There was an online article about Sesame Street yesterday. I hadn’t realised that it was a UK decision to simply stop showing it here. I have taken some of the article to include in this post:-
It’s one of the most popular children’s TV programmes in history, so WHY can we not watch it here?
I was brought up on Sesame Street because we lived in Hong Kong. It is without doubt the best children’s television going. It’s funny, inclusive, educational, clever and topical. Few children’s programmes have enjoyed such global popularity.
Today, Sesame Street is broadcast in about 140 countries and works on a franchise basis – with local versions that focus on particular cultural perspectives. A condition of its foreign licensing is that non-US versions of the show reflect the morals and traditions of the host nation. So Sesame characters have been used to promote HIV awareness in South Africa, bridge the sectarian divide in Belfast and teach youngsters in the Middle East about tolerance.
And why is the BBC still not interested?
The controller of six-and-unders channel CBeebies, Michael Carrington, says it has other shows which cover similar learning themes and values.
“It’s television’s most organic show, always looking for new developments in education and culture. I’m also impressed by the way the show has travelled and created adaptations to reflect the needs of other cultures. It’s one of America’s finest exports.”
A look at the list of guests for the forthcoming 41st season suggests there are still names with some international appeal – actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Eva Longoria, and comedians Ricky Gervais and Adam Sandler.
Previously the likes of Billy Joel, Kofi Annan and Beyonce have graced the street, to the delight of parents. Comedian Robin Williams appeared six times, including a memorable appearance in 2000 telling Elmo some imaginative uses of a stick.
Tim Teeman, television critic at the Times, says he loved it as a child.
“I don’t know if I learnt anything but I felt like I was learning something. If you grew up in a boring, white British environment, it showed you a place with black faces, different cultures and creeds and people living together in harmony.
“It was the first time I ever saw New York and it looked like this really cool place. This street where everyone knew each other’s names. It introduced all kinds of things to kids, like community, getting along with different kinds of people and learning about issues.”
Part of its success was due to the way it did not talk down to children, says Mr Teeman.
“We had Blue Peter, which was like learning at the feet of a very strict headmistress. Children are talked down to on Blue Peter – ‘Do this and do that and this is what we’ve learned’ but Sesame Street says ‘Come on in, we’re all the same here’
“This notion of equality about age, race and gender is great because as a child, there are so many barriers between you and the adult world.”
But homegrown global successes, such as the Teletubbies, probably contributed to its demise, he says. British television simply became adept at making such shows and stopped looking to America for inspiration.
“Also, kids are a bit more knowing now, so would probably think ‘Who’s that annoying Big Bird?’
“The great genius of Jim Henson and his workshop was that they made something that doesn’t date, in my opinion, but maybe for today’s generation of children they want something quicker and flashier.
“Sesame Street has a DIY aesthetic, which I love, but people don’t identify with that any more.”
I don’t agree. I think our children should still be able to watch it.
BRING IT BACK.
