52 years of 'Sesame Street' history

In a historical moment, the show launched with Gordon showing 6-year-old Sally around "Sesame Street." In its first year, the show’s curriculum focused on counting from one to 10, colors and shapes, reciting the alphabet, and relational concepts. The show also introduced children to more complex topics like emotions, individuality, and cooperation. Viewers met some of the most beloved television characters of all time like Big Bird, Kermit the Frog, and Oscar (who was originally orange).

[Pictured: Loretta Long, Bob McGrath, Matt Robinson, and Caroll Spinney in "Sesame Street" in season one, episode three.]

The human hosts of "Sesame Street" were joined by the show’s first Latino cast members, Tom and Miguel. David also joined the cast later in the year. The curriculum in season two built on season one, focusing on topics like counting to 20, simple math like addition and subtraction, and sight words. Characters also helped young viewers explore topics like hope, imagination, and the concept of remembering.

[Pictured: Muppet Ernie and Sherlock Hemlock from season two, in late 1970.]

Longtime cast members Maria and Luis became part of the show in season three, along with another iconic resident of "Sesame Street": Snuffleupagus. The Martians, also known as the "Yips," made their terrestrial debut on "Sesame Street" this year. Ecology and problem-solving were major themes throughout the season.

[Pictured: Emilio Delgado (Luis) and Sonia Manzano (Maria) on set.]

Two international co-productions of "Sesame Street" launched in 1972: Plaza Sesamo in Mexico and Vila Sesamo in Brazil. While modeled after the success of "Sesame Street" in the United States, the international broadcasts were adapted to meet each country’s cultural identity and educational priorities. Back in the United States, season four introduced the famous numerically minded vampire, Count von Count. Love and kindness were major concepts revisited throughout the season.

[Pictured: Count von Count.]

In 1973, Germany launched Sesamstrasse, another international co-production of "Sesame Street." This season also introduced young viewers to new characters, including the Twiddlebug family, and new concepts like understanding and recognizing emotions. Johnny Cash and Morgan Freeman were two of several guests who paid a visit to "Sesame Street" this season.

[Pictured: The Muppets of season five.]

The curriculum for season six was structured around social interactions, teaching kids the value of varying perspectives and divergent thinking. These ideas were reinforced through the help of guest stars like Arthur Ashe, Richard Pryor, the Pointer Sisters, and Helen Reddy. Season six was also when the familiar Typewriter animation made its debut.

[Pictured: The season six cast of "Sesame Street."]

The residents of "Sesame Street" explored major issues affecting their community and beyond, including basic politics related to the nation’s bicentennial, new segments focusing on children with learning disabilities, and even leaving "Sesame Street" to visit Luis’s family in the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico. This season highlighted the importance, and subsequent impact, of presenting viewers with characters that looked and learned like them, as well as places that resembled their own environments.

[Pictured: The season seven cast.]

After receiving criticism that the few women on the show were cast in stereotypical roles, this season of "Sesame Street" focused on expanding the number of women and the diversification of their interests and pursuits. Viewers met Olivia, a professional photographer, for the first time in season eight. Guest stars included Anne Revere, Judy Collins, Clarice Taylor, and Paul Simon.

[Pictured: Publicity photo of American actress, Margaret Hamilton, and American Muppet, Oscar the Grouch.]

Once again, the cast left the familiar setting of "Sesame Street" for Hawaii, a new setting rich with cultural and ecological diversity, which were prevalent themes throughout season nine. The curriculum also introduced lessons on overall health, nutrition, and personal hygiene. Popular segments including Sign Cartoons and Monsterpiece Theater—modeled after PBS’s "Masterpiece Theater" and used to make works of cultural significance accessible to children—debuted in season nine.

[Pictured: Ernie helps Bert's nephew Brad by giving him bath toys.]

In its tenth season, the cast of "Sesame Street" continued to explore new settings and present lessons in environments where context further supports learning. Locations included apartments, hospitals, and even popular destinations in New York City, like Central Park. The season's curriculum focused on reading, science, health, and nutrition.

[Pictured: The "Sesame Street" cast of season 10.]

