Monthly Press Coverage

Browse Sesame Workshop media highlights.

hand holding a phone in front of the Sesame Street sign.

What People Were Talking About in October…


New Video Content with Elmo & Andrew Garfield
NBC News: 
Andrew Garfield gets vulnerable about grief, with support from Elmo
“Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of U.S. social impact at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind “Sesame Street,” said the clip created “an authentic conversation around a sensitive but incredibly important topic for children and families, the death of a loved one.” “They showed that it’s okay to miss someone you love, and it can be helpful to celebrate the memories you had with them that brought happiness and joy,” Betancourt said in a statement on Monday.”

People: Andrew Garfield Talks to Elmo About Missing His Late Mom and Fans Are Emotional: ‘Sadness Is Kind of a Gift’
“Andrew Garfield is having a heart-to-heart chat with Elmo about missing his late mother, Lynn, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2019. In a video shared by the beloved Sesame Street muppet on Friday, Oct. 18, Elmo had an intimate conversation with the Amazing Spider-Man star, 41.”

E! News: Andrew Garfield and Elmo’s Adorably Hard-Hitting Interview Will Sweep Any Clouds Away
“Andrew Garfield and Elmo are two best friends that anyone could have. Case in point? The duo’s interview for Sesame Workshop, which E! News has the exclusive first look at.”

Rolling Stone: Andrew Garfield Grieves His Mom Lynn With Elmo: ‘I Just Miss Her a Lot’
E! News: Andrew Garfield and Elmo’s Conversation About Grief Will Tug at Your Heartstrings
Variety: Andrew Garfield Talks to Elmo About Grief After the Death of His Mother Lynn: ‘She Made Me So Happy’
USA Today: ‘I’m just thinking about my mum’: Andrew Garfield talks grief with Elmo in viral clip
TODAY: Andrew Garfield and Elmo talk about grief: ‘It’s actually kind of OK to miss somebody’
Entertainment Weekly: Andrew Garfield reveals how Jessica Chastain helped him visit his dying mother
Uproxx: Fans in ‘tears’ after watching Andrew Garfield talk about his mother’s death with Elmo


Gael García Bernal & Diego Luna Meet Bert & Ernie
Entertainment Weekly: 
Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna challenge Bert and Ernie over which duo are better best friends 
“After more than 50 years on Sesame Street together, Bert and Ernie are confirmed besties. But a new video shows them being challenged on whether they’re actually better best friends than actors Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna.”

Latin Post: Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna are the Most Epic Duo in Global Entertainment — Sorry, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon!
Remezcla [Instagram]: Who are better best friends @diegoluna_ & @gaelgarciab or Bert & Ernie? 😅
Out Magazine: Gael García Bernal & Diego Luna dressed up as iconic ‘friends’ Bert & Ernie and we have to stan 


Elmo Visits the UK to Celebrate the Launch of Sesame Street Season 54 on Amazon Kids+
The Sun TV Mag: 
NEW KIDS: Sesame Street Available from Tuesday
“A staggering 55 years after it first aired, Sesame Street continues to entertain and educate kids around the world. It’s back again this week for the latest series, featuring the colorful crew of characters and yet more catchy songs and silly sketches. The show will be tackling matters from self-identity to friendship, making youngsters laugh along the way, and there will be guests including singer Ariana DeBose (below). The world may have changed but the Street is as uplifting as ever.” 
 
Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2: Elmo’s here! 
Scott Mills ‘The Wonder Years’ on BBC Radio 2: Sing-a-long Special with Elmo!
Radio Times: What It’s Like to Be Elmo from Sesame Street
ATV Today: From ABCs and 123s new Sesame Street is a Amazon Kids+ UK hit
The Sun UK: Dates for Your Diary: October 1: Sesame Street Amazon Kids+
TV & Satellite Week UK: Sesame Street Available from Tuesday, Amazon Kids+
What’s on TV UK: New to Watch: The Best of the Latest Releases to Stream


Sherrie Westin Featured in Axios’ Finish Line Interview Series
Axios: 1 Big Thing: Lead like Sesame Workshop CEO Sherrie Westin
“Last month I interviewed Sherrie Westin, 66, the new CEO of Sesame Workshop — the nonprofit behind “Sesame Street,” TV’s longest-running children’s show. It’s been on air since 1969. Why she matters: Westin — who has been in senior leadership at Sesame for over 20 years and was a senior official in President George H.W. Bush’s administration — needs to steer Sesame through an increasingly competitive media landscape and polarized world.”


