Netflix Sells its most popular Preschool Show "Cocmelon" to Disney+

Disney+ Scores CoComelon in Major Preschool Programming Shake-Up

One of the most recognizable names in children's entertainment is packing its bags for a new digital destination. CoComelon, the animated sensation that’s captured the hearts (and screens) of toddlers worldwide, is set to make its Disney+ debut in January 2027. The show had previously called Netflix home since its streaming launch in 2020.

Born on YouTube and nurtured by Moonbug Entertainment under Candle Media’s umbrella, CoComelon skyrocketed to fame with catchy songs and educational themes. It quickly grew into Netflix’s crown jewel in the preschool category, playing a major role in their expansion into kid-friendly content.

Now, it’s Disney’s turn. Already the heavyweight in children’s media, the House of Mouse is welcoming CoComelon into its lineup, where it will share space with preschool chart-toppers like Bluey (currently the #1 show among kids aged 2–5), Spidey and His Amazing Friends, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

While exact details of the streaming switch remain murky, insiders hint at a competitive bidding war behind the scenes. Netflix did propose a richer licensing deal, but Disney outmaneuvered them. Sources close to Netflix suggest they pulled back after noting a substantial dip—nearly 60%—in viewership during the latter half of 2024, despite four fresh seasons airing that year.

Still, it’s worth noting that both CoComelon and its spinoff CoComelon Lane maintained top viewing spots on Netflix throughout 2023 and 2024. Not all ties are being severed: CoComelon Lane and another Moonbug hit, Blippi, will continue to stream exclusively on Netflix.

Perhaps anticipating CoComelon's departure, Netflix recently inked a deal to bring the beloved Sesame Street to its platform—an apparent countermove in the preschool content arena.

The upcoming Disney+ era for CoComelon also mirrors the success path of Bluey, another internationally produced show that Disney has cultivated into a global brand. Disney is expected to apply a similar growth strategy for CoComelon, especially with a feature film from Universal slated for 2027.

The streaming deal also grants Disney+ rights to future CoComelon episodes, along with eight seasons of the Little Angel spinoff, a huge hit across Latin America.

This isn’t the brand’s first streaming switcheroo. Between 2020 and 2022, CoComelon had a stint on Hulu, where its first season reigned supreme among preschool households. But now, the show is ready to return to Disney’s orbit—this time, bigger and bouncier than ever.