In the premiere of season 11, the cast visits Puerto Rico where Oscar met a fellow grouch, Osvaldo, el Gruñón. Later in the season, "Sesame Street" was visited by two special guests from a galaxy far, far away: C-3PO and R2-D2 from "Star Wars."

Season 12’s curriculum placed an emphasis on health and safety, as well as foundational, pre-science concepts. Many iconic guests stopped by "Sesame Street," including Cab Calloway, Itzhak Perlman, and (Mister) Fred Rogers.

[Pictured: Fred Rogers on "Sesame Street."]

As part of the show’s efforts to explore and promote acceptance of individual differences, including physical differences, a blind Muppet named Aristotle was added to the cast in 1981. This season’s curriculum also touched on topics relating to the environment. All-star athletes, actors, and musicians paid visits to "Sesame Street," including Julius Erving, Diana Ross, Harry Belafonte, and Madeline Kahn.

[Pictured: Julius "Dr. J" Erving on Season 13.]

At the beginning of this season, Big Bird went away to camp. The multi-episode segment explored topics like leaving home, making new friends, and how it’s okay to be sad to leave the people you love. Featured guests included James Taylor, Billy Dee Williams, and Giancarlo Esposito. This was the last season to feature Mr. Hooper.

[Pictured: James Taylor performs "Jellyman Kelly" with the kids in an epsiode during season 14.]

The death of Will Lee—the show's beloved Mr. Hooper—in 1982 presented an opportunity for "Sesame Street" to explore death in a gentle and authentic way for children. After deciding not avoid the truth by writing Mr. Hooper off the show or replacing Lee with another actor, curriculum experts took care to craft an episode that not only explained death but also the emotions that come with it, like sadness, confusion, and even anger. The episode also messaged to viewers that those left behind are still loved and cared for. Episode 1839 won an Emmy.

[Pictured: Big Bird hangs the drawing of Mr. Hooper by his nest in Emmy winning episode 1839.]

This season focused on making traditionally uncomfortable environments like hospitals more familiar and less frightening to young viewers. It also built on season 15’s computer-based curriculum. “Sesame Street”—always hip to the latest in pop culture—also built segments around the growing popularity of music videos and new-wave music in the mid-1980s. Guests on the show this year included Dizzy Gillespie, Loretta Lynn, Mandy Patinkin, Menudo, Smokey Robinson, Sid Caesar, and Jane Curtin.

[Pictured: A scene from season 15.]

Season 17 introduced the world to one of the most beloved youngsters in television history—an inquisitive, friendly, giggling little monster named Elmo. While Elmo made brief appearances in prior seasons, this was the first season we learned his name and the one in which he was established as a prominent "Sesame Street" resident. Season 17 was also when Snuffleupagus was finally revealed to the adults of "Sesame Street" as a real being, and not just Big Bird’s imaginary friend. This moment validated children’s thoughts and feelings even if they feared they might not be believed. In another major milestone this season, the show addressed adoption through the introduction of Susan and Gordon’s adopted son, Miles.

[Pictured: Oscar the Grouch on set, mid 80s.]

In season 18, "Sesame Street" further developed its curriculum to teach kids, in addition to counting to 40, how to apply mathematical concepts in real-world settings. John Candy, The Four Tops, Rhea Perlman, Pete Seeger, and Joe Williams all paid visits to "Sesame Street" this season.

[Pictured: Kermit from the "On My Pond" episode of season 18.]

Season 19 followed the story arc of Maria and Luis’ romance, culminating with their marriage. Guest stars this season included Ruben Blades, José Ferrer, Keith Hernandez, Pee-Wee Herman, Lillian Hurst, Jay Leno, and Mookie Wilson.

[Pictured: Maria and Luis’s wedding.]

Following season 19's finale featuring Maria and Luis's wedding, season 20 focused on the next phase of their relationship and a natural fact of life—pregnancy. The season concluded with the birth of their daughter, Gabriella. Fay Ray, the famous Weimaraner sometimes dressed in overalls, other times dressed in animal disguises, made her debut in season 20. Jamie Lee Curtis, Billy Joel, Martina Navratilova, Susan Sarandon, and Dave Winfield were just a handful of people on the star-studded guest list who visited "Sesame Street" this season.

