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{{Seasonsesame|premiere=November 10, 2009 ([[episode 4187|4187]])|finale=February 18, 2010 ([[Episode 4212|4212]])|episodes=[[Season_40_(2009-2010)#Episodes|26]]}}
 
{{Seasonsesame|premiere=November 10, 2009 ([[episode 4187|4187]])|finale=February 18, 2010 ([[Episode 4212|4212]])|episodes=[[Season_40_(2009-2010)#Episodes|26]]}}
  +
[[File:Sesame Street Season 40 Show Open|thumb|300px|right|Season 40 opening.]]
 
[[File:Season40-titlecard.jpg|thumb|300px|New title card]]
 
[[File:Season40-titlecard.jpg|thumb|300px|New title card]]
 
[[File:Season_40_Cast.jpgβ€Ž|thumb|300px|The Cast of Sesame Street's 40th Season]]
 
[[File:Season_40_Cast.jpgβ€Ž|thumb|300px|The Cast of Sesame Street's 40th Season]]
 
[[image:season_40_cast.jpg|thumb|300px|The Cast of Sesame Street - [[Roscoe Orman]], [[Loretta Long]], [[Alison Bartlett O'Reilly]], [[Big Bird]], [[Sonia Manzano]], [[Elmo]], [[Emilio Delgado]], [[Christopher Lawrence Knowings]], [[Nitya Vidyasagar]], [[Alan Muraoka]], [[Desiree Casado]], and [[Bob McGrath]]]]
 
[[image:season_40_cast.jpg|thumb|300px|The Cast of Sesame Street - [[Roscoe Orman]], [[Loretta Long]], [[Alison Bartlett O'Reilly]], [[Big Bird]], [[Sonia Manzano]], [[Elmo]], [[Emilio Delgado]], [[Christopher Lawrence Knowings]], [[Nitya Vidyasagar]], [[Alan Muraoka]], [[Desiree Casado]], and [[Bob McGrath]]]]
βˆ’
[[Video:Gervais Elmo = Hilarity on 'Sesame Street'|thumb|300px|right]]
+
[[File:Gervais Elmo = Hilarity on 'Sesame Street'|thumb|300px|right]]
 
[[File:AFFS.jpg|thumb|300px|''Abby's Flying Fairy School'', a new animated segment, debuts this season.]]
 
[[File:AFFS.jpg|thumb|300px|''Abby's Flying Fairy School'', a new animated segment, debuts this season.]]
 
[[File:MurrayKidGroup.jpg|thumb|300px|Murray and the kids introduce the various segments in the new block format.]]
 
[[File:MurrayKidGroup.jpg|thumb|300px|Murray and the kids introduce the various segments in the new block format.]]
βˆ’
[[File:HiddenGem4197.jpg|frame|Nearly every episode features [[Season 40 Hidden Gems|a throwback to classic]] ''Sesame'' characters and moments.]]
+
[[File:HiddenGem4197.jpg|thumb|300px|Every episode features [[Season 40 Hidden Gems|a throwback to classic]] ''Sesame'' characters and moments.]]
 
[[image:Adam-Sandler.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Elmo]], [[Adam Sandler]] and a dragon]]
 
[[image:Adam-Sandler.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Elmo]], [[Adam Sandler]] and a dragon]]
 
[[File:Paulrudd-sesame.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Paul Rudd]] (with [[Roosevelt Franklin]]) and [[Leslie Carrara-Rudolph]] play between takes during the filming of [[episode 4212]].]]
 
[[File:Paulrudd-sesame.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Paul Rudd]] (with [[Roosevelt Franklin]]) and [[Leslie Carrara-Rudolph]] play between takes during the filming of [[episode 4212]].]]
 
[[File:Michelleobama.jpg|thumb|300px|Michelle Obama, the first African-American First Lady of the United States, with Elmo and some [[Singing Food]]]]
 
[[File:Michelleobama.jpg|thumb|300px|Michelle Obama, the first African-American First Lady of the United States, with Elmo and some [[Singing Food]]]]
  +
[[File:Season_40_cast2.jpg|thumb|300px|Cast and crew.]]
 
