Show marks 35th year of 'Sesame Street'

By Judith S. Gillies
Washington Post

But when the show went on the air it barely had a title, recalled Joan Ganz Cooney, originator of the children's television series. "We thought children would pronounce it 'see-same' and we sweated and sweated over that," she said. But once the show aired, "it seemed odd that we had worried so about it. Possibly any title will do if you have a smash hit."

At 8 p.m. Sunday, "Sesame Street" launches its 35th season with a prime-time special on PBS. The hour-long "Sesame Street Presents: The Street We Live On" also airs as the opening show of the daytime season Monday.

The special focuses on Elmo, the little red Muppet who learns about his street. With the help of his friend Grover, Elmo sees "Street" highlights such as the wedding of Luis and Maria, and Gordon and Susan's adoption of Miles, as well as other clips.

There are 26 new shows this season, said Lewis Bernstein, executive producer. "We've added some new things — in a way going back to our beginnings — by doing parodies of other programs that are fun for kids but, on a double level, fun for their parents."

This season will include "Dr. Feel" meeting "Dr. Phil" McGraw, in a bit that will focus on emotions; and "Joe Hundred Guy," a take-off on "Joe Millionaire" that will show how to count by tens. At the beginning of the programs, celebrities such as Venus Williams, Kelsey Grammer, Doris Roberts, Wayne Brady and Cher will share their favorite "Sesame Street Moment."