A message from Miranda and Sahra Esmonde-White,
Co-Founders of Classical Stretch and Essentrics
Dear Classical Stretch family,
We know you’ve been hearing the headlines and may be wondering what this means for Classical Stretch on PBS. Below is the full picture as we know it today.
Key Takeaways
CPB funding update: On August 1, 2025, Congress withdrew $1.1 billion in federal support, directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to begin an “orderly wind-down.” Most staff positions end September 30, 2025, with a transition team working through January 2026.
CPB provided funding to individual PBS stations depending on their needs, which means some stations will be greater affected by these budget cuts than others.
Every local PBS station is independently managed. Some will keep their existing line-ups, others may shuffle shows while they seek new funding. Outcomes will vary by city and by town.
Classical Stretch is always available to stream on Essentrics TV: Seasons 6-15 are available now, along with more than 400 additional Essentrics workouts, live classes, and specialty programs.
Risk-free trial: New members receive a 14-day free trial. After that, membership is $14.95 USD per month with a 20 percent discount on annual plans.
The Reality of PBS Changes for Classical Stretch Fans
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced on August 1, 2025, that it will begin an “orderly wind-down” of operations after Congress canceled $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for the organization. The CPB provided funding for individual PBS stations, with some smaller stations needing more support than the larger ones – so these funding cuts will affect every station differently.
On paper, CPB’s closure is a budget decision. In real life, it is a potential programming shift. PBS has pledged to carry forward its public-service mission, yet that mission will now rely more heavily on station-by-station fundraising.
What this means:
– Schedules may stay the same: Stations with strong donor bases could keep Classical Stretch in its usual slot.
– Schedules may move: Some programmers may shorten fitness blocks or rotate fewer seasons.
– Schedules could pause: Some stations may need to replace Classical Stretch with other content.
Right now, we don’t know exactly how these changes will affect Classical Stretch’s availability on local PBS stations. Because every station follows its own timetable, we cannot predict exactly who will keep airing the show. We will continue to supply PBS with new episodes. Your station will decide whether it will air them.
Another Home For Classical Stretch: Essentrics TV
For so many of our viewers, Classical Stretch has become part of a daily routine – that reliable 23 minutes that helps us feel better and move more easily. If Classical Stretch has helped you, here’s what we want you to know: Whatever happens with local PBS programming, you have reliable access to Classical Stretch through Essentrics TV. Essentrics TV is our online streaming platform that offers live virtual classes and unlimited access to 400+ Essentrics workouts. That includes all the seasons of the Classical Stretch TV Series that have aired on PBS.
Benefits of Essentrics TV Membership
Unlimited Access: The platform features over 400 Essentrics videos available on any device. Every single Classical Stretch episode from seasons 6-15 is there, plus so much more!
On-Demand Convenience: All videos are accessible 24/7 from your computer, smartphone, tablet and smart TV. You can work out anytime, anywhere. No rushing to catch your show at a specific time or missing episodes when life gets in the way.
Live Classes: You can participate in live virtual classes led by certified Essentrics instructors. There’s something powerful about exercising with others in real-time and feeling that sense of community.
Health Challenges & Programs: Join one of our signature Ages Programs that target your goals and build your routine with expertly designed health and fitness plans.
Offline Viewing: Going on vacation? Visiting family? You can download workouts through the iOS and Android apps and take your routine with you anywhere, even without internet connection.
Weekly Fresh Content: New workouts and health challenges are added regularly. Your routine never has to get stale. There’s always something new to discover and keep you motivated.
Access Your Favorite Workouts
Classical Stretch has been helping people for over 25 years. Each 23-minute episode featuring Miranda’s science-based workout increases strength, mobility, and flexibility while relieving chronic pain. Every single one of these transformative episodes is preserved and enhanced on Essentrics TV.
All your favorites are there: the gentle beginner workouts that helped you start your journey, those intermediate sessions that challenged you as you grew stronger, and the latest episodes celebrating 25 years of Classical Stretch. You´ll have the entire Classical Stretch library at your fingertips.
Discover More Beyond Classical Stretch
Essentrics TV offers specialized programs for chronic pain relief, sessions designed for different age groups, athletic conditioning workouts, and therapeutic routines developed with healthcare professionals. As your body changes and your needs evolve, you have room to grow and explore new aspects of the Essentrics method.
Start with a 14-Day Free Trial
You can sign up for a 14-day free trial on Essentrics TV, which gives you complete access to explore the entire streaming platform. You’ll be asked to enter your credit card to start your free trial, but here’s the important part: you will NOT be charged until your 14-day trial is over. This gives you two full weeks to experience everything the platform offers without any financial commitment.
Pricing
Monthly memberships cost $14.95 USD, and all apps are free to download. We recommend signing up online at essentricstv.com first to get the best pricing before downloading any apps.
Movement is medicine and community is strength. If your local PBS station keeps Classical Stretch, we will celebrate together. If the schedule shifts, Essentrics TV guarantees that you will never miss a workout. We hope that everyone in our wonderful community continues to prioritize their health, finds joy in movement, and discovers new ways to feel strong and vibrant in their bodies. We will keep filming, teaching, and cheering you on every step of the way.
With gratitude and optimism,
Miranda & Sahra
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Classical Stretch still be available on local PBS stations? A: While many PBS stations will continue operating independently, their programming schedules may change due to funding challenges. Essentrics TV provides the most reliable access to the complete Classical Stretch library, ensuring you never have to worry about missing your workout.
Q: How much does Essentrics TV cost? A: Monthly memberships cost $14.95 USD. There’s also an annual membership option that saves 20% (that’s only $0.39 a day!). New users get a complete 14-day free trial to explore everything.
Q: Can I watch on my TV? A: Absolutely! You can access Essentrics TV on smart TVs through Apple TV, Android TV, Roku apps, or by using Chromecast/mirroring from your mobile device. You can also connect your computer to your TV with an HDMI cable.
Q: Are all the PBS Classical Stretch episodes available? A: Essentrics TV includes Classical Stretch seasons 6-15, which represent the most recent and comprehensive collection of episodes from the PBS series. These are the episodes that most current fans know and love.
Q: Can I download workouts to watch without internet? A: Yes! The iOS and Android apps allow you to download workouts for offline viewing. This is perfect for travel, areas with limited internet, or just having your favorites always available without worrying about connection issues.
Q: Is there a way to try it before committing to a subscription? A: Absolutely! Essentrics TV offers a complete 14-day free trial for new subscribers. You won’t be charged during the trial period, and you can cancel anytime. This gives you plenty of time to explore and see if it’s right for you.
Q: Will I still get the same quality instruction as the PBS show? A: Yes! All Classical Stretch content on Essentrics TV features the same high-quality instruction from Miranda Esmonde-White that you know and trust. Plus, you’ll have access to additional certified instructors and specialized programs that can complement your routine.
Q: Can I give Essentrics TV as a gift? A: Yes, gift subscriptions are available for 1-12 months with no expiry date. It’s a wonderful way to share the gift of wellness with fellow Classical Stretch enthusiasts or introduce someone new to this life-changing technique.