βˆ’
'''''[[Sesame Street]]'' Season 40''' premiered on November 10, [[2009]]. This date is the [[Sesame Street: 40th Anniversary|40th anniversary]] of the show, and [[Sesame Workshop]] has been celebrating the occasion with [[Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street|a commemorative book]] and [[Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days|DVD set]], as well as a week-long takeover of the [[Sesame Street Google Doodles|Google logo]].
+
'''''[[Sesame Street]]'' Season 40''' premiered on November 10, [[2009]]. This date is the [[Sesame Street: 40th Anniversary|40th anniversary]] of the show, and [[Sesame Workshop]] celebrated the occasion with [[Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street|a commemorative book]] and [[Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days|DVD set]], as well as a week-long takeover of the [[Sesame Street Google Doodles|Google logo]].
   
 
==Season Overview==
 
==Season Overview==
 
The curriculum for Season 40 focuses on [[:Category:Environmentalism|environmentalism]] and is "designed to nurture young children's appreciation and love for nature." <ref name="NatForum">National Forum on Children & Nature: [http://www.forumonchildrenandnature.org/project/sesame-street-%E2%80%9Cconnecting-preschoolers-nature%E2%80%9D Sesame Street: "Connecting Preschoolers With Nature"].</ref><ref>[http://www.ind-ent.com/articles/2009/01/15/news/05.txt Sesame Street gets local children’s perspectives]</ref> The Muppets of ''Sesame Street'' encourage children to explore their curiosity in the outdoors with activities that teach simple, age-appropriate ways of showing care and stewardship for the environment.<ref name="NatForum" /> Several episodes focus on environmental issues - such as recycling or habitats.<ref name="spinney">Twardzik, Cathleen. [http://www.thesomervillenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=566 Who is the fellow that's fluffy and yellow?]. February 22, 2009</ref> One episode ([[Episode 4193]]) focuses on [[Baby Bear]] and his family learning how to hibernate.<ref>[[Sesame Street at 40: A Night of Celebration with the Legendary Cast]] - Educators' Panel</ref> Another episode ([[Episode 4187|#4187]], originally planned as [[Episode 4210|#4210]]) features Big Bird learning about migration.<ref>[http://www.toughpigs.com/a-chat-with-joey-mazzarino-part-1/ Joey Mazzarino interview]</ref>
 
The curriculum for Season 40 focuses on [[:Category:Environmentalism|environmentalism]] and is "designed to nurture young children's appreciation and love for nature." <ref name="NatForum">National Forum on Children & Nature: [http://www.forumonchildrenandnature.org/project/sesame-street-%E2%80%9Cconnecting-preschoolers-nature%E2%80%9D Sesame Street: "Connecting Preschoolers With Nature"].</ref><ref>[http://www.ind-ent.com/articles/2009/01/15/news/05.txt Sesame Street gets local children’s perspectives]</ref> The Muppets of ''Sesame Street'' encourage children to explore their curiosity in the outdoors with activities that teach simple, age-appropriate ways of showing care and stewardship for the environment.<ref name="NatForum" /> Several episodes focus on environmental issues - such as recycling or habitats.<ref name="spinney">Twardzik, Cathleen. [http://www.thesomervillenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=566 Who is the fellow that's fluffy and yellow?]. February 22, 2009</ref> One episode ([[Episode 4193]]) focuses on [[Baby Bear]] and his family learning how to hibernate.<ref>[[Sesame Street at 40: A Night of Celebration with the Legendary Cast]] - Educators' Panel</ref> Another episode ([[Episode 4187|#4187]], originally planned as [[Episode 4210|#4210]]) features Big Bird learning about migration.<ref>[http://www.toughpigs.com/a-chat-with-joey-mazzarino-part-1/ Joey Mazzarino interview]</ref>
   
βˆ’
A new computer-generated segment, ''[[Abby's Flying Fairy School]]'', was added this season. ''[[Murray Has a Little Lamb]]'' and ''[[Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures]]'' return from last season and alternated with each episode. ''[[What's the Word on the Street]]'' and ''[[The Word of the Day]]'' also return with 26 new words. [[Elmo's World]] returned for the eleventh season with only one new segment about [[Elmo's World: Frogs|Frogs]].
+
A new computer-generated segment, ''[[Abby's Flying Fairy School]]'', was added this season. ''[[Murray Has a Little Lamb]]'' and ''[[Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures]]'' return from last season and alternated with each episode. ''[[What's the Word on the Street]]'' and ''[[The Word of the Day]]'' also return with 26 new words. [[Elmo's World]] returned for its eleventh season with only one new segment about [[Elmo's World: Frogs|Frogs]].
   
