How Sesame Street Stays Cutting Edge

Sesame Street might have turned 47 last November, opens a new window, but the kids hit TV show has stayed fresh and relevant over the years. Sesame Street has hosted celebrity guests like Neil Patrick Harris, opens a new window, who sung about all the different kinds of shoes you can wear. Popular all-female music group Fifth Harmony was recently on to teach kids about finding music everywhere, opens a new window.

Sesame Street is also welcoming a new muppet to the neighborhood. Julia, opens a new window is a 4-year old muppet with autism who loves to sing and has a great memory for lyrics. But she’s also sensitive to loud sounds, such as sirens, which upset her.

Sesame Street’s creators have also created new resources, including books and digital videos, starring Julia to support children with autism and their families.

This isn’t the first time Sesame Street introduced a diverse, yet relatable character to children. In 2013, Sesame Street introduced Alex, a muppet whose father was in prison. More than 2.7 million American children, opens a new window had a parent in jail or prison at the time of Alex's debut. The Huffington Post recently compiled a list of 10 more moments, opens a new window when Sesame Street tackled diversity and inclusion.

Watch Sesame Street With the Library!

Here’s one more way the iconic show is staying cutting edge: You can stream Sesame Street episodes and eBooks, opens a new window on Hoopla for free with your San Mateo County Libraries card! If you haven’t tried Hoopla already, it is your source for popular eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, movies, TV shows, and more. There are no holds so you can enjoy your content right away. There’s even a Kids Mode feature on Hoopla so your family can easily find children’s content including Sesame Street.

Who’s your favorite Sesame Street muppet? Mine is Cookie Monster. Share yours in the comments!