The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo Returns on HBO Max

A second season of Sesame Workshop’s preschool variety series The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo is set to bow on Cartoonito on HBO Max next week.

The first three episodes of the new season will become available on September 30. Subsequent episodes will be released on the platform weekly on Thursdays.

“Inspired by classic game shows, this season of The Not-Too-Late Show encourages not just co-viewing but co-doing,” said Ben Lehmann, Sesame Workshop’s senior VP, head of live action. “Real kid contestants and their caregivers will take part in themed challenges with all their Sesame Street friends—with lots of encouragement for families at home to join in the fun. Educational moments are built into each game, whether contestants are reinforcing bath time routines while racing to wash a giant squid or exploring musical instruments by cooperating to play a giant keyboard on the floor. We’ve also dialed up the backstage antics—a fan favorite last year—tying them to each episode’s theme.”

“Our host with the most is back for a second round of belly laughs in this new interactive format for everyone in the home,” said Amy Friedman, Warner Bros.’ head of kids and family programming. “Our partners at Sesame Workshop are true experts, and as one of our premier Cartoonito debut shows, they have delivered yet again!”

“Children learn best through play, and those effects are amplified when caring adults watch and play along,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Sesame Workshop’s senior VP of curriculum and content. “Anchored in familiar topics like pets, cooking, bath time and arts and crafts, The Not-Too-Late Show’s memory games and matching games strengthen kids’ working memory, focus and ability to follow directions—all important executive function skills that support school readiness.”