[Pictured: Cast and crew for season 20.]

Environmentalism was a major theme in season 21 and was, in part, communicated through a new segment called Gloria Globe. Season 21 also debuted the colorful exploration of letters and words through Alphaquest, and a familiar tune we came to know as "Elmo’s Song." Mr. Handford was added to the cast of human characters on "Sesame Street" this year.

[Pictured: Barbara Bush reads Pete's Chair to Big Bird, The Count, and the kids during season 21.]

Season 22 kicked off a four-year curriculum on race, promoting pride in our own identities, and respecting and celebrating others, no matter how different they may be. In an iconic segment from the season, Whoopi Goldberg and Elmo discussed the beauty of each other’s physical differences, like the color and texture of their skin, hair, and fur.

[Pictured: Whoopi Goldberg appeared alongside Hoots and Elmo in segments discussing pride.]

"Sesame Street" continued its race curriculum in season 23 with a focus on Native Americans. The cast traveled to Pryor, Mont., to learn about life on a Crow Indian reservation and witness an authentic Crow Indian naming ceremony. New Muppets introduced this season included Roxie Marie, Monty, Colambo, Baby Tooth and the Fuzzy Funk, Chicago, and Rosita.

[Pictured: Big Bird learns to lasso in Montana.]

Season 24 celebrated Latino culture with a focus on Spanish language, Latino guest stars, and a segment called “Big Bird’s Video Postcards” in which he traveled around the country highlighting displays of Latino culture and heritage in the communities he visited.

[Pictured: Big Bird's video postcards.]

The 25th season of "Sesame Street" brought major changes to the setting, cast, and curriculum. A new block called "Around the Corner" was added to show's physical footprint and with it came many new characters, humans and Muppets alike. This season focused on topics like family dynamics issues often faced by preschool children (i.e., is my mom/dad going to come back to pick me up?).

[Pictured: Savion Glover on Sesame Street.]

In 1994, amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a co-production of "Sesame Street" broadcast in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza used original characters to deliver messages of respect empathy, and cooperation. It was a model that would be replicated in other conflict zones around the world to enact positive change and peaceful coexistence, beginning with younger generations.

[Pictured: Season 26, episode eight, Betty Lou's Dolly loses her head.] 

Season 27 was referred to as an experimental season because the show’s producers changed their approach to presenting lessons. To accommodate children whose learning was closely tied to musical or mathematical aptitude rather than linguistics, the lessons were strategically presented in varied, consecutive ways.

[Pictured: "Two Princes" sketch where Chris mediates a discussion amongst the three monsters and shows how they can all play together.]

In this season, the Muppets, through Maria’s admission to the hospital for stomach pains, taught children how to cope with sudden and uncertain situations. Later in the season, Elmo faced more jarring realities when he found his pet goldfish Bubbles had died. Elmo cried until he no longer felt like crying; the message to kids was that it’s okay to not always be okay.

[Pictured: Maria goes to the hospital in the two-part season premiere.]

Season 29 focused heavily on the wonder and excitement of science. A major feature of this season was a science- and discovery-themed story arc called “Slimey to the Moon,” told over the course of 18 weeks. Special theme weeks including music, health, literacy, and laughter also were featured throughout season 29.

[Pictured: "Slimey to the Moon" set.]

Season 30 debuted the famous "Elmo's World" segment and introduced viewers to Alan, the new owner of Hooper's store and beloved "Sesame Street" resident. This season was a star-studded affair with guests like Maya Angelou, Garth Brooks, Rosemary Clooney, Terrell Davis, Doug E. Doug, Fran Drescher, Béla Fleck, Denyce Graves, Patti LaBelle, Nathan Lane, Liam Neeson, Conan O'Brien, R.E.M., Ben Stiller, and Trisha Yearwood.

[Pictured: Cast of season 30.]

