Sesame Street made its broadcast debut on November 10, 1969. It is a pioneer TV show which focuses on teaching children the alphabet and numbers among other interesting things.
With its catchy theme song Tell me how to get to/how to get to Sesame Street, animation, puppetry, brief skits, musical numbers, cartoons and live action segments (video footage of children in other lands) the show engages the child’s mind and encourages learning, basic academic skills,self–esteem, positive socialisation and problem solving.
It soon gained immense popularity not only among children but adults as well. The show is the brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney – a former documentary producer for Public Television. Her aim was to do a show which would entertain and educate preschoolers.
Another aim of Cooney’s was to help underprivileged children between the ages of three and five prepare for kindergarten.
Cooney also coopted puppeteer Jim Henson to help create Sesame Street and he created a delightful family of muppets who are beloved household icons entertaining and educating generations of children and adults.Although Sesame Street is focused on children it has a subtle, mature sense of humour to attract and encourage parents to watch it with their children and participate in the learning process.
The show has had many guests, including prominent politicians, journalists, musicians, and actors.
Over its long run, Sesame Street has won more than 100 Emmy Awards—more than any other program Sesame Street is broadcast in 120 countries, with more than 30 international versions in production.