Hidden Gems are special, fan-geared throwbacks to classic Sesame Street moments, including characters and staff seen during the street scenes of the 40th Anniversary season.

In a 2009 interview by the fansite Tough Pigs, head writer Joey Mazzarino promised, "We're trying to do what we call a 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. There's one, the writing on the sandwich board outside of Hooper’s Store reads, "Loaf of bread / Container of milk / Stick of butter". We'll try to get one of those in most of the episodes this season."^[1]

Episode 4187The stickers on Big Bird's suitcase reference the places he's been: Montana, Puerto Rico, China and Hawaii.

Episode 4188A music cue from "Proud to Be a Cow" is used when Bo Peep's cow first appears.^[2]

Episode 4189Baby Bear's crayon box depicts the Alligator King holding a large crayon.

Episode 4190Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett's names appear on Leela's basket and watering can.

Episode 4191Mr. Johnson's menu features an image from the "Ladybugs' Picnic cartoon, advertising the "Ladybugs' Picnic Special".

Episode 4192An ad for "Jim Henson's Puppet Workshop" appears in the laundromat window, complete with an image of him.

Episode 4193Chris's newspaper features an image of Kevin Clash and a headline reading "Clash Unabashed by the Red Smash".

Episode 4194Caroll Spinney makes a cameo in Hooper's Store, reading a magazine about Oscar the Grouch.

Episode 4195Leela reads a book about Placido Flamingo, written by Richard Hunt.

Episode 4195Cameraman Frank Biondo can also be seen in Hooper's Store reading PAPARAZZI magazine with executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente on the cover.

Episode 4196Luis pulls the Teeny Little Super Guy from inside the broken washing machine.

Episode 4197Forgetful Jones makes a cameo during Maria and Luis's flashback.

Episode 4198Gordon's newspaper features a headline that reads "Baker Falls From Grace" and features an image of the baker after a fall down the stairs. His newspaper also features a headline about Sam the Robot.

Episode 4199During the freckle chase scene, music inspired by the "Dot Bridge" segments from Season 1 is played.

Episode 4199A box of Nutri-Dots cereal is marked with a "Biondo's" brand logo.

Episode 4200Jon Stone's face is seen on an advertisement for "Jon's Pencil Emporium".

Episode 4201Marty Robinson makes a cameo, getting his shoes shined.

Episode 4202 At the beginning, Chris and Elmo hum "Willie Wimple" as they arrive at the campsite.

Episode 4203Bip Bippadotta appears in the Laundromat during the race and says "Mahna Mahna".

Episode 4203Frank Biondo's caricature Frankie is seen selling official Squirmadega tee shirts at the race.

Episode 4204Biff and Sully are seen in the crowd during Jack's Big Jump.

Episode 4204Also in the crowd is Richard Termine, who is seen taking pictures of the event, and writer Belinda Ward.

Episode 4205As Chris makes some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, he is heard singing "Peanut Butter".

Episode 4206 Big Bird's x-ray of his sprained wing states: Radiologist: C. Spinney for Dr. Berger.

Episode 4206Sherlock Hemlock makes a cameo in Hooper's Store.

Episode 4206Jerry Nelson, as well as Herry Monster and Mr. Johnson (two more Nelson-performed characters) appear as well.

Episode 4207Elmo's crayon box reads "The Classic Crayon Factory", and has a still from the show's classic Sesame Street film.

Episode 4207Maria's newspaper features an image from the I-Beam film.

Episode 4208Maria's scrapbook contains many, old Sesame Street photos, including Gabi's birth and a visit from James Earl Jones. Additionally, Maria sings "I'm Proud to Be a Cow" while she makes her scrapbook.

Episode 4209Harvey Kneeslapper makes a cameo at the end of the Street Scene to slap a "7" on the seal's beach ball.

Episode 4210Gordon is seen reading a book called "Dialogue with Dirt" by Solomon Grundy.

Episode 4211John and Cheryl Henson are seen playing catch in the arbor with Cheryl's two daughters, Declan and Elizabeth. Telly refers to Cheryl by name in the same scene.

Episode 4212The store next to the subway displays a "Store for Rent" sign, as well as one for "Northern Realty" (with an image of Calloway on it).

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See also

• Inside Jokes

Sources

1. ↑ Hennes, Joe. "A Chat with Joey Mazzarino, part 2", ToughPigs.com. February 25, 2009.
2. ↑ Sesamestreet.org Episode Guide from 2009