “We have always been confident that if we want to see a better world and a brighter future, the best investment we can make is in quality early education for the world’s children. That’s why we’re thrilled to team up with U-NEXT, a media company that has been committed to innovation since its founding, becoming the home for high-quality global and local content that sparks audience’s imaginations. Along with the iconic, award-winning children’s program ‘Sesame Street,’ U-NEXT subscribers will now be able to watch, read and listen to a slate of new content featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster and their friends – and all available in Japanese.

In addition to “Sesame Street,” U-NEXT subscribers will have access to content never seen before in Japan such as “‘Sesame Street's’ 50th Anniversary Celebration” and “Mecha Builders,” debuting next year. Making its debut in Japan is the docuseries, “Through Our Eyes,” building on Sesame Workshop’s long history of tackling difficult issues from homelessness to foster care and parental addiction – all from a child’s perspective.

“I am very happy that we managed to reach this exclusive streaming distribution agreement with Sesame Workshop,” says Tenshin Tsutsumi, president, U-NEXT. “Sesame Street is a global phenomenon with its unique way of addressing topics, such as diversity and SEL (Social and Emotional Learning). Offering a wide range of content for our users to enjoy in a single comprehensive service, U-NEXT is aiming to deliver a selection of ‘Sesame Street’-related programs, including TV programs, read-along videos and e-books, while honoring their concept and the values they represent. It fills me with great joy that we get to serve as a key touch point between such an established brand and the children in Japan, acting not just as a means for early childhood education, but for learning through play as well.”

In response to the growing needs and concerns of parents seeking quality programming for their children, U-NEXT is launching “U-NEXT LEARN,” a safe, reliable and fun environment to enjoy educational content and aid in the social development of its young viewers. With its exclusive video content, children’s e-books within its e-publication zone and series of original read-along videos, “Sesame Street” will be the first brand featured in the “U-NEXT LEARN” environment.

First broadcast on Japanese TV in 1971, this year marks the 50th anniversary of “Sesame Street’s” arrival in Japan. With Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and friends, “Sesame Street” is meeting families where they are with the resources they need including in public schools and healthcare facilities, themed entertainment, live shows, apps and new content.