Helping children learn to cooperate and resolve conflict in their own environments was the primary theme of season 31. The cast also taught children how computers can be used as tools for both creativity and communication. Guests in this season included The Goo Goo Dolls, Chaka Khan, Spike Lee, Christopher Reeve, and the New York City Ballet.

[Pictured: Big Bird and Elmo from season 31.]

The beauty of art beyond aesthetics and the importance of creativity and creation itself were the primary focuses of season 32. The curriculum centered on music and art and throughout the season, the Muppets each embarked on some type of creative endeavor.

[Pictured: Kermit's penultimate "Sesame Street" appearance in a scene for the first "Hurricane" episode.]

Though "Sesame Street" was in the middle of production when the events of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred, writers and producers knew they needed to give children tools and a space to process the tragedy. Four special episodes created in response to the terrorist attacks covered topics like fear, loss, and bullying motivated by cultural intolerance. Significant changes to the format also were implemented, including new segments like "Number of the Day" and "Letter of the Day."

[Pictured: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and his wife Nane pose with some "Sesame Street" characters in December 2001.]

Cultural competence was the focus of season 34. Celebrating our differences while also recognizing the similarities that bind us—both globally and within our own country—were key components of this season’s curriculum. Segments like “Global Grover” and “Global Thingy” were created to promote lessons of global acceptance.

[Pictured: Big Bird and friends perform at the 76th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.]

A computer-animated character named Traction Jackson—TJ for short—made his debut in season 35. TJ, a basketball fanatic and dog lover who also was in a wheelchair, taught kids that beneath our physical differences there are many similarities that connect us.

[Pictured: Traction Jackson.]

The issue of child obesity in the United States dictated much of the season’s curriculum around health and nutrition. It also prompted major changes to one of the show’s longtime residents. Cookie Monster began to model better eating habits, singing and reminding viewers that “a cookie is a sometime food.”

[Pictured: Still taken from season 36, episode three, "The Healthy Foods Game."]

Season 37 explored nontraditional families and international adoption when Gina adopted her son, Marco, from Guatemala. Viewers this season also met Muppet Abby Cadabby, a fairy in training.

[Pictured: Still taken from season 37, episode 24, "Gina Adopts a Baby: Part 3."]

With military deployments at a record high, "Sesame Street" recognized the need for resources to help military families process and cope with the challenges of having a loved one in a war zone. The show created a multimedia kit that dealt with loss, homecoming, and how to maintain a healthy family, even worlds apart.

[Pictured: 'Sesame Street' characters perform for MacDill Air Force Base.]

To further enhance viewers' vocabulary, a new segment called "Word of the Day," building upon an older segment, "Letter of the Day," was introduced. A new human character named Chris Robinson moved to "Sesame Street" this year and began working at Hooper’s Store. Over 30 guests stopped by "Sesame Street" in season 38, including Tina Fey, Diane Sawyer, Anderson Cooper, and Ellen DeGeneres.

[Pictured: Wanda the Word Fairy visits "Sesame Street" to show the meanings of certain words in season 38, episode three.]

The set of "Sesame Street" got a facelift during season 39, including a laundromat where the long-standing Fix-It-Shop once was. A new cast member named Leela—owner of the laundromat—also was introduced in this season.

[Pictured: During season 39, episode three, Chris folds laundry at the new laundromat.]

Environmentalism returned as the curriculum focus of the 40th anniversary season. Episodes included segments about animal behaviors like hibernation and migration, lessons on how to be good stewards of the planet, and features that inspired love and respect for the natural world. "Sesame Street" hosted 35 guests that year including Michelle Obama, Ricky Gervais, Adam Sandler, Ziggy Marley, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

[Pictured: Michelle Obama appears on "Sesame Street" on May 5, 2009.]

Much like Whoopi Goldberg’s segment a decade earlier in which she proudly declared she loved her skin and hair, the segment “I Love My Hair,” performed by Anything Muppet in season 41, garnered positive attention for its message of self-love and acceptance. A new segment called Super Grover 2.0 also debuted this season with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

[Pictured: "Sesame Street" characters pose under a "123 Sesame Street" sign at the "Sesame Street" 40th anniversary.]

