Groundbreaking, engaging, educational — "Sesame Street" is all of those things, and on Monday, the Muppet-filled classic is also 45 years old.
"Sesame Street" debuted on NET (before the days of PBS ) on Nov. 10, 1969. But for those who've grown up with Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and more, the series seems ageless.
That's not to say it hasn't changed over the years, but as it's expanded to include new characters and broach new topics, the show's managed keep its core values to teach, embrace and entertain kids — and adults, too.
From star-studded educational skits to furry character-led classics, "Sesame Street" has long mastered the method to keep generations coming back for more.
Here are just a few of our favorite examples of that successful formula:
- James Earl Jones presents the alphabet (1969)
- Kermit contemplates bein' green (1970)
- Johnny Cash delivers the ballad of 'Nasty Dan' (1973)
- Destiny's Child shows Grover and the gang 'A New Way to Walk' (2002)
- Christopher Reeve helps Ernie's Rubber Duckie with his ABCs (2000)
- Patrick Stewart ponders B or not a B (2001)
- Elmo finds his song (1990)
- Neil Patrick Harris shows off his new shoes (2008)
- 'Sesame Street' goes head over heels for 'Upside Downton Abbey' (2012)
- Peter Dinklage explains why what Simon Says goes (2013)
Here's to another 45 years just as full of memorable moments!
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