This Day in History:
'Sesame Street' Debuts November 10, 1969 'Sesame Street' was created
by former public television
documentary filmmaker
Joan Ganz Cooney. Cooney sought to provide
programming for preschoolers
that would both entertain and educate. Puppeteer Jim Henson created some of
televisions most recognizable characters
for the show, including Big Bird, Grover,
Oscar the Grouch and Bert and Ernie. The show's diverse human characters
and positive social messages were
somewhat groundbreaking for the time. The show continues to
tackle difficult topics,
including HIV and the U.S. opioid crisis. 'Sesame Street' has played in
more than 120 countries and
has been viewed by more than
80 million Americans alone.