Happy 40th birthday, Sesame Street!

by Glenn Hauman on November 10th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Posted In: News

On this day in 1969, the National Educational Television network premiered a show from the Children’s Television Workshop, with songs, animation, Bob McGrath, Loretta Long, Caroll Spinney, Carol Burnett, and Muppets.

Forty years later, Sesame Street has become the longest running American children’s program, having helped educate generations of children worldwide. And Bob McGrath, Loretta Long (Susan) and Caroll Spinney (Big Bird and Oscar) are still there. (Think of it– 40 years as an 8 foot tall bird.)

The effect of the show is so powerful and widespread, this song made it up to #16 on the Billboard charts in 1970:

Make sure you catch the season premiere today, with special guest Michelle Obama. Check your local PBS station for times and listings– or (sign of the times) get the Sesame Street podcast on Sesame Street - Sesame Street Podcast - Sesame Street Podcast.