Most Memorable Moments In 50 Years of ‘Sesame Street’

By Michele Yeo. 8 Nov 2019 4:19 PM

“Sesame Street” turns 50 this year. Since its premiere in November of 1969, the show has entertained and educated multiple generations of children. To mark this major milestone we’ve rounded up some of the show’s most memorable and iconic moments.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Muppets Studio

Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop

Paul Zimmerman/WireImage

Photo by Paul Zimmerman/Getty

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Sesame Workshop

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Kermit Laments Being Green
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Muppets Studio
In the show's first season, Kermit the Frog sings about being green and how it's not easy being "the colour of the leaves" and blending into the background rather than standing out like other, more flashy colours such as red or yellow. The song was featured in both "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show" and went on to be covered by artists like Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Van Morrison and Ray Charles.
Introduction Of Maria
Sesame Workshop
When Sonia Manzano joined the cast of "Sesame Street" in 1971 there was very little Hispanic representation on television. Maria was the first Latina in a leading role on TV and remained an integral part of "Sesame Street" until Manzano retired in 2015 after more than 40 years in the cast. Manzano was also one of the show's writers and won 15 Emmy awards throughout her run.
Mr. Hooper Dies
Sesame Workshop
When actor Will Lee, who had played Mr. Hooper since the show's inaugural season passed away in 1982 after a heart attack, producers were faced with the question of how to handle that the beloved character would no longer be appearing on the show. Rather than recast the part or explain his absence with a move or retirement, the show chose view it as a teachable moment and have the character of Mr. Hooper die as well. The episode was named by the Daytime Emmys as one of the most influential moments in daytime television.
Rubber Duckie You're the One
Sesame Workshop
Ernie's musical dedication to his longtime toy, Rubber Duckie, was featured in a 1970s episode of the show and quickly became a hit, even reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was nominated for a Best Recording for Children Grammy award. The Irish Rovers performed the song on their variety show in 1971 and Little Richard performed a rock version of the song in a 1995 episode of Sesame Street.
Mr. Snuffleupagus Is Revealed
Sesame Workshop
Aloysius Snuffleupagus made his debut on "Sesame Street" in 1971 and became fast friends with Big Bird. But the others never caught a glimpse of Snuffy, the elephant-like creature, who was always just missing the other residents, leading many of them to believe he was Big Bird's imaginary friend. Viewers were encouraged to draw their own conclusion about the existence of Snuffy. But in the show's 17th season, producers decided to reveal him to Big Bird's neighbours. The storyline was handled with care with many Sesame Street residences apologizing to Big Bird for not believing him in the first place and promising to take his word going forward.
The Show Addresses Adoption
Sesame Workshop
In 1985, "Sesame Street" tackled the issue of adoption when they had characters Gordon and Susan Robinson adopt their son Miles (who was played by the real of son of actor Roscoe Orman who played Gordon) The adoption storyline, a rarity on mainstream television at the time, was told over a four-episode story arc as well as in the storybook 'Gordon and Susan Adopt a Baby'.
Introduction Of Elmo
Paul Zimmerman/WireImage
Elmo was originally a background character known as "Baby Monster" but became a regular member of the cast in 1985 when puppeteer Kevin Clash assumed the role. Elmo went on to become one of the most popular (and divisive) members of "Sesame Street", making frequent appearances on other shows including regular cameos on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" before sparking a full-on holiday frenzy in 1996 when the Tickle Me Elmo doll became the hottest (and hardest to get) toy since the Cabbage Patch Doll craze in the 1980s.
C Isn't Always For Cookie
Photo by Paul Zimmerman/Getty
Ever since Cookie Monster made his debut in the premiere season of "Sesame Street", he's been defined by his insatiable love of cookies, even paying tribute to the baked goods in his 1978 song, 'C is for Cookie.' But the obesity epidemic had producers looking for Cookie Monster to exercise some moderation when it came to his cookie habit. In 2005 the loveable blue monster started incorporating more fruits and veggies into his diet, demonstrating that C can sometimes also stand for Carrot.
Caroll Spinney Retires
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
In late 2018, after playing both Big Bird and Oscar The Grouch since the show's premier in 1969, actor and puppeteer Caroll Spinney announced he was retiring after nearly 50 years. In a statement, 84-year-old Spinney said, "I will always be Big Bird. And even Oscar, once in a while! They have given me great joy, led me to my true calling and created a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever."
Sesame Julia
Sesame Workshop
Continuing its tradition of being a bastion of representation and inclusivity, in 2017 "Sesame Street" introduced Julia, its first muppet with autism. The character had previously been part of the Sesame Workshop online but made her on-air debut in April of 2017 during Autism Awareness Month becoming the show's first new character in 10 years. She is introduced as she's finger painting with Elmo, Alan, and Abby Cadabby. When Big Bird approaches and is confused as to why Julia isn't acknowledging him, the others explain that Julia has autism and that "she does things a little differently in a Julia sorta way."
Sesame Lily
Sesame Workshop
In 2011, on its online community, "Sesame Street" introduced the character of Lily, a bright pink seven-year-old who was described as "food insecure" due to her family's inconsistent access to food. In late 2018 it was revealed Lily's family had lost their home and were staying with friends. While the storyline wasn't part of the televised "Sesame Street" the producers hoped it would shine a light on a growing problem and help children have greater empathy and understanding of homelessness.
The Show Addresses The Opioid Crisis

In May of this year, on the online community, "Sesame Street" introduced a new character, six-year-old Karli, a friend of Elmo's who had just moved in with a new foster family. In the fall it was revealed that the reason Karli is in foster care is because her mother is in treatment dealing with an opioid addiction. Never one to shy away from tough topics, Sherrie Westin, president of Social Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop, said in a statement "Addiction is often seen as a 'grown up' issue, but it impacts children in ways that aren't always visible. Having a parent battling addiction can be one of the most isolating and stressful situations young children and their families face."

Most Memorable Moments In 50 Years of ‘Sesame Street’

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