The curriculum in season 42 focused on STEM, with new segments like “Murray’s Science Experiments.” This season aimed to develop children’s capacity for critical thinking and problem solving, as well understanding how the world around them works.

[Pictured: Leela, Elmo, and Zoe work on a group experiment in season 42, episode 2.]

Building on the STEM content introduced in season 42, season 43 added art to the curriculum. A segment debuted called “The People in Your Neighborhood” and highlighted individuals with unusual careers.

[Pictured: Brandeis wants a job in season 43, episode seven.]

In 2013, "Sesame Street" launched a tool kit called "Little Children, Big Challenges" that aimed to help children and families cope with an incarcerated parent. The online teaching kit featured a Muppet named Alex whose dad was incarcerated—a first in the history of "Sesame Street".

[Pictured: First Lady Michelle Obama with "Sesame Street" Muppets Elmo and Rosita at the White House, Oct. 20, 2013.]

Season 45’s curriculum taught kids how to recognize and regulate their emotions. These skills were reiterated throughout the season and piggy-backed on a similar set of skills introduced in season 44.

[Pictured: Chris helps Penelope, an overly excited penguin, learn how to control herself and make new friends in season 45, episode five.]

More experimentation with format and curriculum took place in season 46, with episodes centered on a single theme, fewer Muppets featured throughout the season, and fewer parody and celebrity segments produced. This season’s goal and overarching theme was to teach kids how to show kindness.

[Pictured: Chaos at Hooper's store.]

Afghanistan’s co-production of "Sesame Street," "Baghch-e-Simsim," introduced the first Afghan Muppet named Zari. Zari’s character promoted gender equity and in doing so, served as a role model for Afghan children. She loved sports, had an appetite for education, and aspired to have a career. These things made Zari another pioneering character under the "Sesame Street" brand and a force for positive social change.

[Pictured: A Muppet named "Zari" at an Afghan television studio in Kabul.]

In 2017, Julia was introduced to the "Sesame Street" cast as the first Muppet with autism. Her arrival was met with overwhelming gratitude from those whose lives are affected by autism in many ways. Julia’s existence marked another representation milestone, giving kids with autism the opportunity, perhaps for the first time, to meet and learn from someone on TV who was just like them.

[Pictured: Muppet Julia from the "Meet Julia" episode.]

In 2018, "Sesame Street" introduced its first homeless Muppet named Lily. Recognizing that homelessness is an issue affecting millions of children in the United States, Lily was created as the face of the "Sesame Street" in Communities Program—a multimedia resource to help children, families, and advocates navigate problems like homelessness.

[Pictured: Muppet Lily.]

“Sesame Street” introduced a new Muppet named Karli to its online “Sesame Street” in Communities program. Karli was placed in foster care while her mom dealt with “a grown up problem”—the show’s definition of addiction. “Sesame Street” addressed the opioid crisis and its impact on families, especially children, through Karli’s experiences.

[Pictured: Muppet Karli.]

“Sesame Street” partnered with CNN in June of 2020 to host a special town hall called “Coming Together: Standing Up To Racism.” The hour-long program gave children and families the opportunity to explore, together, the context around Black Lives Matter protests and the racial climate in the U.S. more generally—including the long history leading up to 2020's inflection point. Familiar faces like Elmo, Big Bird, and Rosita were joined by experts to discuss and answer questions about protests as well as how to recognize and stand up to racism, police brutality, and embracing diversity.

“Coming Together: Standing Up To Racism” can be viewed here for free and no login required.

[Pictured: Elmo and his dad Louie talk about why people are protesting in a town hall hosted by CNN.] 

As part of Sesame Workshop's ongoing racial justice initiative “Coming Together,” the nonprofit launched “ABCs of Racial Literacy,” offering new resources and content to help families understand and appreciate racial differences. New Muppets Elijah and Wesley, both African American humanoids,  answer other characters' questions about race, such as why their skin is brown and what makes a person Black. Elijah explains to Elmo: “The color of one's skin is an important part of who we are, but we should all know that it's OK that we all look different in so very many ways.”

[Pictured: Wesley and his dad Elijah.]