The Best Episodes of Sesame Street
#1 - Episode 1
Season 1 - Episode 1
In the first episode of Sesame Street, Gordon takes a girl named Sally on a tour of Sesame Street, introducing her (and the viewers) to the various characters on the show. On the street, Sally meets the human cast -- Gordon, Susan, Bob and Mr. Hooper -- as well as two Muppet characters, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. Ernie and Bert appear for the first time, and Kermit the Frog gives a lecture on the letter W, interrupted by an early version of Cookie Monster. Also featured in this episode are the first installments of the "Number Song Series" and "Jazz" cartoons, the first appearance of a group of Anything Muppets, and the first performance of "One of These Things". Carol Burnett is the first celebrity guest to appear on the show. In this episode, many sketches are introduced by the characters, even within the inserts. This reflects the fact that the show was initially conceived as a children's version of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. For example, Gordon asks Kermit to give his W lecture, and when the sketch begins, Kermit says that Gordon asked him to talk about the letter W.
#2 - Frankly It's Becoming a Habitat
Season 40 - Episode 1
Big Bird is eating a hot bowl of soup on a cold day outside Hooper's Store when Freddy Flapman, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, from Flychert Real Estate, finds Big Bird and tries to convince him to migrate somewhere warm. Freddy Flapman tells him that he might like living in a new habitat and takes Big Bird on a virtual tour! First, Freddy Flapman takes Big Bird to the beach where there are pelicans and gulls and beautiful ocean views. Next, Freddy Flapman transforms Sesame Street into a big swamp where Big Bird learns all about this habitat and where owls and ducks like to live. Freddy Flapman pops up one last time and Big Bird’s nest area is turned into a beautiful rainforest! Big Bird likes it. The rainforest is warm and colorful and has animals of every color and size. In fact, Big Bird likes it so much he wants to move there! Big Bird begins packing and waving good bye to all of his friends on Sesame Street. Just as he is about to leave, Big Bird’s friends remind him of all the things he would miss if he migrated to the rainforest. Big Bird realizes he can’t leave, after all this is where all of his friends are and Sesame Street is where he belongs!
#3 - Cowmonster Pair
Season 40 - Episode 2
Elmo and Telly are at Hooper's Store when Little Bo Peep comes looking for her cow. Elmo and Telly offer to help her and decide to call themselves the Cowmonster Pair! Luis comes along and sings about animal tracks and now Elmo and Telly have their first clue! They find animal tracks on the ground, but when Telly tosses his lasso around an animal, it’s a chicken, not a cow! Luis gives them another clue and sings about tracks that are kind of round. Telly and Elmo come across round animal tracks and are certain they found the cow! Telly tosses the lasso around an animal but this time it’s a raccoon. Luis comes along again and gives them another musical cow clue- animal tracks that are in the shape of two half moons. They find tracks that are kind of round and look like two half moons, but the tracks are from a moose, not a cow! Telly becomes discouraged and Elmo reminds Telly they can’t give up. Instead, they should use the clues they already have and put them all together. Elmo realizes that they have to find animal tracks that look like the moose tracks, only smaller! This time, they follow animal tracks that lead to a door. They open the door and there is the cow! Yee-haw! Little Bo Peep thanks the Cowmonster Pair for finding her cow. They are true cow finding experts!
#4 - Baby Bear is Afraid of Bees
Season 40 - Episode 3
Baby Bear and Abby are near a garden when a bee flies by. Baby Bear is filled with panic because he is afraid of bees! Chris reminds him that they are usually harmless when left alone, but Baby Bear doesn’t care; he wants nothing to do with them. Abby suggests granting Baby Bear a wish so that he isn’t afraid of bees. Abby points her wand at Baby Bear, but Chris, who is standing close by, also gets hits with her magic. Baby Bear and Chris both turn into bees! Oops! Abby doesn’t know how to fix the spell. As Abby calls her mommy to find a solution, the bees put Chris and Baby Bear to work! But they don’t understand what they need to do—how do bees help flowers? After talking to a bee, Baby Bear learns that bees are important because they collect pollen and nectar, and help living things grow. Later, Chris and Baby Bear find themselves in a beehive. They learn that bees make wax and honey and that honeycombs are shaped like a hexagon. By the time Baby Bear and Chris return to Sesame Street, Abby has learned how to undo the spell. She waves her magic wand, and Chris and Baby Bear turn back into themselves! In the end, Abby’s spell really did work! Baby Bear is no longer afraid of bees. In fact, Baby Bear tells Abby all about how important and incredible bees really are!
