Welcome to Sesame Street, a neighborhood synonymous with joy, learning, and acceptance! It’s the place where differences are celebrated, and every character, from the grumpy Oscar the Grouch to the eternally optimistic Big Bird, has a special place. Step onto this vibrant street where monsters, humans, and everything in between come together to create a unique and heartwarming community.
Sesame Street isn’t just a street; it’s a world full of personalities, quirks, and friendships that have captivated generations. Have you ever wondered who’s the resident cookie connoisseur? Or who considers a trash can a luxury apartment? Get ready to meet the amazing Muppets and human residents who make Sesame Street the most beloved neighborhood on television!
Discover the Muppets of Sesame Street
The heart of Sesame Street lies in its incredible cast of Muppets, each designed to teach, entertain, and resonate with children (and adults!) around the world. Let’s introduce you to some of the most iconic residents:
Abby Cadabby
[ Abby Cadabby in a playful pose. Abby Cadabby, Sesame Street fairy-in-training ]
Meet Abby Cadabby, the energetic and curious 4-year-old fairy-in-training! With her sparkly wings and boundless imagination, Abby brings a touch of magic to Sesame Street. As the daughter of the Fairy Godmother, she’s still learning to master her powers, often with hilarious and heartwarming results. Abby embodies playful learning and encourages viewers to embrace their own unique abilities.
Aloysius Snuffleupagus (“Snuffy”)
[ Snuffy looking friendly with his trunk raised. Snuffleupagus, Big Bird’s gentle giant friend ]
Affectionately known as Snuffy, Aloysius Snuffleupagus is Big Bird’s dearest friend. This gentle giant, with his long trunk and shaggy fur, is known for his kind heart and playful nature. Snuffy represents the importance of friendship and understanding, teaching valuable lessons about believing in others, even when they seem invisible to everyone else!
Baby Bear
[ Baby Bear holding a crayon and looking ready to draw. Baby Bear, the artistic and adventurous Sesame Street resident ]
Straight from the classic tale of “The Three Bears,” Baby Bear is a curious and artistic young Muppet. He’s known for his adventurous spirit and love for drawing and creating. Baby Bear’s character helps children explore themes of family, home, and creativity, all while learning valuable social-emotional skills.
Bert and Ernie
[ Bert with a neutral expression waving. Bert, the paperclip-collecting friend of Ernie ]
[ Ernie smiling mischievously. Ernie, the playful prankster of Sesame Street ]
This iconic duo showcases the beauty of friendship despite differing personalities. Bert, with his love for paperclips and quiet activities, is the perfect foil to Ernie’s mischievous and joke-loving nature. Their relationship exemplifies how friends can be different and still deeply care for each other, teaching valuable lessons in tolerance and acceptance.
Big Bird
[ Big Bird smiling broadly. Big Bird, the toweringly tall and kind-hearted Sesame Street icon ]
Standing at a remarkable 8’2” tall, Big Bird is Sesame Street’s optimistic and inquisitive 6 ½-year-old yellow bird. He represents childhood innocence and curiosity, often asking questions that help young viewers understand the world around them. Big Bird’s gentle nature and capacity for friendship make him a beloved figure for generations.
Cookie Monster
[ Cookie Monster waving enthusiastically. Cookie Monster, Sesame Street’s lovable cookie enthusiast ]
“Me want cookie!” Who doesn’t know Cookie Monster? This furry blue Muppet is famous for his insatiable appetite for cookies, but beneath his food-focused frenzy lies a cuddly and endearing character. Cookie Monster teaches about self-control (sometimes!), but also about enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Count Von Count
[ The Count with a cape and a happy expression. Count Von Count, Sesame Street’s number-loving vampire ]
Ah ah ah! The Count, or Count Von Count, is Sesame Street’s friendly vampire with a delightful obsession: counting! He finds joy in counting everything and anything, helping children learn numeracy skills in a fun and engaging way. The Count’s enthusiastic approach to numbers makes learning an adventure.
Elmo
[ Elmo with arms outstretched for a hug. Elmo, the cheerful and giggly red monster of Sesame Street ]
With his infectious giggle and cheerful disposition, Elmo is a 3½-year-old red monster who has become a global icon. Elmo’s segments often focus on simple, everyday situations and emotions, making him highly relatable to preschoolers. He embodies kindness, friendship, and the joy of discovery.
Ernie and Bert (See Bert and Ernie above)
Gabrielle
[ Gabrielle, a vibrant and curious girl on Sesame Street ]
Gabrielle is a vibrant and curious 6 and 3/4-year-old girl Muppet who brings energy and enthusiasm to Sesame Street. Her character represents the importance of self-expression and embracing individuality. Gabrielle’s storylines often explore themes of creativity and community involvement.
