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30 Times Sesame Street Tackled Serious Issues

MsMojo

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Sesame Street has never shied away from life's toughest conversations. Join us as we count down the most powerful moments when the beloved children's show tackled serious real-world issues with honesty, compassion, and care for its youngest viewers. From grief and racism to autism and foster care, these unforgettable storylines proved that no topic is too big for Sesame Street! Our countdown includes Mr. Hooper's death and Big Bird's grief, Julia's autism representation, Karli's foster care journey, the introduction of LGBTQ families, the heartbreaking HIV storyline of Kami, tackling racism and discrimination, and so much more! Which Sesame Street moment stayed with you long after childhood? Let us know in the comments below!

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#SesameStreet #Elmo #BigBird #Muppets #Autism #Inclusion #Racism #Grief #Diversity #Representation #Childhood #MsMojo

20 Comments

@trinaq 20 hours ago

I was happy to see autistic representation in Julia, so that those in the community can see themselves represented on screen. Julia's puppeteer apparently has an autistic son.

@trinaq 20 hours ago

The Mr Hooper example was the first one to cross my mind. It was a beautiful tribute to Will Lee's legacy, and a gentle way to explain the permanence of death to a young audience.

@frederickseltzerjr2170 16 hours ago

Even though I was a young adult when Mr. Hooper passed away, I still needed "Sesame Street" to help me deal with his passing with the compassion we all needed.

@LegoReader12345hello 17 hours ago

It’s so emotional seeing Big Bird so sad over the loss of Mr. Hooper. He was his good friend and he’s devastated over the idea of never seeing him again.

@Leatherjeans 20 hours ago

This show is just amazing, so it's so important to watch this show with your kids

@ChrisWesterberg-yh3pm 20 hours ago

I Love Sesame Street. And Love how in 1985, Snuffy was Finally Revealed after Everyone Kept Saying to Big Bird that Snuffy was Imaginary. I Also Love How Everyone Helped Rebuild Big Bird's Nest after the Hurricane Destroyed it. And Sesame Street did Indeed Tackle Many Serious Issues

@GoodAsNewMemories 19 hours ago

Number 1. As it should be. I love Sesame Street.

@Jeff98177 16 hours ago

The other thing about the episode dealing with Mr. Hooper's death was that it was broadcast on Thanksgiving Day 1983, when parents would be home to answer any questions the children might have.

@MaddieStamper537 15 hours ago

Julia is just like my sister Shelby who's autistic and it's so smart to show their behaviors for those who have autism.

@vulpixfairy1985 17 hours ago

Sesame Street shaped my childhood and helped me be the person I am today. I love this show so much.

@LegoReader12345hello 17 hours ago

Poor little Abby went through divorce, an emotional experience for the little fairy. I’m glad to see she’s doing fine and has a step brother too

@Blending_In_The_Crowd 1 hour ago

This is why I love Sesame Street. This was one of the only shows my 2 boys were allowed to watch.

@TramiNguyen-oi3kp 19 hours ago

I love 💗 these Sesame Street sad 😢 moments!

@sockygaldamez9492 4 hours ago

Sesame Street did a great job tackling these serious issues and teaching children all about them and taught me a lot growing up to now.

@ItMeGee 51 minutes ago

I didn't grow up with Sesame Street but I know of it and watched the episode where Big Bird went to hospital after getting sick; they didn't say "it won't hurt" when he had his injection, just saying it will hurt but only for a little. I was impressed about that

@kissfan7 16 hours ago

30:40
I'm a grown-ass 40-year-old man. Seeing Telly scared and upset should not make me feel this much.

@XJIcequeen 16 hours ago

Sesame Street is the best with dealing with life

@Pixidalilweirdo 17 hours ago

0:50 “I wanna get a measles! :D”

@justineves3588 17 hours ago (edited)

Very Very great epic list I like it a lot Very Very great job mismojo one of my favorite list ever ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ it makes me very Very happy that they talk about very Very important issues in the world