The wind’s getting colder and the days are getting shorter, but sunny days are ahead as season 50 of Sesame Street is about to get underway on HBO. And this season, anything’s possible with a curriculum focus called “Oops and Aha! Embracing the Power of Possibility,” which is designed to help kids develop the tools they need to try new things and bounce back after a mistake. As Sesame Workshop explained:
To stay resilient and curious when faced with day-to-day obstacles, children need to master the following skills: positive thinking (trying new things, embracing silly ideas, asking questions); perseverance (saying “It’s okay to make mistakes,” “I’ll keep trying,” “I won’t give up”; and self-confidence (thinking “I can do this!” even when the going gets tough). This season,Elmo and friends model those skills as they overcome social, physical, and academic challenges that will be very familiar to little ones. In one episode, Elmo wants to join his friends outside on a snowy day, but gets frustrated as he struggles with getting dressed on his own; with a little help from his friend Jacket, he remembers to take a deep breath and keep trying until he’s all bundled up and ready to play. In another episode, Abby Cadabby’s brother Rudy feels upset when he “ruins” a drawing; Alan encourages him to keep trying, and Rudy eventually creates a new picture inspired by his mistake.
Let’s practice some positive thinking right now: I’m positive we can get some descriptions of upcoming episodes. I’m very confident we can get some descriptions of upcoming episodes. And here they are! Let’s persevere through them!
Episode 5001: On the Road with Big Bird
Big Bird wants to visit Cousin Bird in California, but he learns that it’s too far for him to walk! Nina suggests a cross-country road trip, so they can stop off to meet new friends along the way. When Elmo worries that he’ll miss Big Bird too much, Nina explains that they’ll video chat him every day, so he can share their adventures.
Episode 5002: The Great Sesame Street Cake-Off
Cookie Monster and Gonger team up against Grover and Alan in a competition to see who can bake the best birthday cake for Nina. Elmo and Rosita help the two teams work together, combining one team’s cake and the other team’s frosting to make the ultimate birthday treat. With special guest star Michael Che.
Episode 5011: Fruit
When the pineapples, bananas, and other fruits get tired of being passed over at snack time, they decide to leave Sesame Street. The gang gets together to sing songs about how much they appreciate fruit to get them to stay.
Episode 5013: New Neighbor on Sesame Street
There’s a new face on Sesame Street! With Elmo and Rosita’s help, military kid Charlie finds her way around the neighborhood and learns that Sesame Street is a place where everyone can be friends – no matter how different they are.
Episode 5021: The Fluffster Kerfuffle
When Rudy tries to use Julia’s special toy, Fluffster, as part of a game he’s playing with Elmo and Abby Cadabby, Julia gets very upset. Alan explains that Fluffster helps Julia feel calm, so it’s not a toy she likes to share. Rudy apologizes, and the friends find a different way to play together.
Episode 5023: Zoe Breaks Her Arm
When Zoe slips and breaks her arm during a ballet jump, she finds it difficult to play or do anything fun with her arm in a cast. The gang works together to put a twist on “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” so Zoe can join in.
Episode 5029: The Treasure of Yucky Mama
During Oscar the Grouch’s spring “cleaning,” he finds a fifty-year-old treasure map – but the neighborhood looks much different than it used to! Will Elmo, Abby, Nina, Oscar, and Charlie learn enough about Sesame Street’s history to complete three grouchy challenges and find Yucky Mama’s treasure?
Episode 5034: Fourth of July
It’s July Fourth on Sesame Street! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Rudy look for the perfect birthday present for America, but Alan teaches them that holidays are really about spending time with family and friends. Together, they do something kind for all their neighbors.
With guest stars like Dave Grohl, Michael Che, Charlie Puth, Maren Morris, Chrissy Teigen, Chloe Kim, Thomas Rhett, and Bindi and Robert Irwin, the possibilities are bright on Sesame Street for Season 50! The season formally kicks on November 16th on HBO.
Click here to hope for a Little Chrissy Teigen & The Alphabeats sketch on the ToughPigs forum!
by Matthew Soberman