Hallie Ruvin & Aaron Bisman Promotion Announcement
Licensing Magazine:
 Sesame Workshop New Appointments
“Sesame Workshop has named Hallie Ruvin Senior Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, overseeing Brand Narrative, Public Affairs, PR, and Events, and Aaron Bisman Senior Vice President of Marketing, responsible for Audience Development, Brand Marketing, Brand Creative, and Marketing Operations. Ruvin and Bisman will report to CEO Sherrie Westin and will join the organization’s Operations team.”
 
The Toy Book: Sesame Workshop Promotes Hallie Ruvin to SVP of Communications & Public Affairs, Aaron Bisman to SVP of Marketing
License Global: Sesame Workshop Elevates Two


Sesame Street Learn & Play Center Opening at American Dream Mall
New Jersey Family: 
The First Sesame Street Learn & Play Center in the U.S. Will Open in NJ
“If your kids are fans of Big Bird, Elmo & their crew, then the way to get to Sesame Street is via American Dream in East Rutherford. American Dream and Sesame Workshop will bring the first Sesame Street Learn & Play to the U.S. next month. Through an immersive experience, kids will step into the rainforest at Elmo’s World, listen to Big Bird tell stories at his nest, shop at Hooper’s Store, explore Abby Cadabby’s magical garden, learn about cranks and gears at the Bike Shop, and have some laughs with Bert and Ernie.”
 
Rutherford Daily Voice: America’s First-Ever Sesame Street Experience Opening At American Dream Mall
NorthJersey.com: Nation’s first Sesame Street Learn & Play site to open at American Dream
Chain Store Age: Sesame Street Learn & Play attraction to debut at American Dream


Sesame Street Recognized at 2024 DGA Honors
DGA News:
 DGA Honors Adds Sesame Street to Esteemed List of Honorees at 25th Anniversary Celebration
“The Directors Guild of America (DGA) announced today that Sesame Streetjoins a list of admired recipients at this year’s DGA Honors. It was also announced that television Director, Actor, Producer and Writer Natasha Lyonne will host the evening’s celebration.”


Takalani Sesame’s New ‘Bond Through Play’ Campaign
Media Update: 
Takalani Sesame Partners With Parents for Its ‘Bond Through Play’ Campaign
Takalani Sesame has partnered with some of South Africa’s dads (and moms) to encourage father figures to play with their children through its ‘Bond Through Play’ campaign.” 


Sesame Workshop Product Licensing News
Licensing Magazine: The Latest Wave of Sesame Street Kidult Product Collaborations
“Building on highly successful launches from the last year of brand-new items for adult fans, Sesame Workshop has announced continuing kidult product collaborations with beloved brands and pop-culture creators specializing in collectibles, costumes, comics, and more available this autumn.”

New York Post: Expert guide to the 20 hottest Christmas toys to shop for the 2024 holidays
CNET: 36 Best Advent Calendars for Kids in 2024
Bleeding Cool: Sesame Street NECA Bert And Ernie Figures Up For Preorder
The Toy Insider: Sesame Street and Sourcebooks Are Teaching Meaningful Words and Powerful Lessons
License Global: Nex Playground Unveils New Holiday Game Lineup


Sesame Workshop Brings Joy to Social Media
Marketing Brew: Becoming Elmo: How Sesame Workshop brings joy to social media
“In an era of trolls and milkshake ducks, there are perhaps only a handful of social media accounts you can expect to remain pure. Elmo is one of them. For that, you have Christina Vittas, social media manager at Sesame Workshop, to thank.” 


