Sesame Street

Arts

'Sesame Street' writers authorize a strike if they don't reach a contract by Friday

10:09am April 18, 2024

Writers for the children's program want better residuals and annual raises, and for auxiliary works, such as social media segments, to be covered by union benefits. Their contract expires Friday.

Education

'Sesame Street' co-creator Lloyd Morrisett dies at 93

10:58am January 25, 2023

by Kaitlyn Radde

Sparked in part by the civil rights movement, the show aimed to teach children basic skills. His hope was to "help those children who would otherwise not succeed in school, do better," he said.

When Black Boys Die, a gunplay written and directed by William Electric Black.

How the arts can help children think about gun violence

4:00pm June 07, 2022

by Jon Kalish

The former Sesame Street writer is working with the NYPD to create a small pilot program on gun violence at an elementary school in East Harlem.

Big Bird of Sesame Street attends the 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. His announcement about getting the COVID-19 vaccine elicited a mixed response.

Big Bird got 'vaccinated' against COVID-19, drawing outrage from Republicans

1:26pm November 08, 2021

by Rachel Treisman

Big Bird, who is technically 6 years old, got his COVID-19 vaccine over the weekend. His announcement did not sit well with conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz, who called it "government propaganda."

Jim Henson, the puppeteer behind Ernie, and Frank Oz, the longtime voice of Bert, on the set of Sesame Street.

Arts

The Story of 'Sesame Street': From Radical Experiment To Beloved TV Mainstay

8:00am May 08, 2021

A new documentary Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street recounts how the classic program reinvented children's television and continues to interpret the world with authenticity.

Elmo and Hoots the Owl join the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra on stage.

Music & Culture

Elmo Sings! Watch Him Perform 'It Feels Good (When You Sing a Song)'

8:18am October 30, 2020

by Alex Ariff

Watch a duet between Elmo and Hoots the Owl on stage with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Be careful not to sprain yourself smiling.

A Swingin' Sesame Street Celebration: 50 Years and Counting with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Elmo, Abby, Big Bird, Grover, Oscar the Grouch, Rosita, Bert & Ernie and Count Von Count.

Music & Culture

Swinging The Clouds Away: Jazz Takes Over Sesame Street

1:09pm October 23, 2020

On this show, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis invite the Sesame Street gang onstage. Plus, trombonist Joe Fielder's Open Sesame share rare songs from the Sesame songbook.

Puppeteer Caroll Spinney who played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street, died Sunday at age 85.

Caroll Spinney, Who Played Big Bird And Oscar On 'Sesame Street,' Dies At 85

4:22pm December 08, 2019

by Laurel Wamsley

The actor and puppeteer performed on the popular TV show from its very first episode in 1969 until his retirement last year.

'Sesame Street' has many versions around the world. Above: its new Afghan characters, 6-year-old Zari (left) and her brother, Zeerak.

Health & Safety

With $100 Million Grant, Sesame Workshop Reaches Out To Refugee Kids

4:49pm December 29, 2017

by Holly Morris

In January, Sesame Workshop will start creating programs for Syrian kids who've had to flee their homeland. The goal is to help them deal with the "toxic stress" of refugee life.

Queue Listen Now

Julia (center) first appeared online and in printed materials as a part of Sesame Street's See Amazing in all Children initiative. She'll now appear on TV as well. From left, Elmo, Alan Muraoka, Julia, Abby Cadabby and Big Bird.

Julia, A Muppet With Autism, Joins The Cast Of 'Sesame Street'

12:14pm March 20, 2017

by David Folkenflik

Julia has bright red hair, big green eyes and she loves to draw. She can be a little shy, but Elmo and Abby Cadabby don't mind. She's voiced by Stacey Gordon, whose son is on the autism spectrum, too.

Queue Listen Now