Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Now Showing

Sesame Street

"Kindness is in the air."

7.1
Yr 1969
Status Returning Series
Your Verdict
Unrated

Rate this show to unlock picks like it. Create a free account.

Series Brief

Overview

On a special inner city street, the inhabitants—human and muppet—teach preschoolers basic educational and social concepts using comedy, cartoons, games, and songs.

Status

Latest

  • Renewed through season 62 on Netflix — September 24, 2026
  • Storm on Sesame Street special premieres August 3 — reported July 30, 2026
Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 96 /100

Critically celebrated since its debut in 1969, Sesame Street is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in children's television. Reviewers consistently praise the series as a classic that bridges cultural and educational divides, seamlessly teaching early literacy, math, and social concepts through music, humor, and beloved characters.

Retrospective commentary highlights how revolutionary the series was at its inception, transforming what had been a bleak landscape for young viewers into an inspired, culturally diverse educational showcase. Decades after its premiere, critics continue to commend the passion and talent behind the show, affirming its evolution from an ambitious experiment into an enduring global mainstay.

“a classic preschool series renowned for its superb educational content”

“bridges many cultural and educational gaps with a fun program”

“In 1969, what was on TV for kids was a very dire landscape”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Why fans love it

Since its premiere in 1969, this comedy series has set itself apart by turning an inner-city street into a unique learning environment for preschoolers. The show established its identity through a distinct blend of human residents and puppets who teach basic educational and social concepts. Performers like Frank Oz helped shape the distinct humor of the neighborhood, establishing a format that relies on straightforward fun rather than formal lectures.

The ongoing appeal comes from how effectively the show delivers those early lessons. By mixing short cartoons, interactive games, and songs into the daily routine of its central street, the series keeps early childhood topics engaging and easy to understand. The plainspoken charm of the human cast combined with the energetic puppet characters creates an inviting space where foundational concepts feel naturally woven into everyday play.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 21
Longest run 3669 eps
Show 67 more
Fran Brill as Zoe / Prairie Dawn (voice) 3279 episodes Caroll Spinney as Oscar the Grouch 3656 episodes Kevin Clash as Elmo / Hoots the Owl / Baby Natasha (voice) 3656 episodes Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as Muppet 3248 episodes Martin P. Robinson as Telly Monster / Aloysius Snuffleupagus / Irvine / Slimey (voice) 3669 episodes Dave Goelz 3279 episodes Eric Jacobson 3279 episodes Jim Henson as Ernie/Kermit the Frog/Guy Smiley 3279 episodes Linda Bove as Linda 3279 episodes Pam Arciero 3279 episodes Joey Mazzarino as Murray & Blogg 3279 episodes David Rudman as Cookie Monster / Two-Headed Monster 3248 episodes Suki Lopez 3669 episodes Annette Calud as Celina 133 episodes Violet Tinnirello as Charlie 3505 episodes Stephanie D'Abruzzo as Curly Bear / Prairie Dawn (voice) 70 episodes Jennifer Barnhart as Zoe (voice) 3669 episodes Matt Robinson as Gordon Robinson 130 episodes Ryan Dillon as Elmo (voice) 3539 episodes Alan Muraoka as Alan 3669 episodes Fernanda Urdapilleta as Daniela 26 episodes Stacey Gordon as Julia (voice) 70 episodes Carmen Osbahr as Abelardo / Rosita (voice) 45 episodes David Beckham 2 episodes Chad Pennington 2 episodes Carol Burnett 2 episodes Conan O'Brien 1 episode Howie Mandel 1 episode Alec Baldwin 1 episode Richard Belzer 1 episode Chris Brown 1 episode James Blunt as Self 1 episode Matt Lauer 1 episode Ellen DeGeneres 1 episode Christopher Meloni 1 episode Ice-T 1 episode Ahmad Rashād 1 episode Al Roker 1 episode Charles Gibson 1 episode Ann Curry 1 episode Tyra Banks 1 episode Cuba Gooding Jr. 1 episode Jon Stewart 1 episode Sarah Jessica Parker 1 episode Meredith Vieira 1 episode Brandon Maggart 1 episode James Earl Jones 1 episode Kermit Love 1 episode Noah Wyle 1 episode India.Arie as Self 1 episode Samantha Bee as Mother Goose 2 episodes Jimmy Fallon as Wild Nature Survivor Guy 2 episodes Meilee Condron as Sporty Kid #3 3 episodes Andy Grammer as Self 5 episodes Ruth Buzzi as Suzie Kabloozie (voice) 134 episodes Maren Morris 2 episodes Panchito Gómez as Antonio 5 episodes Gwen Stefani as Self 2 episodes Rick Moranis as Self 2 episodes Lindsay Lohan as The Braid-y Bunch Member 2 episodes Hailee Steinfeld as Self 2 episodes Cate Elefante as Cate 5 episodes Olivia Perez as Mia 8 episodes Amanda Troya as Amanda 2 episodes Bill Irwin as Mr. Noodle 4 episodes Kristin Chenoweth as Ms. Noodle 2 episodes Taran Killam as Professor Buck Awe 2 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Sesame Street overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

puppet educational edutainment muppets
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
November 10, 1969
Status
Returning Series
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
299