Critics at Large | The New Yorker
Episode: Lessons from “Sesame Street”
Release Date: May 29, 2025

Introduction

In the May 29, 2025 episode of Critics at Large, The New Yorker's panel of critics—Nomi Fry, Vinson Cunningham, and Alex Schwartz—delve deep into the enduring legacy and evolving landscape of the iconic children's television program, Sesame Street. The discussion navigates through the show's inception, its cultural and educational impact over 55 years, recent challenges amidst changing media landscapes, and the critical shifts in its programming under new distribution models.

Personal Connections and Cultural Significance

The episode begins with the hosts sharing their personal connections to Sesame Street, highlighting its pervasive influence across generations. Alex Schwartz introduces the topic by emphasizing the show's universal resonance with audiences of all ages, noting, “It’s something that almost anyone who grew up in the United States and possibly farther away... has some kind of relationship to” (02:20).

Nomi Fry shares her multicultural experience with the show, recounting how it played a pivotal role in her early English language acquisition through the Israeli adaptation, Chofzum Shtik. She reflects, “I learned English from Sesame Street... it played kind of an imperative role for me” (08:00).

The Groundbreaking Inception of Sesame Street

The hosts provide a historical overview of Sesame Street, discussing its launch in November 1969 during a period marked by the Great Society and the Civil Rights Movement. Alex Schwartz references a New Yorker piece by Jill Lepore, highlighting how the show was conceived as an educational response to the growing concern over children's passive consumption of television. The collaboration with Jim Henson brought a unique blend of educational rigor and playful irreverence to the program, creating a “fun, but not saccharine fun” atmosphere (15:22).

Nomi Fry cites Renata Adler’s 1972 analysis, describing Sesame Street as a fusion of New Deal federal planning, educational research, and artistic talent aimed at using television as a tool for rational and humane education for children (15:22).

Key Moments: Addressing Real-Life Issues

A standout feature discussed is the show’s handling of real-life issues, exemplified by the poignant episode where Mr. Hooper—a beloved human character—passes away. Alex Schwartz lauds this moment as “one of the most radical and revolutionary moments in television history,” noting how it respectfully introduced children to the concept of death without pandering or oversimplifying the emotions involved (20:22).

Nomi Fry echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the show’s approach to meeting children “at their own level and respecting the fact that they don’t know what it means for someone to die” (19:34). The hosts discuss how such moments demonstrate Sesame Street's commitment to addressing complex emotions with honesty and empathy.

Evolution and Challenges in the Modern Era

Transitioning to contemporary times, the hosts examine recent developments affecting Sesame Street. Alex Schwartz highlights the transition from HBO Max to Netflix distribution, expressing concerns over changes in episode formatting and messaging. She critiques the recent episode, “Lights, Camera, Cher,” for its overt messaging on sharing, which she feels shifts the show from its original blend of education and entertainment to a more didactic approach (34:00).

Vinson Cunningham concurs, describing the episode as “driven around message” and lamenting the loss of the show’s inherent entertainment value that once allowed children to engage with educational content more organically (39:42). He reflects on the importance of maintaining a balance between educational objectives and creative storytelling.

Impact of Funding Cuts and Organizational Changes

The discussion addresses the broader challenges facing Sesame Street, including funding cuts and organizational shifts. Nomi Fry mentions the 20% staff layoffs at Sesame Workshop earlier in the year and the uncertainty surrounding the show's future following the end of the HBO distribution deal. She notes, “The federal government has cut public funding for PBS... Sesame’s future seemed to be unsure” (42:18).

The recent switch to Netflix is seen as a double-edged sword. While it promises wider accessibility and simultaneous releases, there are concerns about maintaining the show's educational integrity and cultural relevance. Alex Schwartz points out that Netflix plans to streamline the show’s format, potentially sacrificing the rich, magazine-style variety that has been a hallmark of Sesame Street (43:30).

Consensus and Future Outlook

Despite the criticisms and challenges, the hosts agree on the intrinsic value of Sesame Street. Vinson Cunningham passionately declares, “Yes, long may it live” (50:30), underscoring the show's essential role in cultural education and community building.

Alex Schwartz and Nomi Fry echo this sentiment, advocating for a balance between preserving the show's foundational values and adapting to contemporary educational and entertainment needs. They emphasize the importance of maintaining Sesame Street as a public resource that nurtures creativity, inclusivity, and communal values for future generations (51:58).

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of Sesame Street's enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping educational children's programming. The hosts express optimism for its continued evolution under Netflix, provided that the show remains true to its mission of blending education with engaging, thoughtful storytelling.

Vinson Cunningham aptly summarizes the episode's essence: “You can depend on [Sesame Street] being available, as a kind of utility... to help kids with cultural education” (45:22).

Notable Quotes

• Alex Schwartz (15:22): “Sesame Street was designed to harness the addictive properties of television and make them somehow good.”
• Nomi Fry (19:34): “We don’t like it and we have to live with it.”
• Alex Schwartz (20:22): “This is one of the most revolutionary moments in television history.”
• Vinson Cunningham (50:30): “Yes, long may it live.”

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Critics at Large provides a comprehensive exploration of Sesame Street's past, present, and potential future. Through thoughtful analysis and personal anecdotes, the hosts underscore the show's profound impact on education and culture, while critically assessing the challenges it faces in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The discussion affirms that, despite its recent struggles, Sesame Street remains a vital institution dedicated to fostering learning, inclusivity, and community values among children worldwide.