Since its debut on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street has become a cultural cornerstone, educating and entertaining generations of children worldwide. While many are familiar with its colorful characters, catchy songs, and educational messages, there are countless lesser-known facts about the show that reveal its depth, innovation, and enduring impact. Here’s an in-depth exploration of some of the most fascinating and little-known aspects of Sesame Street.
1. The Show Was Born Out of a Radical Experiment in Education
Sesame Street was created as part of a groundbreaking experiment to determine whether television could be used as an educational tool for preschoolers. Joan Ganz Cooney, a television producer, and Lloyd Morrisett, a psychologist, spearheaded the project after realizing that children were spending significant time watching TV but not learning from it. They partnered with the Children’s Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) to develop a show that combined entertainment with early childhood education. The show’s curriculum was heavily influenced by research and aimed to prepare children, especially those from low-income families, for school.
2. Big Bird Was Almost a Monster
Big Bird, the beloved 8-foot-tall yellow bird, was originally conceptualized as a “lumbering, funny-looking monster.” Jim Henson, the show’s puppeteer and creator of the Muppets, initially designed Big Bird as a more abstract creature. However, as the character evolved, Henson and the team decided to make him more bird-like to appeal to children. Interestingly, Big Bird’s design was inspired by a combination of a baby chick and a ostrich.
3. The Show’s Setting Was Deliberately Urban
The iconic brownstone buildings and urban landscape of Sesame Street were intentionally designed to reflect the lives of inner-city children. The creators wanted the show to resonate with kids from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in urban areas who might not see themselves represented on television. This decision was revolutionary at the time, as most children’s programming avoided depicting urban environments.
4. Oscar the Grouch Was Originally Orange
Oscar the Grouch, the grumpy trash-can-dwelling Muppet, wasn’t always green. In the first season of Sesame Street, Oscar was orange. The change to green occurred in the second season, with the explanation that Oscar had gone on vacation to the swamp and came back green. This whimsical explanation is classic Sesame Street humor, blending fantasy with everyday life.
5. The Show Has Addressed Controversial and Difficult Topics
While Sesame Street is known for its lighthearted tone, it has never shied away from addressing complex or sensitive issues. For example:
- In 1983, the show tackled the topic of death after the actor who played Mr. Hooper, Will Lee, passed away. The episode explaining Mr. Hooper’s absence to Big Bird is widely regarded as one of the most poignant moments in television history.
- In the 1990s, the show introduced Kami, an HIV-positive Muppet from South Africa, to help reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS.
- More recently, the show has addressed topics like homelessness, incarceration, and autism to help children understand and empathize with these experiences.
6. The Muppets Were Almost Cut from the Show
During the early development of Sesame Street, some researchers and producers were skeptical about the inclusion of the Muppets. They worried that the fantastical elements of the Muppets would confuse children or detract from the educational content. However, test audiences responded so positively to the Muppets that they became a central part of the show. Jim Henson’s creative genius and the Muppets’ charm ultimately won over the skeptics.
7. The Show’s Theme Song Has Hidden Meaning
The iconic theme song, “Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?” was written by Joe Raposo, a prolific composer for the show. The song’s lyrics were designed to evoke a sense of curiosity and adventure, encouraging children to explore and learn. Additionally, the melody is intentionally simple and repetitive to make it easy for young children to sing along.
8. The Show Has a Global Reach
Sesame Street has been adapted in over 150 countries, making it one of the most widely distributed children’s shows in history. Each international version is tailored to reflect the local culture, language, and educational needs of its audience. For example:
- In South Africa, Takalani Sesame features Kami, the HIV-positive Muppet.
- In Palestine, Shara’a Simsim focuses on promoting tolerance and understanding.
- In Afghanistan, Baghch-e-Simsim includes storylines about girls’ education and empowerment.
9. Celebrities Have Been Flocking to the Show for Decades
Sesame Street has hosted an astonishing array of celebrity guests over the years, from Stevie Wonder to Michelle Obama. These appearances are often parodies or playful segments that blend humor with education. For instance:
- Johnny Cash sang a song about a “Nasty Dan” and a “Clean-O Gene.”
- Feist performed a counting song with the Muppets.
- Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen have appeared in sketches, showcasing their theatrical talents.
10. The Show’s Research-Driven Approach
One of the most unique aspects of Sesame Street is its commitment to research. Every episode is tested with children to ensure that the content is engaging and educational. The show’s writers and producers work closely with child psychologists, educators, and researchers to develop storylines and characters that align with developmental milestones. This research-driven approach has been a key factor in the show’s success and longevity.
11. The Muppets Have Their Own Language
Jim Henson and his team developed a unique language for the Muppets called “Muppetese.” This gibberish-like language is used in segments where the Muppets communicate without words, relying on tone, pitch, and body language to convey meaning. Muppetese has become a hallmark of the Muppets’ universal appeal, as it transcends language barriers.
12. The Show’s Impact on Early Literacy
Studies have shown that Sesame Street has a significant positive impact on early literacy and numeracy skills. Children who watch the show regularly are more likely to recognize letters, numbers, and basic vocabulary. The show’s emphasis on repetition, humor, and visual storytelling makes it an effective tool for early learning.
13. The Hidden Adult Humor
While Sesame Street is designed for children, it often includes subtle jokes and references aimed at adults. For example:
- The character Guy Smiley, a game show host, is a parody of real-life TV personalities.
- The “Monsterpiece Theater” segments, hosted by Alistair Cookie, parody highbrow cultural programs.
- The show’s writers have included clever wordplay and pop culture references that go over the heads of young viewers but entertain parents.
14. The Show’s Legacy of Inclusion
Sesame Street has always been a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion. The show was one of the first to feature a racially integrated cast, and it has consistently introduced characters and storylines that reflect a wide range of experiences. For example:
- Julia, a Muppet with autism, was introduced in 2017 to help children understand and accept neurodiversity.
- The show has featured bilingual characters like Rosita, who speaks both English and Spanish, to celebrate multiculturalism.
15. The Show’s Influence on Pop Culture
Sesame Street has had a profound influence on pop culture, inspiring countless parodies, references, and tributes. From Saturday Night Live sketches to viral YouTube videos, the show’s characters and songs have become ingrained in the cultural zeitgeist. The show’s ability to adapt and remain relevant for over five decades is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Sesame Street is much more than a children’s show; it is a groundbreaking educational tool, a cultural phenomenon, and a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. Its little-known facts reveal the depth of thought, care, and research that have gone into making it a beloved institution. As Sesame Street continues to evolve, it remains a shining example of how media can be used to educate, inspire, and bring people together.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world of Sesame Street, these fascinating tidbits offer a deeper appreciation for the show’s rich history and lasting impact. As the show’s creators often say, “Sesame Street” is brought to you by the letter ‘L’ for learning and the number ‘1’ for being the best in children’s television.
