Celebrities know the way to 'Sesame Street'

Posted: Friday, August 01, 2008 6:00 AM by Courtney Hazlett
Filed Under: TV, Celebrities

Full disclosure: I was never a huge fan of "Sesame Street." Though I continue to compare people's behavior, from time to time, to that of Snuffleupagus, I wasn't impressed with the Muppet-driven show when it was age-appropriate for me, and my feelings didn't change when my youngest brother was born more than a decade later and I had a chance to re-formulate an opinion.

Which brings me to my current befuddlement: I cannot believe the caliber of guests that "Sesame Street" has lined up for its 39th season. Jack Black, Feist, Neil Patrick Harris, Heidi Klum, Jenny McCarthy, Will Arnett, David Beckham -- they're all appearing on the show, and that's just the August lineup.

How is this happening? I have fantastically underestimated either the skills of the bookers on the "Street," the strength of nostalgia's pull, or both. So why do I gripe? It's simple. I'm jealous. I might not have a yellow, feathered costume with which to woo an A-lister, but I still think Becks might enjoy my company (professionally of course). Also, these are killer bookings, going to waste. Show me a five-year-old who knows who Shonda Rhimes is (she's appearing later in the fall) and unless you can prove he/she reads Entertainment Weekly at bedtime, I'll show you a kid with an unhealthy and bizarre fascination with "Grey's Anatomy." I think it's safe to assume when it comes to celebrity guests on the show, they're largely interchangeable for the tykes.

So what do you think? I know what you're going to say: the parents/caretakers/humans within earshot of a television blaring "Sesame Street" deserve to be entertained. But really, these celebrities have limited time and they're giving it to a target audience that's largely under three feet tall. Are my feelings misguided, or do pre-schoolers need to know if Heidi Klum thinks they are in or out?

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Many of these celebrities have children of "Sesame Street" age. Is it possible they're doing it for them? How cool would it be for a toddler to see his/her mom/dad on the biggest kids' show of all? I've read many interviews with stars who say they've taken projects because it's something their little ones can actually watch, so I suspect that has a lot to do with it...

LoriAnn, Columbia, MO (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 9:41 AM)

Kids are much more tuned into culture than you think. I remember watching when I was a kid (yes, I liked Sesame Street) and the Muppets doing a song "Letter B" to the tune of "Let It Be". In my house, I was rasied to appreciate all kinds of music and was just in awe of their ability to tune into pop culture. Its nice when someone like that can come down to a child's level.

Shannon Williamson (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 9:46 AM)

I have always been a big fan of Sesame Street-- when it was age appropriate and now-- so it is not a surprise they are still able to lure big name celebrities. I think it is one the highest quality children's programs out there, especially compared to Barney, the Teletubbies, and some of the shows on Nickelodeon. I was actually surprised reading your commentary that you didn't love it. There was a fascinating documentary made a few years ago showing Sesame's influence on the world-- clearly, it's quality translates everywhere.

Sarah, Orlando, FL (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 9:51 AM)

I think you need to see what these folks are doing within the context of the program before deciding whether the casting is for the kiddies or their adult caretakers.

SS has a solid history of inviting interesting and talented performers onto its show, usually with good results. I see no problem with this at all.

Kelly G, Indiana (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 9:53 AM)

You make a good point, but you must remember who in the household has the buying power. Not the little Tyke, but mom or dad who is also watching/listening to the show. How many of these guests have a new movie/show/ product they are trying to get publicity for. Also, most of the celebs you have named have kids if their own who probably watch Sesame Street. Do not underestimate the power of impressing your kids

Alissa, MI (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 9:54 AM)

I think it is great that celebs are showing children and parents that education and learning is important. I doubt any preschooler is going to cheer when Klum comes on and say "Oh, I love those Manolos!, but it is seeing adults participating that makes it fun for everyone.

Forever Moore (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 9:54 AM)

The majority of these stars have young children. As another poster stated, how cool is it for a little one to see Mom or Dad on Sesame Street? It is also entertaining for the Mom and Dad who maybe watching Sesame with their child to see these people doing the show.

Dawn, Auburn, MA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:01 AM)

I watched and enjoyed Sesame Street as a wee one, but the star caliber of people like this would have been lost on me at the time. I think it's probably the show using their nostalgic pull to attract guests (most of who seem to be young enough to have watched the show) and in turn using the media attention it gets from those appearances to remind today's parents that they are still there. With Dora, Teletubbies, Power Rangers, Thomas the Tank Engine and others, it's harder for a show like Sesame Street to stand out these days.

