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KPBS Midday Edition

'Sesame Street' Celebrates 50 Years And Counting

A scene from "Once Upon A Sesame Street Christmas."
Courtesy of Zach Hyman
A scene from "Once Upon A Sesame Street Christmas."
Sesame Workshop co-founder Lloyd Morrisett talks about the mission of Sesame Street and its 50 year impact.

Millions of children around the world grew up watching "Sesame Street."

The program was launched 50 years ago this week on Nov. 10, 1969.

The idea was to help fill educational gaps among children. Since then, "Sesame Street" has been a place where colorful characters like Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster make learning fun. Next month, the program will receive a Kennedy Center Honor, the first time a television program will receive this recognition.

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San Diego resident Lloyd Morrisett, a co-founder of the Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind "Sesame Street," joined Midday Edition to talk about the legacy of "Sesame Street" and the impact it's had on children's television.

"Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration" airs Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV.

VIDEO: 'Sesame Street' Celebrates 50 Years And Counting