For anyone unaware, this is a PBS ("Public Broadcasting Service") show which originated in the States, then spread around the world via various permutations. In other words, it was a wildfire hit that kids and educators everywhere absolutely fell in love with, fast. The goal as I understand it was to help modern kids understand and cope with the world around them, sort of an update from previous shows like Howdy Doody, Andy Devine, and whatever else I'm forgetting. I've talked before about how much I venerate Jim Henson.
Known human cast: Bob McGrath (Bob), Matt Robinson (Gordon), Loretta Long (Susan), and Will Lee (Mr. Hooper).
Muppets: Big Bird, Bert, Ernie, and an early orange version of Oscar the Grouch (who turned green in the second season).
Performers at bottom: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and Caroll Spinney, which begs the question-- who the heck's performing as Big Bird??
@taiyang@lemmy.world adds on:
"Almost there on description but I want to add it also was aimed and oriented towards lower income families in particular, a big reason it takes place in the kind of urban environment you’d grow up in if you were a poor (usually ethnic minority) kid.
"Lots of segments also highlighted things like community resources, like libraries, as well as all sorts of stuff rich people want to defund. But PBS has always been like that, hence why they illegal defunded it last year.
"Quick edit: oh I know a bit about this because of my PhD in education. They did studies on its impact because it was to elevate education outcomes. Iirc, it wasn’t all that effective but that’s mostly because poverty is really, really bad for educational outcomes."
Great info! I'll link / requote it above.
Based on what you wrote, it also makes me curious if Henson had any regrets about Sesame Street. That is, his career could have gone in almost any direction at that point, and he'd already done all kinds of work by 1969, but the show certainly locked up a bunch of his time, energy and creativity for years. Sure, he was able to launch lots of other projects in time, but my sense is that his career might have gone a lot differently without Sesame Street.
For example, his other work could be a lot darker and non-children-oriented at times. Even the Muppet Show promo had a sex theme. For example, I'd previous posted about him HERE, which includes a short, experimental film by him.
I can't imagine he'd regret it, but you're right that his career would be very different. But I think most people who worked on the show were passionate about helping children learn, and I imagine that's no different for Henson.
I wish I could remember the material I read about this, but it was years ago. Otherwise you'd have a better source than my memory! It's also a little funny that it reached such a secondary audience, including wealthy families (who were presumed to have better options like tutors).
I wasn't proposing overall regret, and I'd be very surprised to learn if that was the case. More like-- "this part of the show could be a bit of a drag for me" and "I really wish I'd had more time for X project." That kind of thing. I mean, just his overall thoughts on the show, pros, cons & insider stories would be interesting, and indeed... maybe there's a book or something.