Sesame Place Philadelphia Joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Amusement Today: Sesame Place Philadelphia paves the way in accessibility by becoming first theme park in the United States to join Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
“After becoming the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place Philadelphia will once again pave the way as an industry leader in accessibility as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The program, which helps people with non-visible disabilities, will launch at the park in early 2025.”


10 TV Shows That Will Probably Never Be Canceled, Including Sesame Street!
ScreenRant: 10 TV Shows That Will Probably Never Be Canceled
“With colorful characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster being among the most easily identifiable TV characters ever, it feels incredibly unlikely that Sesame Street will be taken off the air anytime soon. Even with a massive influx of content geared specifically toward children, the classic program has remained a standout, continuing to teach new lessons and even welcoming in new celebrity guests with every episode. As long as little kids are watching television, Sesame Street is almost certain to be there for them.”

Archived Clips

September 2024

What People Were Talking About in September…

Sesame Workshop x Jim Henson’s Birthday
Cinema Blend: Kermit The Frog, Oscar The Grouch And Gobo Fraggle Came Together To Celebrate Jim Henson’s Birthday And It’s Wild To See

“Today would have been Jim Henson’s 88th birthday. During his long career, Henson gave us Sesame Street,The Muppets, iconic films like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal and so much more. He was an incredible talent who was so much more than a puppeteer, but today those puppets have come together to remember him in an emotional tribute. A new video on YouTube brings together three characters that Jim Henson created, Kermit the Frog, Oscar the Grouch, and Gobo Fraggle.”

Tough Pigs:Kermit, Gobo, and Oscar Reunite for Jim Henson’s Birthday
Bleeding Cool:Kermit the Frog, Oscar the Grouch, Gobo Fraggle Honor Jim Henson BDay

Sesame Workshop x Remembering James Earl Jones
TODAY: James Earl Jones Was The First Celebrity Guest On ‘Sesame Street’
“Jones, who died at the age of 93 on Sept. 9, was the first-ever celebrity guest on “Sesame Street” in 1969.”
TIME:James Earl Jones Was So Much More Than Darth Vader
Rolling Stone:James Earl Jones Was So Much More Than His Golden Voice
Forbes:Remembering James Earl Jones: 10 Interesting Facts About The Legendary Actor
Slash Film:55 Years Ago, James Earl Jones’ Sesame Street Appearance Marked A Huge First For The Series

Sesame Workshop x The Harris Poll
HR Happy Hour: Elmo Inspired Survey Shows Many Americans Struggling with Mental Health

“In this episode Steve discusses how a simple social media post from the beloved Sesame Street character Elmo kicked off a national conversation about mental health.”

Sesame Workshop x Funko Pops
Scary Mommy:Funko Just Dropped Four New Sesame Street Pops, & They’re So Fricking Cute

“Calling all Funko fans and Sesame Street stans — big news for you today. It’s been a while since Funko released any Pops related to the beloved children’s TV show, but that’s all about to change. Scary Mommy can exclusively reveal that Funko is dropping an all-new line of Sesame Street Pops… today! That’s right; the new collection will be available to shop on Funko.com as of Aug. 28, 2024.”

Sesame Workshop x Primark
Yahoo News:Primark selling epic Sesame Street onesies that are ‘perfect for Christmas Day’

“If you’re a Sesame Street fan, it’s your lucky day as Primark has released some seriously adorable stuff – and one item has even been hailed as perfect as an alternative to Christmas-themed pyjamas. Fast-fashion store Primark is great at releasing fun, novelty items – and the shop’s latest Sesame Street collection is no different.”

Sesame Workshop x The Singing Machine Company
Morningstar: Singing Machine Announces Availability of New Sesame Street Branded Product Line

“Singing Machine’s newly available assortment of its Sesame Street karaoke products feature beloved characters such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby. The characters are available in the Company’s latest innovative wearable karaoke backpack line featuring everyone’s favorite Sesame Street characters.”

