History of Sesame Street
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This article chronicles the history of the children's television show Sesame Street.
[edit] Pre-production (1966-1969)
Joan Ganz Cooney invited some guests over to dinner on a blustery day in February 1966 to her and her husband Tom's Manhattan apartment. Most dinner guests were involved in some way with television; they included Cooney's boss Lewis Freedman, former program director for local educational television station WNET in New York, and Lloyd Morriset, then vice president of the Carnegie Corporation, which has supported public television since its earliest days.
[edit] Naming the show
David Connell commented that CTW "toyed with everything from The Video Classroom to The Nitty Gritty Itty Bitty Kiddy Show." The list of names included an extended version of the second, The Nitty Gritty Itty Bitty Dog and Kitty Farm and City Little Kiddy Show. Staff writer Virginia Shoen wrote a list of possible names, which she then tested one weekend, on neighborhood children, to gather their reactions.
On the list was a play on the phrase "Open Sesame", magic words used in Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Connell and the team were "desperate" enough, that he circulated a memo throughout the CTW office. It stated that anyone with a better name could submit it as an alternative, or else the name would take effect on the following Monday.
Staff have been described as feeling "lukewarm" about the name Sesame Street - the name won by default with no better alternatives offered. A month later, it is recorded that the staff had "adjusted to the name and thought it fitting". Still, fear lurked that its young audiences would pronounce it "See Same Street."
[edit] Inaugural season: 1969
| “ | Sally, you've never seen a street like Sesame Street before. Everything happens here; you're gonna love it! | ” |
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— Gordon Robinson at the beginning of the very first Sesame Street
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Sesame Street premiered on November 10, 1969. The very first scene was a clay-animated sequence showing two crates forming the words "Sesame Street", followed by the opening theme music. The first regular performer to appear on screen is Gordon (Matt Robinson) who introduces one of his students to his wife, Susan, as well as Bob and Mr. Hooper. Big Bird also appears, though the first puppet-style Muppets to appear on screen were Ernie and Bert.
During this first season, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch were the only Muppets to regularly appear in Street scenes, while Ernie and Bert and others debuted in separate segments. Big Bird had a much more naïve voice and a smaller head with fewer feathers, and Oscar was a "toxic" orange. Cast members Bob McGrath, Will Lee (Mr. Hooper), Matt Robinson (Gordon Robinson) and Loretta Long (Susan) were the original human cast members. With the exception of Mr. Hooper, who died in the early 1980s (along with the actor in real life), the other original characters are still with the series as of 2006, making them some of the longest continually-running non-soap opera characters in American entertainment. Bob and Susan are played by the original actors, but Gordon has been played by three different actors. The original Gordon was slimmer, with a large afro and a sideburn/mustache combo. (Actor Matt Robinson was one of the show's producers during this first year.)
The original episodes had a much more literal, almost lecture-like tone to the Street scenes, closer in style to its original contemporaries like Mister Rogers Neighborhood or Captain Kangaroo. With time, the Street-scenes became more natural and plot-like, with less breaking of the fourth wall.
Sesame Street's format as established in 1969 would remain virtually unchanged for decades: live-action street scenes (sometimes following a minor plotline) would alternate with Muppet comedy skits, musical numbers and short film segments. Many of the Muppet scenes and films were created so that they could be replayed over and over (at least one segment would be repeated within any given episode); some of the segments made in 1969 would continue to be rebroadcast into the 1990s until they were finally retired.
[edit] The 1970s
In the second season of Sesame Street, the show quickly started to develop new elements, and polish off old ones.
[edit] More Muppets
Grover, as of yet unnamed, went from having brownish-green fur to his familiar fuzzy blue coat. Oscar, who originally had a bright, blinding orange fur with yellow eyes, changed to his forever messy, dirty green fur, with white eyes. Originally just a gag monster, Cookie got his name in the premiere episode. Big Bird, who looked rather dim-witted in the first season because of the small amount of plumage above the head, grew new feathers. While his appearance changed to show more intelligence, his personality followed suit. No longer a slow, pea-brained adult, he was now just a really tall 6-year-old kid with lots of curiosity.
