1. Big Bird Was Almost a Giant Puppet Flop
Sesame Street’s , Big Bird is iconic now, but early designs were clunky and the performance challenging. Carroll Spinney, the original puppeteer, wore a full-body costume with one hand controlling the head and the other operating the wing. His vision was through a small TV monitor strapped to his chest. It was an engineering puzzle that almost didn’t work — but thankfully, they stuck with it.
2. Elmo Was a Background Character for Years
Elmo didn’t become a breakout star until the 1980s. Before that, he was just another red monster with no defined personality. It was Kevin Clash who gave Elmo his famous high-pitched voice and toddler-like enthusiasm. Elmo went from background to headliner, even getting his own segment: “Elmo’s World.”
3. Cookie Monster Used to Eat EVERYTHING
Long before nutrition campaigns, Cookie Monster scarfed down cookies, tires, telephones — basically anything. But in recent years, Sesame Street rebranded him slightly. He now emphasizes “sometimes foods” and healthy habits. Still, the iconic voice and cookie obsession remain strong.
4. Sesame Street Was Originally for Inner-City Kids
The show was designed in the 1960s to help bridge the education gap for underprivileged children, especially those in urban communities. Co-creator Joan Ganz Cooney worked with psychologists and educators to create a show that used commercial techniques for educational purposes.
5. They Consulted Child Psychologists for Every Script
Sesame Workshop has always worked with child development experts. Every segment is pre-tested with kids to make sure they understand the message. This tight collaboration ensured that learning goals were not just aspirational but actually effective.
6. There’s a Reason the Street Looks the Way It Does
The show’s set was modeled after a New York City brownstone neighborhood, making it familiar to the kids it was trying to reach. Trash cans, stoops, and fire escapes all gave it an urban feel, grounding its lessons in the real world.
7. The Show Faced Controversy You Probably Missed
Sesame Street has tackled everything from death to HIV to incarceration. In South Africa, they introduced an HIV-positive Muppet. In the U.S., some stations initially refused to air the show because of its racially integrated cast. These choices were bold but purposeful.
8. Generations See Sesame Street Very Differently
Older fans often remember it as a quirky, subversive show filled with experimental animation and groovy music. Younger fans grew up with a slicker, more structured format. Reddit threads and parenting blogs often compare eras, showing how deeply the show has evolved.
9. Mr. Hooper’s Death Changed Children’s Television Forever
When actor Will Lee passed away, the show chose not to recast him. Instead, they addressed his death head-on. The episode where Big Bird learns Mr. Hooper has died is still cited as one of the most powerful children’s TV moments ever.
10. Some Characters Disappeared — And Here’s Why
Not every character stood the test of time. Roosevelt Franklin was retired due to concerns about reinforcing racial stereotypes. Don Music’s self-punishing antics were deemed inappropriate for kids. These choices show how the show adapts based on audience feedback and social awareness.
11. Guest Stars Had to Follow Strict Rules
From Robin Williams to Lin-Manuel Miranda, celebrities love appearing on Sesame Street. But they’re always briefed on guidelines: no off-script jokes, no political statements, and all content must support the episode’s educational goals.
12. Sesame Street Changed Its Education Strategy Over Time
Initially focused on letters and numbers, the show later embraced emotional intelligence, inclusion, and social themes. This shift reflects modern educational thinking, where empathy and diversity are just as important as ABCs.
13. The Future of Sesame Street Is Global and Digital
Today, Sesame Street has co-productions in over 150 countries. It also thrives online, with YouTube channels, apps, and digital games. The mission remains the same, but the methods are evolving to meet a new generation where they are.
Bonus: What Sesame Street Teaches Us About Storytelling
Consistency, heart, and a clear mission have kept Sesame Street relevant for over 50 years. For creators and educators alike, it’s a masterclass in balancing entertainment with impact.