Sesame Street unveiled a surprising partnership with Netflix’s “Stranger Things” this week, announcing a joint merchandise collection ahead of the hit series’ final episodes.
The collaboration was teased through a social media post that warned audiences to “Watch out for the grouchogorgon. It’s time for sƃuᴉɥʇ ǝɯɐsǝs.”
The announcement confirmed plans for co-branded merchandise tied to the Stranger Things series finale.
Netflix released details about the limited collection, which includes nine apparel and accessory items available exclusively through Netflix Shop.
The products will launch alongside the final episodes of Stranger Things.
The streaming platform already premiered a reimagined season of Sesame Street for global audiences on Nov. 10.
The new merchandise crossover builds upon a coordinated “Sesame Things” social media campaign run across Netflix, Stranger Things and Sesame Street platforms.
The collection reimagines beloved Sesame Street characters in the darker aesthetic of Stranger Things.
Oscar the Grouch appears as a Demogorgon-inspired creature dubbed the “Grouchogorgon.”
Bert and Ernie receive makeovers styled after Stranger Things characters Steve Harrington and Dustin Henderson.
The designs incorporate visual elements from those characters’ appearances in the series.
The Sesame Street logo appears throughout the collection rendered in the distinctive Stranger Things font. All items carry official licensing from both properties.
Available products span multiple categories including T-shirts, hoodies, a sherpa blanket, a mug and stickers.
The collection also includes clothing options sized for babies, toddlers and children.
The first seven episodes of Stranger Things season five began streaming recently.
The series finale is scheduled to debut on Dec. 31.
Episodes release globally at 5 pm PT and 8 pm ET. The New Year’s Eve finale will mark the conclusion of the long-running series.
The collaboration arrives during controversy surrounding content in the show.
A scene depicts villain Vecna restraining an unconscious boy and forcing a tentacle-like appendage into his mouth.
The tendril pumps alien parasite organisms into the boy’s body while Vecna speaks to him.
The controversial depiction has drawn comparisons to child assault imagery.
“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.
Posobiec has also ripped Stranger Things over its “pedo programming,” arguing the show has broken away from its foundation in recent seasons.
“They’ve gone and they’ve been making the show gayer and gayer as the seasons go on,” Posobiec recently said on his show, Human Events.
Stranger Things episode “Chapter Seven: The Bridge,” part of Season 5, currently sits at a 5.7 rating on IMDb.
The rating comes from approximately 50,000 user reviews, marking a historic low point for the streaming giant’s most successful original series.
“The Bridge” contains a scene featuring Will Byers, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, in which the character reveals he is gay.
The timing of the character’s coming out has drawn scrutiny from viewers who noted the revelation occurs during a critical moment when the world faces imminent destruction.