Jim M, Fort Worth, Texas (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:04 AM)

I think that the celebrities may like that their young audiennce is not aware of their celebrity and they can just be themselves. There is no great expectation from the kids, just read the story or sing the song- no real talent needed. I have to say though, years ago when I saw Lena Horne on SS singing the alphabet I was floored!

S. Peace, Atlanta, Ga. (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:09 AM)

I loved Seasame Street as a child, (born in 73)and can remember Morgan Freeman, James Taylor, Carly Simon and other iconic entertainers co-hosting along side The Count, Oscar, and Big Bird. Don't be naive and think that a six year old doesn't know who David Beckham is, but even if they didn't, why would you say it is a waste? A child shouldn't have access to a gifted, articulate adult on television? We should just force them to watch mind-numbingly dumbed down claymation or cartoons only? Also, if Mom and Dad happen to be around, how cool is it, that they get to see a celebrity or entertainer they recognize. I am thrilled that I didn't grow up in the Sponge Bob era and will look back fondly on Elton John singing Crocodile Rock with his cool british accent!

Scout, Omaha - Nebraksa (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:09 AM)

Please take a look at Feist's "Counting to Four" contribution to Sesame Street--if there is a more infectious video out there, I have yet to experience it. Bravo.

DJB, Oklahoma City, OK (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:14 AM)

Alec Baldwin donning a too-small helmet and riding around on a tricycle is one of the funniest things I've seen on TV recently, adult OR kid oriented.

JM, Portland, ME (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:15 AM)

When my daughter was little, she's now 26, I remember an episode of Sesame Street with Smokie Robinson singing You Really Got a Hold on Me with a big letter U hugging him. I thought that was awesome then and still do today.

K. MacDonald, Kalamazoo, MI (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:15 AM)

As a parent, sometimes the adult guests are my favorite part while watching with my child. I still watch YouTube versions of my favorite ones (especially Shiny Furry Monsters). The adult guests have staying power in some minds!

Heather, San Gabriel, CA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:22 AM)

I bet you are the type who thinks kids should be seen and not heard and don't have or want any of your own. If I were a celeb I would be on any show that promotes children..and educates them to boot. Whenever I see a celeb on a childrens show I think how nice and caring they are. Children need adults in their lives as much or more than they need Elmo or Oscar the grouch. Putting adult celebs on the show is a great idea..teaches children that adults care and can be very cool!

Alice, Ohio (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:30 AM)

Of course kids know who these people are. Maybe they don't really know, but they recognize them as people from TV shows their parents watch.

Do you honestly believe that everyone sends their kids to bed when "Grey's Anatomy" comes on???

Rob, Chicago IL (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:37 AM)

Wow, Courtney...need to do some reasearch before you start writing your article here. Especially since you never paid much attention to the show in the past. Your information is faulty.

First of all, super-stars have ALWAYS graced Sesame Street. A child of the 70's myself, I remember the likes of Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Michael Landon, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster, and for pete's sake, even C3P0 showed up (BIG stars back in the day!!). So the fact that super-stars are being lined up for this season is absolutely nothing new. Secondly, because these now adult stars probably grew up watching Sesame Street themselves, it's not unfathomable to think that they want to contribute back to something they loved so dearly as children. Thirdly, jealousy is such a child-like emotion. Time for you to grow up and be an adult now.

Dawn, Ohio (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:41 AM)

I have read in interviews that some celebrities appear on Sesame Street because they admire the creativity and artistry that go into the show. That's the same reason that some of the biggest names of the 70s gave for appearing on The Muppet Show.

I might not have known who some of the people were when I was a kid, but I always liked seeing new faces doing new things when I watched the show.

Christine, Frederick MD (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:41 AM)

Are you kidding me???? Sesame Street is "THE GIG" to get for stars. Once you go on SS, you know you've made it.
Look back, especially in recent years, at the stars they get. Every single one of them, except for John Reznik of Goo Goo Dolls fame and who acted like he was so above singing with Elmo, has been utterly jazzed to be on the show and as a viewer, you can tell.
The Street is the place to be if you are a celebrity.
And only a lucky few get to join in the ranks, my guess is that the stars go looking for SS rather than the opposite. If you need proof of how much fun these celebrities have look no further than REM's performance of Shiny Happy People with the monsters on YouTube. It's one of the best, if not the best, celebrity clip from Sesame Street ever.

