Landmark anniversary to unfold throughout the year with new initiatives, community events, and a star-studded primetime special.

It all began in 1969 on a street where colourful Muppets and humans lived, and learned, side by side. Today, 50 years later, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organisation behind Sesame Street, has announced a year round anniversary celebration to mark the occasion.

Throughout 2019, Sesame Workshop will bring people together around the timeless lessons that Sesame Street has always taught: everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, is equally deserving of respect, opportunity – and joy.

Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and the war on poverty, Sesame Street was created to answer a simple question: could television be used to level the playing field and help prepare less advantaged children for school? The founders tapped educational advisors and researchers, entertainers and television producers, and other visionaries to create what became the longest-running children’s show in American television history. Ever since, Sesame Street has helped children around the world to learn, feel included and respect others. With a curriculum that evolves to meet the needs of every new generation, it is now a force for good in over 70 languages and 150 countries.

Jeffrey D. Dunn, Sesame Workshop’s chief executive officer, commented: “This is a remarkable milestone for kids, for education and for television. Sesame Street has now brought the life-changing benefits of early learning to children around the globe for 50 years. Our mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder knows no geographic boundaries. We’re everywhere families are and we never stop innovating and growing. That’s what keeps us timeless.”