#5 - Wild Nature Survivor Guy
Season 40 - Episode 4
Wild Nature Survivor Guy finds himself on Sesame Street. He is accustomed to surviving in the wilds of nature and thinks he needs to “survive” out on Sesame Street. Elmo and Rosita are confused. He is not alone and he’s not in the middle of nature, but he is convinced nature is all around them! First, Wild Nature Survivor Guy finds a tomato plant and bites into a ripe tomato. Not only do tomatoes come from nature, but so do all the fruits and vegetables on display outside Hooper’s store. Next, Wild Nature Survivor Guy looks for water to quench his thirst. He finds leaves with drops of water and puts the water together to drink. Wild Nature Survival Guy becomes concerned about nighttime approaching, and looks for ways to keep warm. He picks up feathers and puts them inside his shirt. Oh my! They tickle! Elmo offers him a coat, but Wild Nature Survivor Guy explains that feathers are what make most coats warm. The sun begins to set, and Wild Nature Survivor Guy finds perfect shelter, Big Bird’s nest! It has lots of branches, and lots of animals use trees and braches as shelter. Even houses are made of wood. Wild Nature Survivor Guy sings a song about nature as Elmo and Rosita realize that nature is all around them!
#6 - Abby Makes Seasons Change
Season 40 - Episode 5
Chris is enjoying the beautiful spring weather as Elmo races to tell Chris that he found a sled in his closet and is going to go sledding! Chris reminds Elmo that it’s spring and that there is no snow. Elmo has to wait for the seasons to change! Elmo wishes it was winter so he could go sledding again. Abby pops in and hears Elmo make a wish. Abby recites a weather spell to change the seasons. But instead of changing the weather to winter, she changes it to summer. The blossoms are all gone and the arbor is filled with green leaves. Baby Bear and Telly who were playing a game of tag are now too hot to play. Abby tries again. This time she recites the weather spell and it becomes fall! It’s windy and the leaves have changed colors. Abby gives it one more try and it works. It’s freezing outside! There are no leaves on the tree and Baby Bear has fallen asleep! He’s hibernating until spring. Elmo is excited it’s winter; now he can go sledding! After talking to Chris, Elmo realizes that changing the seasons wasn’t such a good idea after all. Chris explains that that the seasons have to come in their own time. Abby recites another magic weather spell and Sesame Street is transformed again to a perfect spring day. Hooray! Now they can enjoy the gorgeous spring weather!
#7 - Y a Quest? Y Not
Season 40 - Episode 6
Telly excitedly runs to Abby and Elmo to tell them he has the book they’ve been waiting for, How to be a Knight for a Day. Hooray! Telly, Abby and Elmo look to the book to tell them how to become knights. First, they have to wear a suit of shining armor. They zip off and whoosh! Elmo, Abby and Telly are dressed in suits of armor. Clank! Clank! Clank! Next, they must sing a knight song, so they sing, “We Are Three Knights So Merry.” Then the book tells them they must go on a quest. But they don’t know what to search for! As Elmo, Telly, and Abby think about their quest, they hear a whimpering letter “Y.” When they ask the letter “Y” why he is crying, he tells them he is unsure of his purpose in life. He can’t think of any words that begin with the “Y” sound. That’s it! Telly decides their quest will be to look for things that begin with the letter “Y.” First, they enter Gina’s veterinarian office looking for animals that begin with the letter “Y.” Then they decide to check the laundromat but they still can’t find any “Y” words. Next, they visit Alan at Hooper’s store. Just as they are about to leave, they see a hairy cow passing, but are disappointed because hairy cow doesn’t begin with a “Y.” But wait! Alan explains that the hairy cow is actually a yak, and yak begins with “y.” All of the sudden, Abby, Elmo, and Telly think of other words that begin with the letter “Y,” such as yogurt and yo-yo. They did it! They found words that begin with the letter “Y.” Elmo, Abby and Telly sing the knight song and cheer in delight!
