Half A Century Later: Sesame Street Still Has Impact On Kids and Adults
We will never stop being a kid at heart with Sesame Street!
It’s hard to believe that Sesame Street is half a century old. What started as an “experiment” according to one of the show’s co-founders, Lloyd Morrissett, has become a learning tool and entertained kids and adults all over the world.
Since it began on November 10, 1969, characters such as Big Bird, Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and additional ones like Abby Cadabby and Rosita continue to teach kids their ABC’s, numbers, and the importance of kindness. These muppets and their human characters have also taught adults values to pass on to their kids.
As the show enters another season, here are some reasons why they still continue to be loved and watched by many around the world.
1. The show is backed up by research
The storylines of each Sesame Street episode may be simple, but they all go through tons of consultation and researches.
In an episode of 60 Minutes Australia, it was revealed that the show’s producers and writers from Sesame Workshop have been working with educators and child psychologists to determine issues and lessons they can put on the show.
Some of the episodes have discussed race, children’s mental condition, and death.
2. They’ve never been afraid to tackle difficult and taboo issues
The show has tackled issues and concerns that could impact kids and adults. In an episode in 1983, the show tackled the concept of death when the actor who played Mr. Hooper, Will Lee, passed away in December 1982.
In 2002, the South African version of the show introduced Kami, an HIV-positive muppet, to bring awareness to HIV and AIDS.
The show also introduced Julia, a muppet with autism in 2017. Julia’s presence aims to show how kids and parents can discuss and deal with people that may be going through the condition.
In 2019, they introduced another character, Karli, a muppet who was taken in by a foster family to highlight foster families and the role they play in society.
3. The show continues to evolve
Aside from television, children and those who grew with the show can watch it online. It has also been featured in various podcasts.
It has produced various spin-offs, movies, and merchandise that can be purchased.
The show has its own amusement park as well called Sesame Place in Philadelphia and San Diego.
4. They make parodies of famous shows, movies, and music videos
The show may not be afraid to tackle controversial issues but they also know how to have some fun. Through the years, they have been making parodies of famous TV shows, movies, and music videos that have impacted pop culture.
Some of the videos they made include “El Patito,” their version of the hit “Despacito,” “Furry Potter and the Goblet of Cookies,” their take on “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” and a mash-up of 80s songs.
Moreover, the show has gotten a lot of special guests including basketball stars, celebrities, and politicians.
5. They teach us the importance of being human
The world has been through a polarizing series of events, but the show has never stopped teaching values that include love, kindness, and respect.
Additionally, the show continues to keep up with the times. Some of its campaigns have been tweaked to teach the importance of hygiene brought by the pandemic.
It has also produced some of the most memorable children’s songs that have been performed many times.
Half a century on, it’s clear that Sesame Street will continue its mission and will remind us of the inner child within us.
Sesame Street Still Has Impact On Kids and Adults 52 Years Later
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