 
;Parodies
 
;Parodies
Line 39: Line 40:
 
* Murray close (30 seconds)
 
* Murray close (30 seconds)
 
* End credits (45 seconds) <ref>[[Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street]], page 167</ref>
 
* End credits (45 seconds) <ref>[[Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street]], page 167</ref>
  +
  +
The change in format and curriculum increased viewership (compared to February 2009 ratings) by 60%.<ref>[http://www.sesameworkshop.org/newsandevents/pressreleases/season_40_ratings_emmys Sesame Workshop: Changes to Sesame Street’s 40th Season Prompt Major Ratings Increases]</ref>
   
 
==Episodes==
 
==Episodes==
Line 72: Line 75:
 
* Season 40 introduces a new opening and closing theme sequence.
 
* Season 40 introduces a new opening and closing theme sequence.
 
* In an interview with Muppet fansite [[Tough Pigs]], writer and Muppeteer [[Joey Mazzarino]] said, "We're trying to do what we call a [[Season 40 Hidden Gems|hidden gem]] in every episode. That's for you guys, the fans. Little things like [[Biff]] and [[Sully]] in a scene, or some other stuff that I won't tell you about that will be hidden in the scene."<ref>Joey Mazzarino, [http://www.toughpigs.com/a-chat-with-joey-mazzarino-part-2/ Tough Pigs Interview with Joey Mazzarino]</ref>
 
* In an interview with Muppet fansite [[Tough Pigs]], writer and Muppeteer [[Joey Mazzarino]] said, "We're trying to do what we call a [[Season 40 Hidden Gems|hidden gem]] in every episode. That's for you guys, the fans. Little things like [[Biff]] and [[Sully]] in a scene, or some other stuff that I won't tell you about that will be hidden in the scene."<ref>Joey Mazzarino, [http://www.toughpigs.com/a-chat-with-joey-mazzarino-part-2/ Tough Pigs Interview with Joey Mazzarino]</ref>
βˆ’
* A parody of [[:File:JohnKatePlus8CountvonCount.jpg|''John & Kate Plus 8'' featuring The Count and Anything Muppet]] spoofs of the family was filmed for this season, but never made it to air (most likely due to the couple's splitting up). A plot outline of the sketch was also removed from the Season 40 Press Kit "Parody Description" section.
+
* A parody of ''[[Jon & Kate Plus 8]]'' [[:File:JohnKatePlus8CountvonCount.jpg|featuring The Count and Anything Muppet]] spoofs of the family was filmed for this season, but never made it to air (most likely due to the couple's splitting up). A plot outline of the sketch was also removed from the Season 40 Press Kit "Parody Description" section. The segment was released as a bonus feature on the ''[[Best of Sesame Street Spoofs!]]'' DVD in 2011.
 
* Select episodes from this season can be purchased in [[The iTunes Store]].
 
* Select episodes from this season can be purchased in [[The iTunes Store]].
 
* This is the first season to not have any clips featuring any characters performed by [[Jim Henson]].
 
