A Bold Experiment

With its signature mix of laughter and learning, Sesame Street has been enriching little minds and bringing families closer for over five decades. It began in 1969 with a simple yet revolutionary idea: use the emerging medium of television to help children learn. Rigorously researched, deeply inclusive, and famously furry, our bold experiment thrived to become the most-watched children’s program in history.

The Longest Street in the World

Sesame Street addresses the full gamut of age-appropriate lessons: ABCs and 123s, healthy habits, self-expression and self-regulation, empathy, friendship, and so much more. With an approach that’s brilliantly adaptable to local cultures and educational needs, versions of Sesame Street today reach children in over 150 countries. Its iconic characters such as Elmo, Grover, and Big Bird are beloved by fans around the globe.

Generations of Impact

The program has garnered more Emmy Awards than any other TV show. But our proudest achievement is its effect on kids. More than 1,000 studies tell us that Sesame Street reaches children in every demographic group, that those who watch do significantly better than those who don’t across a range of measurements, and that the benefits last long after preschool. That impact keeps expanding as we work to make the show fresher, funnier, and more effective for each season and each generation.