“Sesame Street” began its life in 1969 against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous times in American history. As the Vietnam War raged and the civil rights movement grew, producers wondered how they could teach young children to navigate the newly changing American landscape. They consulted educational experts and child psychologists and created the most successful children's show in TV history.
Now in its 50th year, Sesame Workshop has brought parents and children alike together through its timeless lessons of acceptance, respect and diversity, and has grown to reach kids in several mediums in more than 150 countries and 70 languages. “Our mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder knows no geographic boundaries,” said Jeffrey D. Dunn, Sesame Workshop’s CEO. "We’re everywhere families are, and we never stop innovating and growing. That’s what keeps us timeless.”
Wondering exactly how timeless? Here are some of the show’s most iconic and teachable moments.