Throughout the decade, more Muppets were added, due to popular demand. Herry, The Count, Little Bird, Sherlock Hemlock, Roosevelt Franklin, and Herbert Birdsfoot all made debuts in this decade. Roosevelt, an African-American puppet, would turn out to be one of the most popular characters, even spawning solo records. But with growing fears that the character's out-going, snappy, occasionally smart-alec personality might be misinterpreted as a negative stereotype of blacks, the character left when its voice, the original Gordon Robinson, was replaced.
Sam the Robot, originally known as Sam the Machine, was a full-body puppet robot that strangely hung out on the inner-city New York streets. It both walked and talked slowly, just as it caught on very slowly, too slow to make the cut for future seasons. A dog named Woof-Woof was added as human librarian Linda's pet. His name later was changed to Barkley.
[edit] More humans
The human element of the neighborhood expanded as well, bringing the friendly faces of Molly, Tom, Rafael, and longer lasting characters like David, Maria Figeuroa, and Luis Rodriguez. David and Maria's characters would show obvious affection toward each other; it remained a mutual crush, as there was never any signs of a serious relationship. Their long-lasting love continued into the early-to-mid-80s, when it became a love triangle with Luis.
Also added was deaf actress Linda Bove playing a character called Linda. She was the first deaf regular on any television series, let alone in children's television. As a librarian, she was a positive role model to those with disabilities, and broke down barriers for those without, proving that the disabled could make valid contributions to society.
[edit] Off the show
The Sesame Street on Ice show was produced and toured around the United States. Also, the human cast toured in a live musical stage show, predecessor to Sesame Street LIVE!.
[edit] The 1980s
The 1980s brought more new muppets- Telly Monster, Elmo, the Honkers, the Dingers, Forgetful Jones and Placido Flamingo. Elmo started as just an anything muppet monster. Few guessed that he would become a legend in the coming decade. The major lasting human characters added to the show were Gina Jefferson and Bob's Uncle Wally.
1985 also saw the characters on movie theater screens for the first time in Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird.
[edit] Specials
1983 saw the 90-minute special Big Bird in China, a co-production with Chinese state TV, which aired on NBC.
[edit] Remembering Mr. Hooper
The 1980s brought about episodes and story arcs exploring important themes, such as birth, death and marriage.
Perhaps the most important of these "Sesame Street" episodes concerned the passing of Mr. Harold Hooper. Will Lee, who had portrayed Mr. Hooper since the series' first season, died in December 1982, leaving the producers with a dilemma: What to do with Mr. Hooper's character? Several different scenarios were explored, such as hiring another actor to play the beloved storekeeper, or perhaps write out Mr. Hooper's character as having moved away. However, the producers decided these options would cause distress among young viewers.
Eventually, the show's writing team completed a script that was later selected by the Daytime Emmys to be one of the ten most influential moments ever on daytime television - one focusing on the death of Mr. Hooper.
The show aired on November 24, 1983 (Thanksgiving Day), so that parents could be home to watch the episode with their children and discuss it afterward.
In the episode, Big Bird had scrawled a picture of Mr. Hooper, and wanted to present it to him. However, Mr. Hooper was nowhere to be found, prompting Big Bird to ask his adult friends to help look for him. The adults remind Big Bird that Mr. Hooper had died some time ago. No big deal, reasons Big Bird, since he'll just wait for him to come back. This forces the adults to tell him the painful truth: When someone dies, they never come back. Big Bird realizes the loss and breaks into tears. The adults begin to cry as they console Big Bird and explain that every one has to die someday and that it is a natural part of life. By episode's end, Big Bird eventually realizes that Mr. Hooper has died, but both he and his adult friends will have many happy memories to remember him by.
The topic of death was dealt with directly; euphemisms that are often used to soften the blow of one's death (e.g., "passed away," "in Heaven now") do not appear in the script. Also, the cause of Mr. Hooper's death is not announced to the viewers.
In later interviews, cast members admitted the "Mr. Hooper farewell" episode was one of the most painful they ever had to do. In addition to explaining the process of life and death, this episode showed its childhood audience that it is OK for people - children and adults alike - to grieve when someone beloved dies.
[edit] Snuffy is real
Another landmark episode of the show took place in 1985, and concerned the revelation of Big Bird's "imaginary friend," Snuffleupagus, to the adults.
For years, Snuffleupagus – or "Snuffy," as Big Bird called him – was known only to Big Bird (and sometimes children as well), but always seemed to never be around when the adults came into the area. The adults often chided Big Bird for using Snuffy as a scapegoat for things gone wrong when they were away.
