Bert (left) and Ernie star in "Sesame Street," which marks its 40th anniversary Tuesday on PBS (check local listings).
"Sesame Street" launches its new season Tuesday, Nov. 10, 40 years to the day it premiered and revolutionized television.
The show has made such an impact that the world can be divided into pre- and post-"Sesame Street" people. Those old enough to have learned to read from Dick and Jane wound up watching the Muppets with younger siblings or children. Those who grew up with the show had an advantage. As studies have proven, children who watch "Sesame Street" start school more prepared to learn, know their letters, understand basic phonics and have a concept of math.
"Sesame Street," however, has been on for 40 years because it gives viewers what they want sheer fun.
When raising money to get it on the air, Joan Ganz Cooney, the show's creator, vowed that "every piece of education would be entertaining, and every piece of entertainment would be educational."
Sure, some skits work better than others. What program, offering so much for so long, could say otherwise? "Sesame Street" never stops trying, changing with the times. Those revisions sometimes rankle viewers who want it to stay as it was when they were toddlers.
This is not your mother's "Sesame Street." There are CGI segments with Bert and Ernie, "Abby's Flying Fairy School" and guys rapping a count to 40 in the season opener.
Tuesday's episode has heavy-hitting guest stars befitting a special anniversary. First lady Michelle Obama, Cameron Diaz and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony Award winning creator and performer from "In the Heights," appear.
Mrs. Obama plants seeds with two girls, a boy and Elmo and talks about how delicious and healthful vegetables are. When Big Bird ambles by, she beams with unabashed joy. Who could blame her?
Being in the presence of Muppets is a treat. But as to the 40-year-old question, "Can you tell me how to get to 'Sesame Street'?" the answer, geographically speaking, is to go to New York, take the R train to Astoria, Queens, and walk past well-tended homes until you get to the hulk of a building that houses the studios. Of course, you need to get past security.
Upstairs, magic happens. On a soundstage are Hooper's Store, with cafe tables, Charlie's Auto Repair and the 123 building. Though the new season premieres this week, the cast was wrapping up the season in February.
In the season opener, Miranda plays a slightly smarmy, very funny, rapping real estate agent. He tries to get Big Bird to migrate, showing him beaches and forests. The giant yellow one, though, says, "Sesame Street is where I belong. This is my habitat."
And that ensures another season of sunny days.
"Sesame Street," however, has been on for 40 years because it gives viewers what they want sheer fun.
When raising money to get it on the air, Joan Ganz Cooney, the show's creator, vowed that "every piece of education would be entertaining, and every piece of entertainment would be educational."
Sure, some skits work better than others. What program, offering so much for so long, could say otherwise? "Sesame Street" never stops trying, changing with the times. Those revisions sometimes rankle viewers who want it to stay as it was when they were toddlers.
This is not your mother's "Sesame Street." There are CGI segments with Bert and Ernie, "Abby's Flying Fairy School" and guys rapping a count to 40 in the season opener.
Tuesday's episode has heavy-hitting guest stars befitting a special anniversary. First lady Michelle Obama, Cameron Diaz and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony Award winning creator and performer from "In the Heights," appear.
Mrs. Obama plants seeds with two girls, a boy and Elmo and talks about how delicious and healthful vegetables are. When Big Bird ambles by, she beams with unabashed joy. Who could blame her?
Being in the presence of Muppets is a treat. But as to the 40-year-old question, "Can you tell me how to get to 'Sesame Street'?" the answer, geographically speaking, is to go to New York, take the R train to Astoria, Queens, and walk past well-tended homes until you get to the hulk of a building that houses the studios. Of course, you need to get past security.
Upstairs, magic happens. On a soundstage are Hooper's Store, with cafe tables, Charlie's Auto Repair and the 123 building. Though the new season premieres this week, the cast was wrapping up the season in February.
In the season opener, Miranda plays a slightly smarmy, very funny, rapping real estate agent. He tries to get Big Bird to migrate, showing him beaches and forests. The giant yellow one, though, says, "Sesame Street is where I belong. This is my habitat."
And that ensures another season of sunny days.