* This is the first season to not have any clips featuring any characters performed by [[Jim Henson]].
Line 93: Line 96:
 
:[[Pam Arciero]], [[Jennifer Barnhart]], [[Fran Brill]], [[Tyler Bunch]], [[Leslie Carrara-Rudolph]], [[Kevin Clash]], [[Bruce Connelly]], [[Stephanie D'Abruzzo]], [[Eric Jacobson]], [[John Kennedy]], [[Tim Lagasse]], [[Peter Linz]], [[Jim Martin]], [[Joey Mazzarino]], [[Paul McGinnis]], [[Jerry Nelson]], [[Carmen Osbahr]], [[Frank Oz]], [[Martin P. Robinson]], [[David Rudman]], [[Matt Vogel]], [[Steve Whitmire]], [[Bryant Young]]
 
:[[Pam Arciero]], [[Jennifer Barnhart]], [[Fran Brill]], [[Tyler Bunch]], [[Leslie Carrara-Rudolph]], [[Kevin Clash]], [[Bruce Connelly]], [[Stephanie D'Abruzzo]], [[Eric Jacobson]], [[John Kennedy]], [[Tim Lagasse]], [[Peter Linz]], [[Jim Martin]], [[Joey Mazzarino]], [[Paul McGinnis]], [[Jerry Nelson]], [[Carmen Osbahr]], [[Frank Oz]], [[Martin P. Robinson]], [[David Rudman]], [[Matt Vogel]], [[Steve Whitmire]], [[Bryant Young]]
   
βˆ’
'''[[:category:Sesame Street Guest Stars|Guest Stars]]'''
+
==[[:category:Sesame Street Guest Stars|Guest Stars]]==
  +
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=8 valign=top
βˆ’
:[[Christina Applegate]], [[Patricia Arquette]], [[Tiki Barber]], [[Kobe Bryant]], [[Cameron Diaz]], [[Cedric the Entertainer]], [[Jimmy Fallon]], [[Rocco Fiorentino]], [[Matthew Fox (actor)|Matthew Fox]], [[Brendan Fraser]],[[Judah Friedlander]], [[Jennie Garth]], [[Ricky Gervais]], [[Jeff Gordon]], [[Adrian Grenier]], [[Jake Gyllenhaal]], [[Maggie Gyllenhaal]], [[Elisabeth Hasselbeck]], [[Tony Hawk]], [[Hugh Jackman]], [[Greg Kinnear]], [[Julianna Margulies]], [[Kermit the Frog]], [[Ziggy Marley]], [[Debi Mazar]], [[Debra Messing]], [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]], [[Jason Mraz]], [[Michelle Obama]], [[Nancy O'Dell]], [[Eva Longoria Parker]], [[Sarah Jessica Parker]], [[Paul Rudd]], [[Adam Sandler]], [[Meredith Vieira]]
 
  +
|valign=top|
  +
* [[Christina Applegate]]
  +
* [[Patricia Arquette]]
  +
* [[Tiki Barber]]
  +
* [[Kobe Bryant]]
  +
* [[Cameron Diaz]]
  +
* [[Cedric the Entertainer]]
  +
* [[Jimmy Fallon]]
  +
* [[Rocco Fiorentino]]
  +
* [[Matthew Fox]]
  +
|valign=top|
  +
* [[Brendan Fraser]]
  +
* [[Judah Friedlander]]
  +
* [[Jennie Garth]]
  +
* [[Ricky Gervais]]
  +
* [[Jeff Gordon]]
  +
* [[Adrian Grenier]]
  +
* [[Jake Gyllenhaal]]
  +
* [[Maggie Gyllenhaal]]
  +
* [[Elisabeth Hasselbeck]]
  +
|valign=top|
  +
* [[Tony Hawk]]
  +
* [[Hugh Jackman]]
  +
* [[Greg Kinnear]]
  +
* [[Julianna Margulies]]
  +
* [[Kermit the Frog]]
  +
* [[Ziggy Marley]]
  +
* [[Debi Mazar]]
  +
* [[Debra Messing]]
  +
* [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]]
  +
|valign=top|
  +
* [[Jason Mraz]]
  +
* [[Michelle Obama]]
  +
* [[Nancy O'Dell]]
  +
* [[Eva Longoria]]
  +
* [[Sarah Jessica Parker]]
  +
* [[Paul Rudd]]
  +
* [[Adam Sandler]]
  +
* [[Meredith Vieira]]
  +
|}
   
 
==Credits==
 
==Credits==
 
[[File:Season_40_cast2.jpg|thumb|300px|Cast and crew.]]
 
