Watch Sesame Street 50 Years and Counting: Life on Sesame Street

Sesame Street has been an integral part of our lives for five decades now. Children from all over the world have grown up watching their favorite characters like Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Grover. The movie Sesame Street 50 Years and Counting: Life on Sesame Street brings back all those wonderful memories. The documentary starts with the history of Sesame Street, which began in the late 1960s. The creators Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett wanted to develop a show that could help kids from low-income families learn and prepare for school. They collaborated with a team of writers, puppeteers, and actors, including Jim Henson, to develop Sesame Street. The show aired for the first time on November 10, 1969, and has been going strong ever since.

The movie features interviews with the show's cast members, including Caroll Spinney, Leslie Carrara, and Ryan Dillon. Spinney was the puppeteer and voice of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for over 50 years until his retirement in 2018. Carrara has been performing as Abby Cadabby, a character created in 2006, and Ryan Dillon currently performs as Elmo.

Through these interviews, we get to know their experiences and perspectives of being a part of Sesame Street. They share their favorite memories, their experiences with children, and the impact the show has had on their lives.

The documentary delves into the show's intent to address sensitive topics such as diversity, racism, and mental health issues in a way that children can understand. We get to witness how the show tackled complex social issues through the years, such as the introduction of Alex, a character whose father was incarcerated, and how the writers discussed issues like dementia, homelessness, and addiction.

The movie also shows how Sesame Street has always been in touch with pop culture. Celebrities like Will.i.am, Pharrell Williams, Ed Sheeran, and many others have appeared on the show for special segments. The movie shows memorable musical sequences like the famous song "It's Not Easy Being Green" by Kermit the Frog, and the classic "Rubber Duckie."

The documentary also features archive footage of famous moments from Sesame Street history. It includes well-known moments such as the birth of Snuffy, the first counting of the way to Sesame Street, and the collaborations between Sesame Street and other children’s television shows.

Throughout its 50-year history, Sesame Street has reached millions of people globally, and the movie includes interviews with international cast members that have been a part of incarnations of Sesame Street in various countries like Japan, China, and Mexico.

The movie Sesame Street 50 Years and Counting: Life on Sesame Street is a wonderful tribute to one of the most iconic children’s television shows in history. Through interviews with puppeteers, cast members, archival footage, and musical numbers, the documentary gives an intimate look at the show's history and how it has evolved and flourished for over five decades.

In addition to entertaining audiences of all ages, Sesame Street has helped many children from low-income backgrounds get a head start in education. Through Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the show, Sesame Street has continued to innovate and create programs that address the educational and social-emotional needs of children.

Overall, Sesame Street 50 Years and Counting: Life on Sesame Street is a celebration of a beloved show that has entertained and educated generations of children. It is a must-watch for anyone who grew up watching Sesame Street and those who want to learn more about the show's history and cultural impact.

Sesame Street 50 Years and Counting: Life on Sesame Street is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes.