Elmo & Mark Rober Bring Science and Cheer to Netflix with “Merry Giftmas” Special
A new holiday special featuring beloved characters from Sesame Street and YouTube science sensation Mark Rober will premiere on Netflix December 8, promising a festive blend of education and entertainment for families. The 30-minute program, titled Elmo & Mark Rober’s Merry Giftmas, is a collaboration between Sesame Workshop and Rober’s production company, CrunchLabs.
According to a company release, Sesame Street actively seeks partnerships that foster curiosity and playful learning. “Collaborating with NASA-trained engineer Mark Rober, Elmo and friends explore relatable science concepts in a festive Netflix holiday special, making an unforgettable experience for the whole family,” stated a senior official at Sesame Workshop.
The special centers around Elmo and his Sesame Street companions teaming up with Rober to create unique gifts for a “Merry Giftmas” exchange. Rober himself expressed his excitement, noting, “Teaming up with Elmo and the Sesame Street Muppets is pretty much a childhood dream come true and while viewers might not make a snowball throwing robot exactly like Abby and me, it’s proof that with a little imagination and creativity, you could make anything you can dream up.”
A Fusion of Education and Entertainment
Elmo & Mark Rober’s Merry Giftmas isn’t just about holiday cheer; it’s designed to introduce young viewers to fundamental scientific principles in an accessible and engaging way. The program’s logline highlights this core mission: Elmo and his Sesame Street friends team up with former NASA engineer turned YouTube star Mark Rober to make special presents for a Merry Giftmas exchange.
The special will feature three original songs: “Merry Giftmas,” “Failure Is Awesome,” and “The Best Christmas Gift Is You.” This musical component aims to further enhance the viewing experience and reinforce the themes of creativity and perseverance.
Behind the Scenes of “Merry Giftmas”
The special was penned by Halcyon Person, a writer with a distinguished background in children’s television, including Emmy, Image Award, and Humanitas Prize nominations for her work on Karma’s World and Dee & Friends in Oz. Scott Lewers, Sal Perez, Mark Rober, and Kay Wilson Stallings served as executive producers. Filming took place across both coasts, in New York and Los Angeles.
Beyond the new special, Netflix continues to expand its offerings from both Sesame Street and Mark Rober. The latest season of Sesame Street is currently available on the streaming platform. Additionally, a seven-episode season of Mark Rober’s CrunchLabs, showcasing a curated collection of his popular science and DIY videos, is also now streaming. Fans of Rober can also look forward to a new competition show from the engineer, slated to debut in 2026.
The collaboration between Sesame Street and Mark Rober represents a strategic alignment of two powerful brands dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators. This holiday special is poised to become a family favorite, blending the warmth and familiarity of Sesame Street with the engaging scientific explorations championed by Mark Rober.