* Executive Producer: [[Carol-Lynn Parente]]
 
* Executive Producer: [[Carol-Lynn Parente]]
 
* Coordinating Producer: April Chadderdon
 
* Coordinating Producer: April Chadderdon
* Line Producer: Stephanie Longardo
 
 
* Senior Producer: [[Tim Carter]]
 
* Senior Producer: [[Tim Carter]]
 
* Line Producer: Stephanie Longardo
 
* Producers: [[Melissa Dino]], Benjamin Lehmann, Ronda Music Lask
 
* Producers: [[Melissa Dino]], Benjamin Lehmann, Ronda Music Lask
 
* Directors: [[Kevin Clash]], [[Ken Diego]], [[Jim Martin]], [[Ted May]], [[Joey Mazzarino]], [[Scott Preston]], [[Millicent Shelton]], [[Lisa Simon]], [[Matt Vogel]], [[Nadine Zylstra]]
 
* Directors: [[Kevin Clash]], [[Ken Diego]], [[Jim Martin]], [[Ted May]], [[Joey Mazzarino]], [[Scott Preston]], [[Millicent Shelton]], [[Lisa Simon]], [[Matt Vogel]], [[Nadine Zylstra]]
 
* Head Writer: [[Joey Mazzarino]]
 
* Head Writer: [[Joey Mazzarino]]
 
* Writers: [[Molly Boylan]], [[Annie Evans]], [[Christine Ferraro]], [[Judy Freudberg]], [[Tony Geiss]], [[J Milligan]], [[Emily Perl Kingsley]], [[Luis Santeiro]], [[Ed Valentine]], [[Belinda Ward]], [[John Weidman]]
 
* Writers: [[Molly Boylan]], [[Annie Evans]], [[Christine Ferraro]], [[Judy Freudberg]], [[Tony Geiss]], [[J Milligan]], [[Emily Perl Kingsley]], [[Luis Santeiro]], [[Ed Valentine]], [[Belinda Ward]], [[John Weidman]]
βˆ’
* Head Writer (Elmo’s World): [[Judy Freudberg]]
+
* Head Writer (Elmo's World): [[Judy Freudberg]]
βˆ’
*Co-executive producer (Elmo's World): Kevin Clash
+
* Co-Executive Producer (Elmo's World): Kevin Clash
βˆ’
*Production designers: [[Victor DiNapoli]], Bob Phillips
+
* Production Designers: [[Victor DiNapoli]], Bob Phillips
βˆ’
*Project director (Abby's Flying Fairy School): [[Christine Walters]]
+
* Project Director (Abby's Flying Fairy School): [[Christine Walters]]
 
* Additional Voices For Abby’s Flying Fairy School: [[Jeremy Redleaf]], [[Jessica Stone]]
 
* Additional Voices For Abby’s Flying Fairy School: [[Jeremy Redleaf]], [[Jessica Stone]]
 
* Abby's Flying Fairy School characters designed by: [[Peter de Sève|Peter de Seve]]
 
* Puppets, Costumes, Props: [[Jason Weber]] with [[Connie Peterson]], [[Rollie Krewson]], [[Polly Smith]], [[Andrea Detwiler]], [[Michelle Hickey]], [[Anney McKilligan]], [[Lara MacLean]], [[Chelsea Carter]], [[Molly Light]], [[Marc Borders]]
 
* Puppets, Costumes, Props: [[Jason Weber]] with [[Connie Peterson]], [[Rollie Krewson]], [[Polly Smith]], [[Andrea Detwiler]], [[Michelle Hickey]], [[Anney McKilligan]], [[Lara MacLean]], [[Chelsea Carter]], [[Molly Light]], [[Marc Borders]]
βˆ’
*Music Director: [[Mike Renzi]]
+
* Music Director: [[Mike Renzi]]
βˆ’
*Director of Music Operations: [[Danny Epstein]]
+
* Studio Music Director: [[Paul Rudolph]]
  +
* Director of Music Operations: [[Danny Epstein]]
 
