On November 10, 1969, “Sesame Street,” a pioneering TV show that would
teach generations of young children the alphabet and how to count, made
its broadcast debut. “Sesame Street,” with its memorable theme song
(“Can you tell me how to get/How to get to Sesame Street”), went on to
become the most widely viewed children’s program in the world. It has
aired in more than 120 countries.

The show was the brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney, a former documentary
producer for public television. Cooney’s goal was to create programming
for preschoolers that was both entertaining and educational. She also
wanted to use TV as a way to help underprivileged 3- to 5- year-old’s
prepare for kindergarten. “Sesame Street” was set in a fictional New
York neighborhood and included ethnically diverse characters and
positive social messages.

Joan Ganz Cooney