K, NJ (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:47 AM)

Like others have mentioned, it's fun for these celebrities to be on a show that is popular with their children. It's a way for them to share their job with their kids in a way their children can appreciate.
Furthermore, many of these stars likely watched the show when they were children (even the foreign-born ones since SS has international productions/ versions), so it's a thrill for them to be on the show now. I know I would be starstruck if I got to meet and work with Ernie and Prairie Dawn (I'm 26)!
Lastly, while many of the children who watch the show many not know who these people are, they can share what they do with the children and pique their curiousity to new activities. Maybe Heidi Klum will play dress up with Prairie Dawn and Becks will play soccer with Snuffy. You can't tell me that won't be fun to watch.

Heather BR, Cville, VA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:51 AM)

A wise person told me a child needs to spend time with adults other than their parents. If they can't do so in person, what better venue than an educational TV program?

I loved "The Muppet Show;" watch re-runs whenever I can. I wish they were still doing it. Not only are my children grown my grandchildren are as well.

Gloria W, Sunbury PA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:53 AM)

Maybe the stars have a great time doing it, too. Being the proud aunt of a four-year old, I started being exposed to children's television more than I'd ever imagined I would. One of her favorite shows is "Yo! Gabba Gabba!", which features costumed creatures singing infectious songs (even my late-30s boyfriend can't stop humming "There's a Party in My Tummy"). Celebrities like Elijah Wood show up to teach kids goofy dances, and I thought it was great when the drummer from Cibo Matto demonstrated the drums. Sure kids don't know who all these people are, but they know they like songs, goofy dances, and drums!

Chris, MI (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 10:55 AM)

I'm just glad my little one is finally old enough so I can get away with Sesame Street myself - I don't understand what the problem is here. :)

Candy, San Ramon, CA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:03 AM)

Kids may not be totally aware of who this guest star is, but as long as they entertain, that's all that matters. Feist's reworking of "1234" is a pretty wonderful piece, and Neil Patrick Harris' song about shoes was quite fun too.

Patsy (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:17 AM)

I have to add that you must not have children. I loved SS when I was little and now my children love it too. Never underestimate the power of SS. It is great program and a great way to begin the introduction of educational concepts to children. I feel that you are misguided in this article and have missed the point completely. My daughter finally grasped the concept of far away from Grover, and I was thankful for that.

Jennifer, Butte, Montana (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:21 AM)

Celebs would be smart to get a gig like SS. A parent is more likely to watch and/or hit the record button on the DVR if Becks is going to be on. It ups the celebs' cool factor if they can get on, and SS benefits from all of that increased viewership.

Karen, St. Louis MO (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:34 AM)

Whether or not my son knows who each artist is doesn't matter because they entertain. Every time a performing artist or musical group comes on, he stops in his tracks and sometimes even dances along. Also, the guests often teach valuable lessons or at least can bring along the discussion of "who is that" (like Maya Angelou, Patti Labelle, or Evelyn Glennie). One of my favorite Sesame Street segments my son and I have watched together (besides "Furry Happy Monsters" by REM) is when Whoopi Goldberg sat with Elmo, and they talked about how they liked each others features and how they were different but were perfectly happy to be themselves. To say any guest is a waste appearing on Sesame Street is pretty short-sighted.

Julie, Nashville, TN (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:34 AM)

Celebs are on SS for a very important reason, to lure the parents to watch SS and interact with their children. A lot of the humor on SS has always been geared towards adults. This is actually part of the core mission of SS. They have always wanted to put out a quality show that children love and parents love to watch with them. It's actually genius. I will always watch SS with my kidlets, but frickin' hate some of the other crap out there.

Kristen, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:43 AM)

How about the Parody of Born to Run by Springsteen with a Springsteen like muppet singing Born to Count with none other than the Count himself. That was 25 years ago and I still remember it.

Pamm, Nyack, NY (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:45 AM)

I am of the very beginning of the SS generation. I honestly have never heard of anyone that didn't like it, or even love it! Stars have been on ever since it started! Does anyone else remember Lena Horne singing "It's not easy being green" with Kermit the Frog? Everytime I hear that song, I think of Lena.

