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Fact check: Are bert and Ernie still on sesame Street

Checked on June 16, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Yes, Bert and Ernie are still on Sesame Street. The evidence confirms that these iconic Muppet characters remain active parts of the show. According to recent sources, Bert and Ernie are currently performed by puppeteers Eric Jacobson and Peter Linz and continue to appear in numerous skits on the PBS/HBO children's television show [1].

The characters have maintained their presence throughout the show's history, with documented episodes featuring Bert and Ernie spanning from 1969 to the present [2]. This demonstrates their enduring role as core characters on Sesame Street over more than five decades.

Recent announcements from May 2025 confirm that Sesame Street will continue on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms [3], and the show is also expanding to Netflix with new seasons while maintaining its presence on traditional PBS platforms [4] [5]. These developments indicate the show's ongoing production, which supports the continued presence of its beloved characters.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about Sesame Street's evolving distribution model. While Bert and Ernie remain on the show, viewers should know that Sesame Street is undergoing significant changes in how it reaches audiences. The show now has a dual distribution strategy: new episodes will stream on Netflix worldwide while also being available on PBS stations and PBS KIDS platforms in the United States [6].

Additionally, the show is implementing a reimagined format with new animated segments as part of its Netflix partnership [4]. This evolution represents Sesame Street's adaptation to modern viewing habits while maintaining its 50-year commitment to early learning [5].

The question also doesn't acknowledge that while the characters persist, the performers behind them have changed over the decades. The current puppeteers (Eric Jacobson and Peter Linz) represent the latest generation of performers bringing these characters to life [1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no apparent misinformation or bias. It's a straightforward inquiry about the current status of two beloved characters. However, the question's simplicity might reflect an assumption that characters could easily disappear from long-running shows, when in fact Bert and Ernie are among Sesame Street's most enduring and iconic characters, having been part of the show since its debut on November 10, 1969 [7].

The question also doesn't account for the complexity of modern children's television distribution, where characters can simultaneously exist across multiple platforms and formats while maintaining their core presence in the original show.

Want to dive deeper?
What year did Bert and Ernie first appear on Sesame Street?
Are Bert and Ernie still voiced by their original actors?
How have Bert and Ernie's characters evolved over the years on Sesame Street?
What other popular characters have left or joined Sesame Street recently?
How does Sesame Street handle character retirements or replacements?