* Music Coordinator: Vicki Levy
 
* Composers: [[Tony Geiss]], [[Ricky Gervais]], [[Eric Perlmutter]], [[Mark Radice]], [[Kathryn Raio]], [[Joe Raposo]], [[JP Rende]], [[Mike Renzi]], [[Paul Rudolph]], [[Bill Sherman]], [[Russell Velazquez]]
 
* Composers: [[Tony Geiss]], [[Ricky Gervais]], [[Eric Perlmutter]], [[Mark Radice]], [[Kathryn Raio]], [[Joe Raposo]], [[JP Rende]], [[Mike Renzi]], [[Paul Rudolph]], [[Bill Sherman]], [[Russell Velazquez]]
  +
* Costume Designers: [[Bill Kellard]], [[Terry Roberson]]
βˆ’
*Art Director: Bob Phillips
+
* Art Director: Bob Phillips
*Prop Coordinator: Keith Olsen
 
  +
* Prop Coordinator: Keith Olsen
βˆ’
*Art Direction/graphics: [[Rickey Boyd]], Pete Ortiz
+
* Art Direction/Graphics: [[Rickey Boyd]], Pete Ortiz
*Abby's Flying Fairy School characters designed by: [[Peter de Sève|Peter de Seve]]
 
  +
* Sound Effects Editor/Re-Recording Mixer: [[Dick Maitland]], C.A.S.
 
* Technical Director: [[Tom Guadarrama]]
 
* Technical Director: [[Tom Guadarrama]]
 
* Cameras: [[Frank Biondo]], Jerry Cancel, Shaun Harkins
 
* Cameras: [[Frank Biondo]], Jerry Cancel, Shaun Harkins
 
* Vice President of Education and Research: [[Rosemarie T. Truglio]], Ph.D.
 
* Vice President of Education and Research: [[Rosemarie T. Truglio]], Ph.D.
  +
* Special Thanks To: Creative Bubble, Celefex, Hyperactive Pictures, [[Misseri Studio]], Speakeasy FX, Trollback + Company
 
* Taped at [[Kaufman Astoria Studios]] in New York
 
* Taped at [[Kaufman Astoria Studios]] in New York
   
Line 134: Line 183:
 
*[http://www.sesamestreet.org/onair/episodes?p_p_id=EPISODE&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_count=1&_EPISODE_struts_action=%2Fext%2Fepisode%2Fview&currSeason=Season40&cmd=changeSeason Season 40 Episodes Guide]
 
*[http://www.sesamestreet.org/onair/episodes?p_p_id=EPISODE&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_count=1&_EPISODE_struts_action=%2Fext%2Fepisode%2Fview&currSeason=Season40&cmd=changeSeason Season 40 Episodes Guide]
   
βˆ’
{{Season-nav|prev = [[Season 39 (2008)]]|next= [[Season 41 (2010-2011)]]}}
+
{{Season-nav|prev = [[Season 39 (2008)]]|next= [[Season 41 (2010)]]}}
 
[[Category: Sesame Street Seasons| 40]]
 
[[Category: Sesame Street Seasons| 40]]
 
[[Category:Environmentalism]]
 
[[Category:Environmentalism]]

Revision as of 05:43, 5 November 2014

Sesame Street
Premiere November 10, 2009 (4187)
Finale February 18, 2010 (4212)
Episodes 26
Sesame_Street_Season_40_Show_Open

Sesame Street Season 40 Show Open

Season 40 opening.

Season40-titlecard

New title card

Season 40 Cast

The Cast of Sesame Street's 40th Season

Season 40 cast

The Cast of Sesame Street - Roscoe Orman, Loretta Long, Alison Bartlett O'Reilly, Big Bird, Sonia Manzano, Elmo, Emilio Delgado, Christopher Lawrence Knowings, Nitya Vidyasagar, Alan Muraoka, Desiree Casado, and Bob McGrath

Gervais_Elmo_=_Hilarity_on_'Sesame_Street'

Gervais Elmo = Hilarity on 'Sesame Street'

AFFS

Abby's Flying Fairy School, a new animated segment, debuts this season.

MurrayKidGroup

Murray and the kids introduce the various segments in the new block format.

HiddenGem4197

Every episode features a throwback to classic Sesame characters and moments.

