Sesame Street, a landmark in children’s television, is fondly remembered by generations for its educational content and catchy tunes. For many, the Sesame Street Opening Song is instantly recognizable, a signal that learning and fun are about to begin. But long before the familiar live-action opening, early episodes of Sesame Street featured charming animated sequences that preceded the iconic theme song.
In the show’s debut year of 1969, the creative genius of Jim Henson brought to life a delightful claymation opening. This intro, a visual treat, showcased two whimsical monsters and a playfully upside-down “U” that cleverly spelled out “Sesame Street.” This claymation sequence marked the very first introduction many children had to the world of Sesame Street, setting a playful and imaginative tone right from the start.
Moving into the early 1970s, Sesame Street continued to experiment with animation. These animated openings, different from the claymation style, graced the screen before each episode until 1976. One memorable opening from Episode 162 beautifully illustrated the growth of passion flowers. A hand delicately planting seeds, followed by the magic of water causing them to sprout and bloom in vibrant colors, all while the words “Sesame Street” appeared in a rainbow of hues. This sequence culminated in the appearance of another flower, proudly displaying the episode number, 162.
Another standout animated intro, recalled from Episode 536, featured a red woodpecker diligently pecking away at a tree. As the woodpecker worked, it carved out the words “Sesame Street,” a clever and engaging way to present the show’s title. This particular opening is fondly remembered by some who may have seen it at venues like the Museum of Television & Radio. These animated openings often preceded classic segments, such as Mahna Mahna’s “Fat Cat” song, the surreal “D song” with dancing daisies, and even early street scenes featuring characters like Sam the Robot.
Episode 560 offered a slightly more quirky animated opening. It depicted a robber, not in the midst of a heist, but rather engaging in the peculiar act of removing his boots. After placing his boots neatly beside a garbage can, the robber comically takes flight, soaring into the sky as the words “Sesame Street” and the episode number 560 materialize on screen.
These animated openings, though eventually replaced by the live-action format we know today, hold a special nostalgic place for those who grew up with early Sesame Street. They represent a time of creative exploration and playful experimentation within children’s television, adding another layer of charm to the already beloved Sesame Street opening song and the show itself. While the late 1970s shifted to a simpler presentation, often featuring just the original Sesame Street theme song, and subsequent theme song changes in 1993 and the late 1990s brought in updated versions with a growing cast of characters, these early animated intros remain a unique and cherished part of Sesame Street history. Do you remember any other of these early animated Sesame Street opening song sequences?
