Netflix uses Sesame Street to promote Stranger Things to kids after Warner Bros acquisition despite ‘pedo programming’ scandal

Sesame Street announced a collaboration with Netflix’s Stranger Things this week, teasing the project in a social media post that read, “Watch out for the grouchogorgon. It’s time for sƃuᴉɥʇ ǝɯɐsǝs.” The post confirmed a joint merchandise release tied to the upcoming Stranger Things series finale. It comes amid controversial depictions in the show that have been compared to child pedophilic rape.

According to a statement from Netflix, the Stranger Things x Sesame Street collaboration includes a limited collection of nine apparel and accessory items sold exclusively through Netflix Shop. The release comes ahead of the Stranger Things finale, scheduled to stream on December 31. Netflix previously released a reimagined season of Sesame Street for global audiences on November 10, and the crossover builds on a coordinated “Sesame Things” social media campaign across Netflix, Stranger Things, and Sesame Street platforms.

The merchandise features Sesame Street characters redesigned in the visual style of Stranger Things. Oscar the Grouch is depicted as a Demogorgon-inspired character referred to as the “Grouchogorgon.” Bert and Ernie are styled as Stranger Things characters Steve Harrington and Dustin Henderson, with design elements reflecting those roles. The items also feature the Sesame Street title rendered in the Stranger Things font.

Products in the collection include T-shirts, hoodies, a sherpa blanket, a mug, stickers, and clothing for babies, toddlers, and children. All items are officially licensed and available only through Netflix Shop.

Netflix is promoting the collaboration alongside the final season rollout of Stranger Things. The first seven episodes of season five are currently streaming, with the series finale set to debut on New Year’s Eve. Episodes are released globally at 5 pm PT and 8 pm ET.

It comes amid controversy regarding a depiction of child assault. In the show, villain Vecna restrains an unconscious boy and forces a tentacle-like appendage into his mouth. The tendril pumps alien parasite organisms into his body while Vecna speaks to him. “What you're seeing here is them reestablishing something… from season one that they’re only showing you now,” Jack Posobiec said, noting the new version is longer, more explicit, and foregrounds Byers gagging and losing control while the creature touches his face.