Finally, Big Bird became frustrated with all the grownups refusing to believe that Snuffy was real, so he decided to summon them to his nest by yelling a magic word, 'food'. The plan worked as Big Bird hoped and the adults entered the room and saw the unusual creature. Snuffy introduced himself, and Big Bird asked for an apology.
Snuffy was originally conceived as a nod to imaginary friends children often have. However, the Children's Television Workshop ended this running gag in light of high-profile stories on pedophilia and sexual abuse of children that had aired on shows such as 60 Minutes and 20/20 in the mid-1980s. The thinking was, if nobody believed what Big Bird says, children who were sexual abuse victims might be afraid to report what happened, since the adults would not believe them.
Despite the Children's Television Workshop's intentions, some longtime fans of Sesame Street said the revelation of Snuffy to the outside world created a suspension of disbelief. It is sometimes cited as a moment when Sesame Street "jumped the shark."
[edit] Baby Miles and the Rodriguez wedding
On a brighter note, Gordon and Susan Robinson adopted little baby Miles in 1985. In 1988, Maria's and Luis' love culminated, leading eventually to a wedding, in which Elmo was a ring-bearer. This was a twist to the plot, with Maria ending her truly evident crush on David, Maria and Luis led an active romance on-camera, Maria becoming pregnant just months later, and giving birth to baby Gabriella. Shortly after, the actor who played David died. This death wasn't addressed on camera: The character itself was just handled as if nothing was missing. Producers likely didn't want to have a second death episode in the decade. Gina continued her operation of Hooper's Store, now becoming manager.
[edit] 20th Anniversary
The show celebrated its 20th anniversary with an hour-long special titled Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting hosted by Bill Cosby, featuring many classic excerpts. It was aired not on PBS but on NBC.
[edit] Off the show
Sesame Place theme park opened in Pennslyvania, touting rides, attractions and parades themed to Sesame Street. Also, Sesame Street LIVE! arena tours were first organized with VEE Entertainment. These shows featured costumed characters based on the Muppets in the show, with multiple touring groups, each acting different plot lines. These were a replacement for the earlier shows featuring the human cast.
Joe Raposo, the musical director for the show, died in 1989. Many diehard fans linked his death to the start of a constant shrinkage of the irreverence that originally helped the show's popularity.
Also during the 1980s, rumors began to spread about the relationship between Muppet characters Bert and Ernie, who share a one-bedroom apartment and star in blackout skits in the series. Various sources began suggesting the two characters were homosexual partners. This rumor persisted into the 1990s, thanks to the growth of the then-new medium of the Internet. However, producers with CTW have continually denied that Ernie and Bert were gay [1], and are nothing more than just friends.
[edit] The 1990s
Many people agree that the third full decade of Sesame Street brought the most drastic changes, though this is debatable as Sesame Street has always been a constantly progressive show. The decade brought deaths, resignations, the characters peeking around the corner of the Street (quickly returning back to their end of the road), less letters sponsoring the show, and most critically, a little red Muppet that has been credited with saving the show's ratings with increased competition (leading to his own 1999 theatrical film, The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland).
Starting in November of 1993, the street's perspective expanded beyond the one corner it had occupied for the past 24 years. This expansion included a hotel, the Furry Arms, and new characters who worked in the establishment.
[edit] Elmo
In 1996, the character of Elmo was the fastest-selling toy of the Christmas season, selling over 5 million units in the United States.
On November 16, 1998, the Elmo's World segment was added. Many older Sesame fans were disgusted by this, believing it had little educational value and took away from the adult appeal of the show. Thus they believe that this is when Sesame Street jumped the shark.
[edit] Specials
In 1991, Big Bird's Birthday Celebration celebrated Big Bird's sixth birthday; until that point, the character had been only four years old. Although, this seems to be somewhat of a retcon, since in the 1985 feature film Follow That Bird and in the 1989 television special Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting, Big Bird is stated to be six years old.
[edit] Deaths and resignations
[edit] Jim Henson
One of the biggest blows to the series was the death of Jim Henson in May 1990, although to this day he is still being credited as a Muppet cast member due to his continued appearances via stock footage.
Henson's death resulted in rumors that Muppet character Ernie would be killed off to help children understand the concept of death and dying. However, this proved to be nothing more than myth [2], since Sesame Street had already done an episode about death (upon Will Lee's passing, and the subsequent storyline death of Mr. Hooper); however, thanks to the then-new medium of the Internet, rumors of Ernie's impending fate persisted for several years.
