This post originally appeared on Salon by Ashlie D. Stevens.
Come and play, everything s a-okay. You only have to hum a bar or two of the
Sesame Street theme song to become instantly nostalgic for watching some of your favorite characters Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Grover, Rosita spend time learning the letter of the day and other lessons alongside guest stars and celebrities.
But since
Sesame Street first aired in 1969, it hasn t solely existed as a weekly children s show. For over five decades, the series has both uniquely reflected and impacted culture in ways that are unprecedented for any piece of media, whether it s for children or adults.