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Revision as of 11:06, 7 April 2002 by Rmhermen (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Sesame Street is made in America, and viewed worldwide by millions of preschoolers and young children. It premiered in 1969 and has received more Emmy awards than any other program. The program uses a mixture of puppets, animations and live action to teach young children basic literacy eg. colours, numbers, days of the week. It also has segments focusing on basic life-skills, eg how to cross the road safely, the importance of basic hygiene and so on. Sesame Street has a strong multi-cultural element, and makes efforts to be very inclusive in its casting, incorporating roles for disabled people, young people, senior citizens, Hispanic actors, African-American actors and so on. It encourages children to realise that people come in all different shapes, sizes and colours, and that no one physical 'type' is any better than another.
Sesame Street is broadcast in many countries around the world and various countries have their own version of the program with their own characters. Broadcasts in Australia commenced in 1971. In Canada, 15 minute segment called Sesame Street Canada were broadcast starting in 1970 and eventually grew to a full program called Sesame Park in 1995. Separate programs exist in Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico and a joint Israel-Palestinian project. International characters include: in Canada, Basil, a polar bear and Louis, a French speaking otter; in Germany, Rumpell, an oscar-like character that lives in a rainbarrel; in the Netherlands, Pino, a blue Big Bird.
Primary characters include:
- Bert and Ernie
- Big Bird
- Oscar the Grouch
- The Cookie Monster
- The Count von Count
- Grover
- Mr Snuffaluffagus
- Kermit the frog
- Elmo
- Rosita
- Baby Bear
- Telly
Primary living actors:
- Mr. Hooper
- Bob
- Alan
- Susan
- Gordon
Famous guest stars and various children from New York schools and day care centers are a constantly changing part of the cast. Minor puppets also have come and gone over the years.
Sesame Street is known for its merchandising, including many books, magazines, video and audio media, toys, and the "Tickle-me Elmo" craze. There are also live touring show and a theme park near Philadelphia.
Sesame Street is produced by Sesame Workshop, formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop or CTW.