I remember growing up on Sesame Street — as I’m sure many other people did. I mean, it hit hard when Mr. Hooper suddenly wasn’t there, and the show had to explain his death. But even though I grew to know that it was a show designed to be “educational” for kids, I also found it entertaining — even now, I get more than a nostalgic pleasure from it. Many of the bits are clever and fun.
Of course, it jumped the shark a bit when Snufflleupagus suddenly became visible by everyone, and not just Big Bird, but I’ll forgive them that.
This original video — part one of three (here’s two, here’s three) — shows some of the thought that went into the whole concept, which must have been revolutionary at the time. Education television? For kids? Here’s the money quote:
“We want to emphasize that the Children’s Television Workshop is an experiment. Research is woven into the total fabric of the show … by the time our program goes on the air, it will be the most thoroughly researched show in the history of the medium.”
Even in this original bit, you can see the foundation of the show is fully realized. There’s bits with muppets, interspersed with “real-life” urban clips — and a heck of a lot of multiculturalism.
(via Coudal)
Grant Hamilton