D. Green, Downingtown PA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:49 AM)

It certainly adds appeal to what some still perceive as the dull, mundane world of public television. A lot of these celebrities do recognize that public television is the last frontier for promoting intellectualism and the arts, and make their appearances in support of such endeavors. Furthermore, parents are more likely to watch such programs with their kids if they carry a little bit more 'wow' factor; I certainly wouldn't find Elmo's World nearly as repulsive if it consistently featured interaction with successful, identifiable role models.

Jaljeera, Sacramento, CA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:50 AM)

It's all hype and public relations. Kids couldn't care less about the big stars, but their parents do care, and they're the ones who buy stuffed versions of that insufferable Elmo and give Children's Television Workshop a stock portfolio Donald Trump would envy - and who, in addition, cheerfully donate to pledge drives and pay taxes that also support the show (Name me one other entertainment company that generates merchandising millions and ALSO gets a government handout. Sweet deal, eh?). You might think I'm being a bit hard on parents. But after all, they're also convinced that Sesame Street actually educates their kids, when all it really does is teach them to watch TV at a very early age. (If it really educates, how come so many older kids who grew up watching Sesame Street can't spell or write an intelligible sentence)? I applaud your clear-eyed view of what many consider to be a sacred cow. What its worshippers don't realize is they're the ones being milked!

Jake Wilkes, St. Louis, MO (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:52 AM)

The core message of Sesame Street is to deliver quality, educational material democratically to the masses. The delivery mechanism has always been to pair the coolest adult role models/entertainers with the hippest child role models/entertainers ie; Muppets and the fantastic Sesame Street human residents. Sesame Street crossed all cultural boundaries upon its debut and continues to democratize awareness, love, compassion and character to the least of us--children in marginalized communities with little or no access to quality education, health care awareness and models of healthy, functional families/communities. Sesame Street is a supremely powerful tool for change and delivers sanity into homes that may be frighteningly chaotic along with the message of hope in humanity and provides an infrastructure for building strong self-esteem into constructs where no such framework exists.

Linda, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:59 AM)

Courtney -- I'm one of those that appreciated SS as a kid, and also now as a parent, but I understand what it's like to be one of very few people who don't understand what all the hoopla is about something. Please ignore the comments from people who are accusing you of being "clueless" about kids. All you said was you didn't think it was that great of a show and you don't understand why the big stars apparently do. I don't fault you for that. Everybody has an opinion, and I liked hearing yours. Having said that, if I were a celebrity, I would be honored to be on SS and I'm the kind of person who would love to joke around with Elmo or sing with the characters. And yes, you are right, my kids have no idea who these celebrities are -- they would be just as entertained if a no-name talent was up there doing the gig. So I'm not sure if SS does it for us parents or what. But I feel strongly that the celebrities are doing it for THEMSELVES (or their kids) because, dang, it's gotta be fun entertaining along side those characters.

Becky J. Minneapolis, MN (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:08 PM)

Seems you've been out numbered! I loved SS so much that I watched it till I was in the 5th grade even though all my friends had moved on to more "mature" shows. I bought my daughter the "Songs From the Street" CD compilation set for her first Christmas as much for her as I did for me! I love listening to all the songs I heard on the show when I was a kid and sharing them with my daughter. The great thing about the compilation is that the songs are all origianl recordings with the likes of Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, The Pointer Sisters and many, many others (including R.E.M. with their version of "Shiny Happy People") singing the same songs they sang on the Show. The creators of Sesame Street are geniuses by coming up with a way to make learning fun and I commend all the celebrities, past and present, who have helped to make this iconic show everything that it was and is!

Christy R (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:12 PM)

Having celebrities appear on Sesame Street can also make the show more enjoyable for the parents that watch with their children.

Eric Shepherd, Maryville, Tennessee (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:19 PM)

In addition to all of the wonderful comments I have read, I think it is an effort to bring the parents and children together to watch TV instead of letting it be a babysitter. What better way to get mom or dad to sit down with their child to watch TV than to have a big star as a guest? It promotes family TV time and discussion.

Joy Wisconsin Rapids, WI (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:26 PM)

My Mom and I still sing "Shiny Happy Monsters" together.

Elizabeth (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:40 PM)

I suspect you do not have kids. More often than not, the supervising entity is not within earshot but right there on the beanbag watching it with the child (for the 40th time, thank you DVR). If Jack Black is doing a 30 second skit, I welcome it with open ears and eyes. It will break up the rerunrerunrerun of not just Sesame Street, but Blues Clues, Super Why!, Backyardigans.....