[edit] Other deaths
Other notable Sesame Street personnel who died during the 1990s were:
- Northern Calloway (David), in 1990 from cancer; he had left the series a year earlier.
- Richard Hunt (Muppeteer), in 1992 from AIDS.
- Jon Stone (producer who had been with the show since the beginning), in 1997, from ALS.
- Jeff Moss (songwriter who wrote such well-loved songs as Rubber Duckie, The People in Your Neighborhood, I Love Trash, and several others), in 1998, from cancer.
[edit] News headlines
- In 1994 the show was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- In February 1996, the original Ernie and Bert puppets were stolen from a museum in Germany. In addition to a large man hunt, Snuffy was shown pleading on German national television for their eventual safe return.
[edit] 25th and 30th Anniversary
The show aired a 25th anniversary special on ABC in 1994 and a 30th anniversary special in 1998 and 1999.
[edit] The 2000s
Curly Bear was born to Mama and Papa Bear. Baby Bear was grief stricken at no longer being the baby of the family.
Due to what they considered an "uncertain economic climate," Sesame Workshop (the succeeding name to CTW since 2000) laid off 70 people, amounting to about 20 percent of its work force in 2001 [3]. By 2004, they were producing only 26 episodes a year, down from 65 (earlier seasons had turned out 130 episodes a year).
In the March 3, 2004 episode, of The West Wing, President Bartlet enlists C.J. to try to improve the First Lady's image. As a solution, the First Lady films a public service announcement where she gives Elmo a checkup. The episode had guest starring roles of Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe and Rosita. The doctor's office used is that of Dr. Gina Jefferson on Sesame Street; Jefferson is a vet.
Carol-Lynn Parente was promoted from senior producer to executive producer of Sesame Street in June 2005.
[edit] Dealing with disaster
[edit] The "Sesame Street" Hurricane
A story arc starting on March 26, 2001 (encompassing episodes #3976-3980) dealt with a hurricane that hit New York City, directly affecting Sesame Street. The night after the hurricane, Big Bird found – to his horror – that his nest was destroyed. He and his friends spent the rest of the week dealing with this issue and rebuilding his home.
The "hurricane" episodes were repeated the week of October 4, 2004, in response to the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season which devastated Florida – in particular, hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. The episodes were replayed again on the week of September 12, 2005, in response to Hurricane Katrina.
Sesame Workshop announced plans in the fall of 2005 to release excerpts from the shows to DVD (called "Friends to the Rescue"). [4]
The filming of these episodes was featured in the show's A&E Biography.
[edit] 9/11 terrorist attacks
To deal with the events of September 11, 2001, the producers of the show had a plot line dealing with a grease fire in Hooper's Store, indirectly addressing the issues involved with the terrorist attacks – namely fear. It was here that Elmo witnesses a grease fire, and is very frightened. The rest of the episode tells the audience what exactly firefighters do; and thus gives credit - since Sesame Street is also in New York City - to the brave members of the Fire Department of New York who had risked their lives to save innocent people on 9/11 as well.
[edit] Reformatting for modern audiences
In its 33rd season (2002), Sesame Street underwent an obvious, dramatic makeover, apparently intended to address many of the current trends in children's programming, like more rituals and repetition, brighter, more cartoon-colorful real-life characters and sets, and more exaggerated, simplistic mannerisms in addressing the screen and seeking viewer interaction. Regular segments like Journey to Ernie are almost identical from one episode to the next, with only the fine details changing, and the Number of the Day always being presented initially by Count von Count playing up an organ keyboard until he finds it, sequentially.
This seems an attempt to emulate the huge success of Elmo's World, an extremely ritualized segment presenting exactly the same routine every week.
[edit] Osama and Evil Bert
A photograph of a protest rally in Bangladesh supporting Osama bin Laden showed a poster of Osama bin Laden with a small but clearly identifiable image of Bert over his right shoulder. For more on this event, see Bert is Evil.
[edit] 35th Anniversary
The show celebrated its 35th anniversary with the special Sesame Street: The Street We Live On, home videos of What's the Name of That Song? and assorted licensed merchandise. This episode took place about right around the time the actor of Mr Noodle Michael Jeter had died of AIDS, and was dedicated in his memory.
