5, Rue Sésame

File:5ruesesame.jpg

Nac (Yellow Monster), Griotte (AM in Wheelchair) and Georges (Penguin) from France

5, Rue Sésame is a French language children's television series based on the American show Sesame Street, aired by France 5. This series is the second Sesame Workshop co-production for France, which originally aired as 1, Rue Sésame in the 70's and early 80's.

Terry Fitzpatrick, Sesame Workshop's executive VP for distribution:

"France has always been a priority market for Sesame Workshop. We first provided local programming and licensed products in the 1970's, and have since seen the preschool media landscape evolve tremendously. We are excited to be re-entering the French market with two of the strongest partners in the television business— France's number one preschool broadcaster and the most innovative production company— to deliver compelling educational television that serves the needs of today's children."

Characters

For the most part, characters in 5, Rue Sésame are unique to the series.

• Nac — Gentle, positive and generous, he is 2.2m tall. He is considered to be the program's "mascot".
• Griotte — Even though Griotte is in a wheelchair, she participates with all the activities in the street.
• Yoyo — He's fearful, super hyperemotional but even more anxious. Yoyo has a heart of gold and its qualities are very attaching.
• Olive — Naughty, fearless, giggles and grins: Olive is all that at once!
• Elmo — Three-and-a-half years old, he's the youngest character in the series.
• Georges — Georges the Penguin arrived on Rue Sésame inside an ice cube. A likeable character, he made friends with the rest of the street's residents.
• Titouan, the neighbor — Jolly, this retired man is considered to be a "true modern dad".
• Baya, the baker — Her good mood and her generosity gives the street a lot of confidence.
• Juliette — This young student works as a paperstand manager in the street.

Origins of the puppet designs

The puppet of Grigotte is based on that of Roxie Marie, a character who appeared on the original American Sesame Street during part of the 1990s. Besides being in a wheelchair unlike Roxie, Grigotte also has longer hair.

The puppet design for Yoyo debuted on Sesame Street as Narf, in the 33rd season segments called Monster's Clubhouse. After the segment was dropped, Narf strictly became a background player, an Anything Muppet monster; it is possible Narf will continue to appear in such limited fashion on the American program.

Olive debuted as Carina the Ballerina, a one-off character in a season 35 episode of Sesame Street. Carina was a friend of Zoe and Elmo, who enjoyed dancing ballet with them.

The American version of Sesame Street has regularly included penguins, of the same design as Georges. Penguins have become a Muppet standard addition in gags since The Muppet Show, but this is the first fully developed penguin character.

See also

• 1, Rue Sésame (France)

External link

• Official site on France 5