Who doesn’t love Sesame Street? With 50+ years on television, filled with catchy songs and loveable characters, most of us have a happy memory or favorite sketch we remember of 123 Sesame Street. The hit show started as an idea between producer Joan Ganz Cooney, Carnegie Foundation VP Lloyd Morrisett, and the man behind the muppets, Jim Henson, with the intention of finding a way for a television program to be good for kids. Since premiering in 1969, their beloved creation has gone on to be shown in more than 100 countries and include more than 20 international editions. In this blog, we’re sharing our top five reasons that Sesame Street is so loved (and how you can get Sesame Street tee shirts, including Elmo tee shirts!).
The muppet characters
Big Bird, Bert & Ernie, Oscar The Grouch, Cookie Monster, and who could ever forget Elmo? These characters have been in our lives from a very early age and are so beloved around the world.
In fact, there are scientific reasons toddlers and kids go crazy for Elmo! According to the American Optometric Association, the first colors that babies see are primary colors (usually starting with red). Researchers also found that Elmo speaks in “Parentese”, the high-pitched language many parents use to communicate with their babies. So for many toddlers and babies, Elmo reminds them of their parents and the first colors they saw.
The human characters
Sesame Street has always been about more than the muppets. The human characters keep the show more “real” and grounded than if it only featured muppets. Plus, the human characters help the show tackle more serious topics. For example, when actor Will Lee, who played shopkeeper Mr. Hooper, passed away, the show featured a sketch on how to deal with the death of a loved one.
The inclusive subject matter
Besides the human characters, Sesame Street has always made it a point to show kids that everyone is equal and loveable no matter what. Sesame Street regularly features children with disabilities, different multi-cultural backgrounds, and even an HIV-positive muppet in the South African version of the show.
The school-readiness
In 2015, University of Maryland’s Melissa Kearney and Wellesley College’s Phillip Levine found that watching Sesame Street was as effective as them attending preschool. They found the show helped children be more ready to start and stay at the appropriate grade level for their age. After Sesame Street premiered in 1962, children living in places where it was broadcast saw a 14 percent drop in their likelihood of being behind in school.
The guest stars
Alongside the regular human cast, special guest stars and celebrities unexpectantly will pop up on 123 Sesame Street to teach the audience about a new word, idea, or life lesson. From Katy Perry to Stevie Wonder to Maya Angelou and many other famous faces in between, we love seeing how celebrities will use their creative voice to teach children something new. Who remembers Hootie and The Blowfish teaching us to hold an adults’ hand when we cross the street? Check out this YouTube video for a (safe!) trip down memory lane.
Headed to the new Sesame Street at Seaworld in Orlando soon? Show your love for Sesame Street with new need Sesame Street Tee Shirts. Shop here for Cookie Monster, Oscar The Grouch, and Elmo Tee Shirts >