50 Things You Didn’t Know About Sesame Street

50 Things You Didn’t Know About Sesame Street

Sesame Street is a beloved children's television show that has been entertaining and educating audiences around the world for over 50 years. While many people are familiar with the famous characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster, there are still many interesting facts about the show that remain lesser-known. Here are 50 things you didn't know about Sesame Street:

1. Sesame Street made its debut on November 10, 1969, and has been on the air ever since.

2. The show was created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett.

3. The original set of Sesame Street was designed to look like a typical urban neighborhood to reflect the diverse environments where children lived.

4. Sesame Street was the first children's television show to incorporate research and educational curriculum into its programming.

5. The show has won over 190 Emmy Awards, making it one of the most awarded TV shows in history.

6. The character of Big Bird was originally meant to be a wise-cracking adult character, but was changed to a child-like bird to better connect with young viewers.

7. Oscar the Grouch was originally orange before he turned green for the show.

8. The actress who played Maria, Sonia Manzano, wrote for the show for over 20 years.

9. The iconic theme song "Sunny Days" was written by Joe Raposo and has been sung by countless guest stars over the years.

10. The character of Elmo became popular in the 1990s after the introduction of puppeteer Kevin Clash.

11. Sesame Street has been adapted into over 150 different versions around the world, including in countries like China, Russia, and South Africa.

12. The set of Sesame Street is located on a soundstage at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York.

13. The show has tackled difficult topics like death, divorce, and incarceration in a way that is accessible and appropriate for young viewers.

14. Sesame Street was originally funded through government grants and private donations, but has since become self-sustaining through merchandise sales and licensing deals.

15. Cookie Monster's real name is Sid, and he gave up his cookie addiction in 2006 to promote healthy eating habits.

16. The character of Abby Cadabby was introduced in 2006 as the first new female Muppet in over 13 years.

17. Sesame Street has featured many celebrity guest stars over the years, including Johnny Cash, Beyoncé, and Michelle Obama.

18. Bert and Ernie are a nod to the classic comedy duo of the same name, Bert is voiced by Frank Oz and Ernie by Jim Henson.

19. The show introduced the first puppet with autism, Julia, in 2017 to help raise awareness and promote acceptance.

20. Sesame Street has been praised for its diversity and representation of characters of different races, backgrounds, and abilities.

21. The character of Grover was originally named "Gleep" before his name was changed during the 1969 test episodes.

22. The show was briefly banned in Mississippi in 1970 due to concerns about its racially integrated cast.

23. Sesame Street has been translated into over 70 different languages, making it accessible to children all over the world.

24. The set of Sesame Street includes iconic landmarks like Hooper's Store, the Fix-It Shop, and Oscar's trash can.

25. The character of Mr. Snuffleupagus was originally introduced as Big Bird's imaginary friend before being revealed to the rest of the cast in 1985.

26. The famous "Rubber Duckie" song was sung by Ernie and became a hit single in 1970.

27. The show has featured many famous songs like "Sing," "C Is For Cookie," and "I Love Trash."

28. Count von Count was inspired by the classic horror character Count Dracula and is obsessed with counting everything he sees.

29. The character of Rosita was introduced in 1991 as the first bilingual Muppet on the show.

30. Sesame Street has addressed important social issues like HIV/AIDS, homelessness, and bullying to help educate children about these topics.

31. The character of Prairie Dawn is known for her love of organizing and planning events on the show.

32. The show has featured animated segments like "The Letter of the Day," "Number of the Day," and "Super Grover 2.0" to help reinforce educational concepts.

33. The show's curriculum is based on the research of child psychologists and educators to ensure that it is developmentally appropriate for young viewers.

34. The character of Telly Monster is known for his love of triangles and his nervous personality.

35. Sesame Street has collaborated with organizations like the World Health Organization and USAID to help promote health and hygiene practices around the world.

36. The character of Snuffy was originally meant to be a one-time guest appearance, but he became a recurring character due to his popularity with viewers.

37. The iconic Sesame Street sign has been displayed on the show's set since its inception in 1969.

38. The character of Baby Bear was introduced in 1991 as the youngest member of the Bear family.

39. The set of Sesame Street has been updated over the years to reflect changes in technology and design trends.

40. The character of Zoe was introduced in 1994 as a feisty and energetic monster who loves dancing and making friends.

41. Sesame Street has partnered with organizations like the International Rescue Committee and PBS Kids to create resources for children and families in refugee and immigrant communities.

42. The character of Forgetful Jones is known for his forgetful nature and his love of cowboys.

43. The show has featured many memorable moments like the wedding of Maria and Luis, the birth of Elmo's baby cousin, and the retirement of Mr. Hooper.

44. Sesame Street was one of the first TV shows to feature a deaf character, Linda, who used sign language to communicate with the other characters.

45. The character of Barkley, the large yellow dog, was introduced in 1978 as Big Bird's loyal pet.

46. The show has released over 150 albums, books, and DVDs to help children learn and grow through music and storytelling.

47. The character of Gordon has been played by actor and singer Roscoe Orman since 1974.

48. Sesame Street has featured many educational segments like "Elmo's World," "Word on the Street," and "Murray Has a Little Lamb."

49. The character of Abby Cadabby is known for her magical powers and her pink and blue color scheme.

50. Sesame Street continues to inspire and educate children around the world with its timeless characters, engaging stories, and important life lessons.

Sesame Street has had a lasting impact on generations of viewers by promoting education, diversity, and inclusivity through its engaging and entertaining programming. The show's commitment to addressing important social issues and providing valuable resources for families has helped make it a beloved and enduring cultural institution. As we look forward to the future of Sesame Street, we can be sure that the show will continue to inspire and educate children for many years to come.