Big Bird’s Birthday Marks ‘Sesame Street’ Anniversary

Show and Big Bird turn 40

Image from Flickr.

For a television show to stick around for 40 years, it’s got to be doing something right. Today marks the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street,” which means Big Bird’s 40th birthday as well.

While many people would probably be aware of this without Google’s commemorative display today, thanks to the world’s most popular search engine, everyone knows.

‘Sesame Street’ anniversary celebrations

Besides starting its 40th season on PBS Nov. 10, the “Sesame Street” anniversary and Big Bird’s birthday will be commemorated with some late-night appearances and new merchandise. “Sesame Street” had to rely on donations to PBS just like every other show in the beginning, but I’m sure it makes most of its money now from merchandise such as lunch boxes and toys.

Tonight, Big Bird will appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” While the former star of “The Man Show” and every kid’s favorite giant bird seem an unlikely pair, Kimmel and his audience were kids once, too, and no doubt have fond memories of Big Bird. In fact, Jimmy Kimmel was only 2 when Big Bird was born. On Monday, Elmo and Rosita will be on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”

‘Sesame Street’ anniversary video contest

If you don’t want to stay up past midnight to celebrate the “Sesame Street” anniversary, you can head to the “Sesame Street” web site. Smartly targeting the demographic that uses the Internet most, Grover invites you to vote for your favorite “Sesame Street” video from the ’80s.

In the “Sesame Street” 40th anniversary collection section, you can purchase a Big Bird on Google T-shirt. There are also DVDs, cookbooks and a corduroy version of Elmo available.

‘Sesame Street’ today

I think there’s no argument that “Sesame Street” is the longest-running show ever. Having a cast made up of puppets has allowed the show to keep some of the same characters throughout its four-decade run. In fact, if you visit the “Sesame Street” web site today, Bert and Ernie will perform a cheeky little sketch to inform you that today is Sing a Song Day.

So sing a song, vote for a video and buy a T-shirt to ensure that there will be many more Big Bird birthdays and “Sesame Street” anniversaries to come. Think of the children!