Adam-Sandler

Elmo, Adam Sandler and a dragon

Paulrudd-sesame

Paul Rudd (with Roosevelt Franklin) and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph play between takes during the filming of episode 4212.

Michelleobama

Michelle Obama, the first African-American First Lady of the United States, with Elmo and some Singing Food

Sesame Street Season 40 premiered on November 10, 2009. This date is the 40th anniversary of the show, and Sesame Workshop celebrated the occasion with a commemorative book and DVD set, as well as a week-long takeover of the Google logo.

Season Overview

The curriculum for Season 40 focuses on environmentalism and is "designed to nurture young children's appreciation and love for nature." [1][2] The Muppets of Sesame Street encourage children to explore their curiosity in the outdoors with activities that teach simple, age-appropriate ways of showing care and stewardship for the environment.[1] Several episodes focus on environmental issues - such as recycling or habitats.[3] One episode (Episode 4193) focuses on Baby Bear and his family learning how to hibernate.[4] Another episode (#4187, originally planned as #4210) features Big Bird learning about migration.[5]

A new computer-generated segment, Abby's Flying Fairy School, was added this season. Murray Has a Little Lamb and Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures return from last season and alternated with each episode. What's the Word on the Street and The Word of the Day also return with 26 new words. Elmo's World returned for its eleventh season with only one new segment about Frogs.

Parodies

Parodies included "Mad Men" (based on Mad Men), "Waiting for Big" (Sex and the City), "Outdoors" (based on "I'm Yours"), "Super K Cereal" (based on Special K), and "D-Dance" (based on Apple's iPod commercial).

Show Format

The season introduces a new format based on typical channel programming blocks, with Murray Monster serving as a host from real-world locations, introducing the main components of the show.[6]

  • What's the Word on the Street? (30 seconds)
  • Sesame Street Theme (50 seconds)
  • Street Story (10 to 12 minutes)
  • Celebrity Vocabulary Word (1 minute)
  • Murray Tune-In (1 minute)
  • Letter film (1:15)
  • Abby's Flying Fairy School (8:30)
  • Murray Tune-In (1 minute)
  • Number film (1:15)
  • Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures or Murray Has a Little Lamb (5 minutes to 6:30)
  • Murray Tune-In (1 minute)
  • Music video or curriculum spot (2:15)
  • Elmo's World (17 minutes)
  • Murray close (30 seconds)
  • End credits (45 seconds) [7]

The change in format and curriculum increased viewership (compared to February 2009 ratings) by 60%.[8]

Episodes

Episodes 4187 - 4212 (26 episodes)

Notes

  • Season 40 introduces a new opening and closing theme sequence.
  • In an interview with Muppet fansite Tough Pigs, writer and Muppeteer Joey Mazzarino said, "We're trying to do what we call a hidden gem in every episode. That's for you guys, the fans. Little things like Biff and Sully in a scene, or some other stuff that I won't tell you about that will be hidden in the scene."[9]
  • A parody of Jon & Kate Plus 8 featuring The Count and Anything Muppet spoofs of the family was filmed for this season, but never made it to air (most likely due to the couple's splitting up). A plot outline of the sketch was also removed from the Season 40 Press Kit "Parody Description" section. The segment was released as a bonus feature on the Best of Sesame Street Spoofs! DVD in 2011.
  • Select episodes from this season can be purchased in The iTunes Store.
  • This is the first season to not have any clips featuring any characters performed by Jim Henson.
  • Kermit the Frog makes a surprise cameo on Elmo's World: Frogs.

Cast

Muppetsβ„’ Of Sesame Street

Pam Arciero, Jennifer Barnhart, Fran Brill, Tyler Bunch, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Kevin Clash, Bruce Connelly, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Eric Jacobson, John Kennedy, Tim Lagasse, Peter Linz, Jim Martin, Joey Mazzarino, Paul McGinnis, Jerry Nelson, Carmen Osbahr, Frank Oz, Martin P. Robinson, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, Steve Whitmire, Bryant Young

Guest Stars

Credits

Season 40 cast2

Cast and crew.

Sources

See also

External links

Template:Season-nav