Rebecca Muskus, Greenwich, CT (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:42 PM)

I love watching SS even now with my son. Watching the celebrities come on and do skits or sing songs is appealing to both grown ups and kids. Sure my son has no idea who Robert DeNiro is, but we both thouroughly enjoyed the skit he did with Elmo about being an actor. I really admire the clebrities when they come on SS. You know they are probably not being paid a whole lot to be there, but you can tell they are all enjoying themselves. I know I almost fell over when I saw Seth Green on SS. Not someone I would have expected. But he seemed to be having a great time doing it. I think these celebrities want to give back and promote educational TV. The kids may have no idea who they are, but it's still fun to watch.

MJ, PA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:57 PM)

This article is the closest thing to blasphemy that I've ever read!

Sesame Street has always been a brilliant mixture of entertainment and education, rising far above the benign-but-brainless pabulum that otherwises passes for childrens' television most of the time. Jim Henson was one of the most beautiful minds of our time, and his passing left a gaping void in our culture. His style was genuine and heartfelt, his message peaceful and optimistic, and his motives were unquestionably pure. His work can entertain and enlighten people of any age, and I'm glad his spirit lives on in this still-wonderful show.

The author of this strange and unnecessary article is terribly out-of-touch.

Mike, Richmond VA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:19 PM)

I'll never forget when Sid Vicious did that bit for Sesame Street. It's the main reason I've never touched drugs to this day (35 years old).

Kudos, Sesame Street!

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:24 PM)

I am not sure how a person can NOT like Sesame Street (I suspect a lack of an inner-child) but I will leave that between him/her and his/her therapist.

I LOVED Sesame Street and can still remember my favorite song - The #9 Song - She's a real martian beauty, my #9 cutie - she had 9 hairs on her head-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9-tied up in ribbons of red! She had 9 little eyes all the same size, looking up, down, around and straight ahead. She had 9 little holes in her turned up nose and snores when she goes to bed. She had nine little arms, that’s one of her charm each just like the other. Some people say she looks like her dad, some say she looks like her mother. She had 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 little toes on her foot. She doesn’t like shopping ‘cause she doesn’t like hoping – so usually she just stays put. NINE!!!

GOTTA LOVE IT - I am in my early 50s and I always loved Sesame Street.

Cris W. (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:41 PM)

One of my clearest memories of the Muppet Show was when Carol King was on singing "When the earth moves, under my feet . . ." and the giant was dancing making the ground shake. I had no idea as a child who Carol King was but I've loved that song ever since and will always remember that episode.

Point is, the toddlers don't have to know who the stars are ahead of time, but will learn who they are on the show and remember them in the future.

Debbie, Ambler, PA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:42 PM)

My 2 year old daughter thinks James Blunt's "My Triangle" is the best song ever written and pretty much sings it around the clock. Who am I to argue? :)

Flower's Mommy, Florida (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:49 PM)

Sesame Street rules!!! That is why every performer, straight and gay, wants to be on it. While we are at it...will someone PLEASE kill that stupid, annoying, vapid "dinosaur" named Barney!! If evolution ever needed justification, Barney is it. I think even Noah would have kept him off the Ark.

DC John, Washington DC (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 2:08 PM)

Sesame Street was the one kid's show that my mom actually liked to watch. There is a lot of adult humor in that show.

Jenny, Ankeny Iowa (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 2:18 PM)

Celebriities and Sesame Street go hand in hand. Most of the Celebs that do the show have children. You can see many Stars choices change once the babies come into their lives. It is a way to involve the young ones in their lives/jobs. I love it!

Allie K, Encinitas, CA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 2:28 PM)

How about they have good taste and are flattered and honored to be associated with such a superior product. Especially in a time when lesser products dominate.

carol, merritt island, florida (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 2:40 PM)

My 3 1/2 year old loves Sesame Street. I happened to be watching it with him when James Blunt and Elmo sang "My Triangle"...that is now his new favorite song! I love those celebrity skits--they are hilarious!!

Stacey, Palouse, WA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 2:50 PM)

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Celebrities know the way to 'Sesame Street'

Posted: Friday, August 01, 2008 6:00 AM by Courtney Hazlett
Filed Under: TV, Celebrities

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Celebrities know the way to 'Sesame Street'

Posted: Friday, August 01, 2008 6:00 AM by Courtney Hazlett Filed Under: TV, Celebrities

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Posted: Friday, August 01, 2008 6:00 AM by Courtney Hazlett
Filed Under: TV, Celebrities