Sesame Street, a television institution beloved by generations, is renowned for its rich history of welcoming iconic musical talents. For over five decades, the show has harmoniously blended education and entertainment, featuring a star-studded lineup from Stevie Wonder to Erykah Badu. This tradition continues into its 55th season, with the exciting addition of contemporary R&B sensation, SZA, alongside a diverse cast of guest stars.
Sesame Street has consistently delivered memorable musical moments, showcasing artists across genres. From One Direction’s playful take on literacy with “What Makes U Useful,” celebrating the letter ‘U’, to Smokey Robinson’s soulful rendition of “U Really Got a Hold on Me,” the show creatively integrates music into learning. Opera legend Marilyn Horne’s operatic “C Is for Cookie” further exemplifies the program’s innovative approach to music education.
Season 55, launching on Max, is set to uphold this musical legacy. Renee Rapp kicked off the season on January 16th, and the anticipation builds for SZA’s appearance, along with other notable names like Noah Kahan, Michael B. Jordan, Samara Joy, Chris Stapleton, Jonathan Van Ness, and Billie Jean King. These guests will participate in songs and various engaging segments, promising a season filled with both learning and entertainment. New episodes are released every Thursday, offering families consistent, quality viewing. For those awaiting broadcast television, the season will also be available on local PBS stations and the PBS Kids Video app in Fall 2025.
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This season of Sesame Street is not just about star power; it’s deeply rooted in a curriculum focused on emotional well-being. Recognizing the growing need for children to understand and manage their emotions, Season 55 will provide accessible strategies for comprehending and coping with big feelings. Through fun, relatable stories, children will learn valuable mindfulness practices.
Sal Perez, Sesame Street’s executive producer, emphasizes the season’s goals: “New episodes of Sesame Street will help young viewers understand and express their feelings, learn new mindfulness practices, and as always, have a blast with their favorite furry and funny friends.” He highlights practical techniques taught in the show, such as “volcano breaths” for anger, self-hugs for frustration, and “wiggling it out” for disappointment, all aimed at empowering children with resilience and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Vice President of Curriculum & Content, explains the curriculum’s development: “This season’s emotional well-being curriculum was developed in response to the growing mental health crisis affecting children globally.” The focus is on emotion awareness and social connection, teaching children that all feelings are valid and shared experiences. The season aims to equip children with skills to navigate social situations within their families, communities, and beyond.
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Several feature episodes highlight this emotional curriculum. “Beachball Bop” on January 16th showcases Elmo learning volcano breaths to manage anger. “Abby Taps Into Kindness” on April 10th features Abby learning self-kindness to overcome frustration. “Happy Bert Day” on July 24th explores Ernie and Bert navigating different birthday celebration preferences using “lion breaths.” Lastly, “New School Scaries” on September 4th sees Cookie Monster tackling new school anxieties with support from his friends.
Sesame Street’s 55th season, featuring SZA and other incredible guests, promises to be both entertaining and profoundly impactful, providing young viewers with essential tools for emotional well-being alongside the joyful learning experiences that Sesame Street is known for. Tune in to Max to catch the latest episodes and join Sesame Street in fostering a generation of emotionally intelligent and resilient children.