Grover
[ Grover dancing energetically. Grover, Sesame Street’s exuberant and helpful blue monster ]
Super Grover! Or just Grover, Sesame Street’s gregarious and lovable blue monster. Known for his attempts to be helpful, which often hilariously backfire, Grover has been making children laugh for decades. He teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and trying your best, even when things don’t go as planned.
Gonger
[ Gonger holding a wooden spoon with a chef's hat. Gonger, the energetic and food-loving pink monster ]
Meet Gonger, an adorable little pink monster with a HUGE amount of energy and a passion for food! As Cookie Monster’s friend and cooking partner, Gonger helps children learn about healthy eating and where food comes from. His enthusiasm is contagious, making learning about nutrition fun.
Julia
[ Julia waving with a friendly smile. Julia, Sesame Street character representing autism ]
Julia is a bright and curious 4-year-old girl Muppet who has autism. Her inclusion on Sesame Street is groundbreaking, helping to promote understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. Julia demonstrates that everyone learns and interacts with the world differently, and all perspectives are valuable.
Oscar the Grouch
[ Oscar peeking out of his trash can with a grumpy expression. Oscar the Grouch, Sesame Street’s resident complainer ]
Living in his trash can, Oscar the Grouch is Sesame Street’s resident complainer. He dislikes anything “nice,” from rainbows to cheerful songs. Despite his grumpiness, Oscar is a beloved character who teaches children that it’s okay to have different feelings and preferences. Even grouches have a place on Sesame Street!
Rosita
[ Rosita smiling and looking cheerful. Rosita, the bilingual monster from Sesame Street ]
Rosita is an optimistic and playful 5-year-old monster whose full name, Rosita la Monstrua de las Cuevas, means “The Monster of the Caves.” Rosita is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and celebrates Latino culture. She embodies cultural diversity and the richness of different languages.
Rudy
[ Rudy with a surprised and happy expression. Rudy, Abby Cadabby’s step-brother with orange fur ]
Rudy is Abby Cadabby’s energetic and playful three-year-old step-brother. With his bright orange fur and mop of blue curls, Rudy brings even more fun to Sesame Street. He represents blended families and the joys of sibling relationships.
Tamir
[ Tamir looking directly at the camera with a friendly face. Tamir, a human resident of Sesame Street ]
Tamir is an 8-year-old human resident of Sesame Street, living with his family. As a human character, Tamir provides a relatable perspective for child viewers and helps bridge the gap between the Muppet world and the real world.
Tango
[ Elmo hugging Tango the puppy. Tango, Elmo’s puppy full of energy and joy ]
Tango is a music-loving, curious puppy brimming with joy and energy! As Elmo’s pet, Tango adds another layer of fun and learning to Sesame Street, demonstrating the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership.
Telly Monster
[ Telly looking worried and concerned. Telly Monster, Sesame Street’s anxious but earnest monster ]
Telly Monster is an intense and earnest monster who worries over everything! While his anxiety can sometimes get the better of him, Telly learns valuable coping mechanisms and demonstrates that it’s okay to have worries and fears. He embodies emotional literacy and resilience.
Zoe
[ Zoe dancing with a big smile. Zoe, the energetic and dancing 3-year-old Muppet ]
Zoe is an energetic 3-year-old who loves to dance and sing! Her vibrant personality and love for performing bring a spark of joy to Sesame Street. Zoe represents creativity, self-expression, and the fun of movement.
[ Gabrielle with two adults and a child in a group photo. Sesame Street Characters and human cast members together ]
Sesame Street’s Enduring Impact
Beyond the lovable characters, Sesame Street has always been about making a difference. As a global non-profit organization, Sesame Workshop’s mission extends far beyond television, aiming to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Want to Meet More Sesame Street Friends?
The fun doesn’t stop here! Sesame Street offers a variety of shows and content to explore:
Sesame Street Muppets in a group photo. Explore the world of Sesame Street
Sesame Street: Visit the original and friendliest street in the world and catch up with all your favorite characters.
Mecha Elmo, Mecha Cookie, and Mecha Abby as superheroes. Discover Mecha Builders
Mecha Builders: Join Mecha Elmo, Mecha Cookie, and Mecha Abby as they use their STEM skills to solve problems and help their community. “Plan it, Test it, Solve it!”
Elmo hosting The Not-Too-Late Show. Watch The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo
The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo: Even more Elmo fun! Catch his talk show where he interviews celebrities and has a blast.
Sesame Street’s characters are more than just puppets; they are friends, teachers, and role models. They represent a diverse and inclusive world, teaching valuable lessons about kindness, understanding, and community that resonate with audiences of all ages. Step into Sesame Street and discover the magic for yourself!