Sesame Street is possibly the most famous street in the world – a meeting place for muppets, monsters, grouches, and a big yellow bird. Fifty years have passed since the first episode of Sesame Street premiered, and since its creation, it has grown into the world’s most influential children’s television program. And this weekend Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Celebration will air in Australia for the first time on ABC Kids on Saturday 11th July at 9.30am, and will also be available on ABC iview and the ABC Kids app.

The show started out as a means of reaching and educating poor, inner-city kids, but its mix of comic bits, songs and lessons caught on with children of all backgrounds.  In the 60’s, Jim Henson, artist and puppeteer, created the Sesame Street muppets, including Cookie Monster, Ernie and Bert, Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, Snuffleupagus, Count von Count and Elmo. These muppets interacted with humans, and as the show’s popularity grew, so too did the famous guest list (everyone from Julia Roberts, Destiny’s Child, Cameron Diaz, Kofi Annan and even former First Lady Michelle Obama have made an appearance).

What many people don’t realise is Sesame Street is run by Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit educational organisation. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. They are active in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve.

Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Celebration includes cameos from rarely-seen characters like Roosevelt Franklin and Kermit the Frog, and visits from celebrity guests Whoopi Goldberg, Patti LaBelle, Elvis Costello, Meghan Trainor, Sterling K. Brown, Norah Jones, Nile Rodgers, and Itzhak Perlman. Nearly every human cast member returns including Bob McGrath (Bob), Sonia Manzano (Maria), Emilio Delgado (Luis), Loretta Long (Susan), Roscoe Orman (Gordon), and Linda Bove (Linda)and legendarypuppeteers Fran Brill and the late Caroll Spinney also appear in the special.

It will air in Australia for the first time on ABC Kids on Saturday 11th July at 9.30am, and will also be available on ABC iview and the ABC Kids app.

“As we mark our 50th season, we want to remind families everywhere of the timeless lessons Sesame Street has always taught. Everyone, no matter where they are from, is equally deserving of respect, opportunity, and joy.”

Steve Youngwood, President of Media & Education and Chief Operating Officer of Sesame Workshop

The first episode of the 50th Season will then premiere on Wednesday 15th July at 9.30am on ABC Kids. The season’s celebrity guests include: Chrissy Teigen; musicians Charlie Puth, Dave Grohl, and Maren Morris; ballet dancer Misty Copeland; and comedian Michael Che. The season also introduces “Big Bird’s Road Trip,” a special segment that tours the United States and beyond to find out what kids love about where they live. In each instalment, Big Bird meets new friends – in person or via video chat – and learns all about their families, interests, and neighbourhoods.

“We can’t wait to share this season with Australian families and fans of all ages. Even as we take time to look back and honour our history, we keep innovating to bring today’s preschool kids something that’s tailored just for them – holding on to all the fundamentals that make Sesame Street so magical.” 

Ben Lehmann, Executive Producer of Sesame Street

Sesame Street content continues to be available via ABC Kids each weekday morning at 9.30am. The episodes are also available any time on ABC iview and the ABC Kids app.

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.