On this date forty years ago a TV show debuted that would revolutionize children's television. November 10, 1969 was the first broadcast for Sesame Street and it's lovable cast of characters Big Bird, Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Grover, The Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch.
Sesame Street 40 years later now has an audience of 8 million viewers on 350 stations in 120 countries. It's an enjoyable blend of education and entertainment that easily crosses cultural and generational boundaries and is the longest running children's show on television.
The show is most famous for Jim Henson's Muppets, who became so popular that they ended up with their own show in the 80's and a hit motion picture.
The cast of characters has also expanded over the years as some of the Sesame Street faves like Kermit migrated to The Muppet Show. and new ones such as The Count, Zoe, and Elmo arrived on Sesame Street and became the favorites of a new generation of kids. Sesame Street not only keeps the show fresh and exciting for new generations of kids, it has hosted countless celebrities doing their part to help 'edutain' kids. They've crossed a wide variety of musical genres throughout the years from Destiny's Child, Stevie Wonder, Crystal Gayle and Sheryl Crow to legends such as Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Placido Domingo and Ray Charles.
It has also had appearances, from astronauts Sally Ride and Buzz Aldrin, pro athletes, political figures, newscasters such as Diane Sawyer and Brian Williams, chef Emeril Lagasse, Regis Philbin, and Maya AngelouFormer First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush have appeared on the show. Today's 40th anniversary show will feature First Lady Michelle Obama. She'll be making an appearance today to discuss healthy eating habits and exercise.
Happy Anniversary Sesame Street! May you continue to be around for another generation of kids large and small.
