HBO to debut new series ‘Esme & Roy’ from Sesame Street Makers

“Esme & Roy,” the first new animated series from the makers of Sesame Street and the Sesame Workshop in more than a decade, will debut on Saturday, August 18 at 9:30AM on HBO.

The program follows a young girl, Esme, and her best monster friend, Roy, on their adventures as the best monster babysitters in Monsterdale. Aimed at children ages four to six, it offers a creative new approach to teaching “learning through play” and mindfulness strategies.

Esme is described as “an amazing monster-sitter and has a knack for coming up with the perfect activity to fix a little monster’s problem. She’s not afraid to try new things, and while she sometimes gets carried away, she doesn’t give up until she succeeds! Esme loves to play, especially if the games are active and silly. She’s kind and nurturing, and monsters (especially her best friend Roy) are her favorite thing in the world.”

Roy is Esme’s best friend and monster-sitting partner. He is an expert on ALL monster facts. Roy may be big and strong, but he’s also very emotional and sometimes needs Esme’s help to calm down. That’s what makes them such a great pair! Esme can get carried away but Roy keeps her focused, and when Roy starts to feel panic Esme is there to encourage him. Roy’s favorite things are his best pal Esme, dressing up and playing pretend, dancing, and meatballs.

The 26 episodes series will use the power of play to help younger monsters through familiar situations like trying new foods and feeling scared during loud thunderstorms. Little viewers will look up to their new favorite monster-sitters as positive role models, learning how to manage strong emotions with simple mindfulness practices alongside Esme and Roy’s charges. Infectious humor, imaginative design, and expressive voice talent including Millie Davis (Wonder, Odd Squad) and Patrick McKenna (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (TV), Hotel Transylvania: The Series), bring the world of Esme & Roy to vibrant life.

As Sesame Workshop’s newest addition to the educational entertainment landscape, Esme & Roy underscores how important play is to early childhood development.  Children are most ready for this kind of engaged, productive playtime when they can manage challenging feelings like worry and frustration. Esme & Roy offers easy-to-adopt strategies that can help even very young children regulate their emotions. 

Tactics include: taking slow belly breaths, which provide a pause for children to be reflective instead of reactive; self-talk that uses positive statements to remind kids of their strength and capability; giving oneself a soothing hug; and using a “glitter jar” to calm the body and mind, shaking a sparkly snow globe-like jar and taking deep breaths while watching the glitter swirl and slowly fall.