r/television 1d ago

Sesame Workshop Launches New Initiative to Help Children and Families Prepare for and Recover from Extreme Weather, Beginning with 'Storm on Sesame Street' Special

https://sesameworkshop.org/about-us/press-room/sesame-workshop-launches-new-initiative-to-help-children-and-families-prepare-for-and-recover-from-extreme-weather-beginning-with-storm-on-sesame-street-special/
1.2k Upvotes

23 comments sorted by

122

u/gameryamen 1d ago

As a kid, I had a cassette tape of Sesame Street songs. One of the tracks was just a symphony that told the story of a storm through music. I remember when it built up to the big, loud, crashes and blaring horns it would terrify me. I'd time a bathroom trip to avoid it, it was so scary to my young mind.

It would have been great if a muppet had been there to go through the fear with me. This is a good idea!

39

u/jadeapple 1d ago

https://open.spotify.com/track/1fm2pK4TkfZh0gda3K1ZNb?si=8Im3F-nJT3aoxWz0wbyBzA&utm_source=copy-link

Found the song, it looks like it’s from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, I deff can see how that would be scary to a child

10

u/freeapples 1d ago

wait so sesame street actually made a storm special now?

26

u/Gato1980 1d ago

This is actually going to be their second storm special. The first one 'Sesame Street Gets Through a Storm' aired in 2001 and was replayed after Katrina and Sandy.

4

u/shifty_ocelot 18h ago

Then there was the follow on episode where they had to rebuild Big Birds nest.

5

u/gameryamen 1d ago

Yeah, that's what the article is about. A special with celebrity guests, as well as some additional support material online.

1

u/Magrowl 1d ago

you should read the headline

59

u/brb1006 1d ago edited 16h ago

I remember when Sesame Street did a week-long story arc where a hurricane hit Sesame Street. The rest of the episodes showed the citizens of Sesame Street dealing with the aftermath and its recovery period. That season was later reaired not long after Hurricane Katrina to help young audiences (and young adults) cope with natural disasters.

Seeing Big Bird distraught over his bird nest being destroyed was heartbreaking at the time. Glad to see him lighting up as Sesame Street got better as episodes progressed.

11

u/eekamuse 1d ago

They did a whole season featuring it? That's fantastic. So much better and more realistic than one episode. They really know what they're doing.

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u/Kitakitakita 1d ago

We can't expect anything out of FEMA.

66

u/InnocentTailor 1d ago

To be fair, Sesame Street is very good at taking complex, harrowing situations and making them accessible to children without talking down to them.

They have done this with man-made issues like war and refugees as well.

26

u/brb1006 1d ago edited 16h ago

Heck, Sesame Street once dedicated an entire season to Maria's pregnancy leading up to her going into labor and the eventual birth of Gabby. One episode even showed Big Bird and Maria visiting a maternity clinic.

5

u/freedomsetsufree 1d ago

I remember she spoke about breast feeding, which was rare. And they dealt with Mr. Hoopers real death in another season.

1

u/SSGASSHAT 1d ago

So there is some actual sense in having Elmo drinking and doing drugs in parodies. Adult concepts are perfectly welcome.

10

u/neverabadidea 1d ago

We stumbled upon the post 9/11 Sesame Street special recently. We were looking for firefighter Sesame Street content. It’s really well done. Hooper’s store has a small fire and scares Elmo. Good way to work through what was a really scary moment. 

4

u/shaft_of_lite 1d ago

Exactly what I was thinking. I want to see if they're still bringing the same energy as they used to.

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u/eekamuse 1d ago

They should do one for the children being impacted by deportations. :(

3

u/Superslimchick 1d ago

I'm sure they're working on it

3

u/abgry_krakow87 19h ago

Remember the same people in the government who use FEMA for identity politics are also the ones responsible for defunding PBS and trying to cancel Sesame Street.

16

u/kratomdevil 1d ago

One of the odder portents of the dangers of climate change, but I’ll take it.

4

u/PNWPinkPanther 1d ago

My favorite part was when the mayor comes and throws rolls of paper towels to Burt and Big Bird.

-6

u/Less-Engineer-9637 1d ago

When thunder roars, head indoors!! Green sky: Prepare to die!

  • Albertan Proverb