Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/big-bird-celebrates-big-day-with-sesame-street-anniversary Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Transcript On the 40th anniversary of 'Sesame Street," Jeffrey Brown explores how the classic PBS program has helped shape childhood education in the United States and around the world. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. JIM LEHRER: And finally tonight, a milestone for Big Bird and the world of children's television. Jeffrey Brown has our story. JEFFREY BROWN: This morning's "Sesame Street" program was brought to you by the number 40… ACTOR: That's a huge number. JEFFREY BROWN: … as the show celebrated its 40th anniversary with the help of Michelle Obama…MICHELLE OBAMA, first lady: Hi, everyone. JEFFREY BROWN: … who, as it happens, is the first first lady to have grown up watching the program. MICHELLE OBAMA: If you eat all these healthy foods, you are going to grow up to be big and strong, just like me. ACTOR: And me. Well, I'm still growing. JEFFREY BROWN: When "Sesame Street" premiered back in 1969, with its urban street setting, its cast of adult and young actors, and, of course, its Muppets created by Jim Henson, it was immediately hailed as a breakthrough in educational television for children. Several generations of young people have now grown up watching, as "Sesame Street" taught the alphabet, counting, and much more, and, at times took on tough subjects, from the death of a beloved cast member, to the current flu pandemic. ACTOR: And the first thing you have to do to stay healthy is always wash your hands. ACTOR: Come on. Wash your hands with Elmo. JEFFREY BROWN: Along the way, celebrities have regularly mixed in with a diverse cast of characters, politicians, actors, musicians, even our own Robert MacNeil, who, in 1988, reported on Cookiegate. ROBERT MACNEIL: Why did you eat the cookies? ACTOR: Well, me glad you asked that question, Mr. MacLehrer. ROBERT MACNEIL: MacNeil. ACTOR: Whatever. JEFFREY BROWN: The program also became a worldwide phenomenon. It now appears in more than 140 countries, incorporating local characters and themes. In South Africa, for example, an HIV-positive Muppet was introduced in 2002. At the same time, the program's success spawned new children's' educational programming. And, 40 years later, the world of children's TV has changed vastly, on public television and on cable and commercial networks. ACTOR: Come on. Vamonos.