Sesame Workshop x Latest Licensing Partnerships
The Toy Insider:Flip Open a Sesame Street Comic Book with ‘Grover Lends a Hand’

“Sesame Street: Grover Lends a Hand is the first in the series, which will eventually include four comic books. In the first in the series, Grover helps different pals to solve problems so that they can enjoy a beautiful day on The Street.”

The Mirror UK:Get cosy this Christmas with Primark Sesame Street onesies perfect for families

“Primark has just dropped a super cute Sesame Street range and fans are going bananas over it – especially for an epic onesie that’s being dubbed the Christmas morning must-have. The high street giant, known for its on-trend bargains, has rolled out a budget-friendly Sesame Street collection that will have you channeling your inner child without breaking the bank.”

Kicks on Fire:Crocs Echo Clog GS Sesame

“This unique collaboration between Crocs and the beloved Sesame Street characters results in a clog that is not only functional but also visually appealing. The design effortlessly incorporates vibrant colors and playful elements that highlight iconic characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird.”

Sesame Workshop x Brand Licensing Europe 2024
License Global:Sesame Workshop Expands Multigenerational Brand Licensing Activities in Europe

“Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind the “Sesame Street” series, continues to grow its product portfolio and connect with families and fans in new ways across Europe.  Heading into Brand Licensing Europe, Sesame Workshop’s partners are bringing this joyful, evergreen property to more categories across toys, apparel, kidult, publishing, retail, themed entertainment and more.”

License Global:Bulldog Licensing Brings Multiple Offerings to BLE
Total Licensing:Sesame Expands Licensing Across Europe

Sesame Workshop x NBCUniversal at Paris Olympics
The TODAY Show:Olympic Medalist Noah Lyles’ Mother[Sesame mention begins at 4:40]

“We spoke with Keisha after the Olympics and her top highlight was, of course, watching Noah win gold. But, she said the second best part was meeting Elmo!”

Sesame Workshop x Gift of Giggles – Cookie Monster at Second City
ToughPigs:Cookie Monster “Yes, Ands” at Second City

“That Cookie Monster guy sure is funny. This surely is thanks in part to the many talented writers who’ve given him such amusing things to say over the years. But so much of the credit goes to his performers – Frank Oz, and in more recent years, David Rudman.”

Sesame Workshop x Elmo Visits the UK
This Morning: Elmo Shares His Gift of Giggles with Alison and Dermot!

“Get ready for fun and much-needed positivity. Sesame Street legend Elmo is bringing the laughs as he joins Alison and Dermot to chat about Sesame Street’s heartwarming ‘Gift of Giggles’ campaign. Plus, if you missed it – Elmo tells us about taking the internet by storm, racking up over 300 million views and sparking a whopping 3 million responses for his adorable “How’s Everybody Doing?” tweet.”

Sesame Workshop x Imagen Awards 2024
Deadline: Imagen Awards 2024 Winners: ‘A Million Miles Away’, ‘Will Trent’, Sofia Vergara, Eugenio Debrez & More

“Winners on the TV side included ABC’s Will Trentfor Best Drama Series, Hulu’s This Fool for Comedy Series, True Detective: Night Country director Issa López, Griselda‘s Sofia Vergara, Not Dead Yet‘s Gina Rodriguez, The Bear‘s Liza Colón-Zayas, Mayans M.C.‘s Edward James Olmos and HBO’s Sesame Street.

Sesame Workshop x American Dream Mall
Kidscreen: FEATURE: Brands are living the American Dream with new mall locations

“SVP of global strategic partnerships and themed entertainment Jennifer Ahearn recognizes that experiential installations in retail outlets are a critical tool for expanding a brand’s LBE business in today’s market. “We know that kids who experience our Sesame Street-themed attractions engage even more with our content, which drives them to achieve new learning outcomes.”

Sesame Workshop x SNL
LateNighter: 14 Years Ago, Cookie Monster Campaigned His Heart Out to Host SNL

“The Muppets have a long history with Saturday Night Live — their roots go all the way back to the show’s very first episode in 1975. Although no Muppet has ever hosted SNL, there’s one beloved Sesame Street character who came close: Cookie Monster.”