#8 - Bears Try to Hibernate
Season 40 - Episode 7
There is a porridge shortage on Sesame Street! Telly runs to tell Baby Bear, but when he finds him, he is getting ready to hibernate until springtime when there is porridge again. What is Telly supposed to do for five months without a best friend? Telly and Baby bear set up a play date for the spring when Baby Bear wakes up. Telly says goodbye and the bears try to go to sleep, but they are not tired! First, they try counting, but that does not work. Then they call Max Bear, a hibernation consultant. Max Bear arrives and tells the bears that their cottage is too warm. They must go outside where it is cold. The bears look for an empty cave or hollow tree and sing all about bears. Finally, they find a flower bed that they can dig a hole and sleep in called a den. Telly and Chris see the bears digging and go outside to check on them. Max Bear says that they should eat something before they hibernate. Chris suggests cereal and goes to Hooper’s Store. When Chris comes back, they try the cereal and like it! In fact, the cereal is so good that they decide to eat it all winter long and not hibernate! Hooray! Baby Bear happily eats the cereal while spending time with his good friend Telly.
#9 - Episode 607
Season 21 - Episode 8
#10 - Music Magic
Season 41 - Episode 8
Elmo makes everyone on Sesame Street sing---with a wave of Abby's magic wand.
#11 - Stinky's Annual Birthday Flower
Season 40 - Episode 8
Elmo and Zoe are coloring when they find out it's Stinky the plant’s birthday. Zoe and Elmo decide to get him a present. Elmo surprises Stinky by giving him a drum, but plants can’t hold drumsticks. Zoe has an idea! What about a lovely tutu? Zoe surprises Stinky with a tutu to wear when he dances. Stinky tries to dance, but is unable to, as he is a plant in a pot! Rosita and Cookie Monster come along with their own presents. Rosita brings Stinky a guitar but his leaves scratch the strings and make a horrible sound. Next, Cookie Monster rushes in with a plate of cookies but plants don’t eat cookies. Big Bird comes along and gives Stinky balloons. He ties the balloons to Stinky’s pot, but Stinky begins to fly away! Luckily, Chris rescues him and brings him back safely to the ground. Elmo explains to Chris that they have been trying to get Stinky the perfect birthday gift. Chris reminds Elmo they should think about what Stinky would like for his birthday not what each of them would like. Elmo asks Stinky what plants need. That’s easy! He already has soil, so he needs water, sunlight and love! Big Bird carries Stinky’s pot over to a spot on the table in the sun, Cookie Monster carries over a pitcher of water and waters Stinky, and Zoe and Rosita give him a big hug! Then they throw him a big birthday party and sing about the importance of giving sun, water, and love to plants like Stinky!
#12 - Elmo Finds a Baby Bird
Season 40 - Episode 9
Elmo and Rosita are thinking of rhymes when they hear, “Peep, peep.” Suddenly, a little baby bird appears. Elmo and Rosita want to help the bird but do not know why he is peeping. Chris hears the chirping and places the bird in a tree, but the bird hops out next to Chris! Elmo, Rosita, and Chris think the bird is hungry and Big Bird comes along and suggests feeding the baby bird some birdseed. After all, that’s what Big Bird likes to eat! Cookie Monster strolls by and is about to eat his granola cookie, when the baby bird pounces on it and eats it all! The baby bird begins flapping his wings. Elmo and Rosita decide they will teach the baby bird how to fly! But how? Elmo and Rosita try different things to show the baby bird, but nothing works. Abby comes along and places a flying spell on the baby bird. Uh-oh! The spell works on Chris instead. Chris reminds Abby she doesn’t need magic to teach the bird how to fly. Instead, she should use her wings. Abby demonstrates how to flap her wings as she sings, “The Flapping Song.” The baby bird begins to fly over Sesame Street! Just then, the mommy bird perches on Chris’s shoulder. Baby bird and her mother fly off together as Elmo, Chris and Rosita wave goodbye.
#13 - Grouch Messing Machine
Season 40 - Episode 10
Elmo and Leela are in the laundromat when they hear a loud, clanging sound. Leela explains that the washing machine always gives her trouble and she wants to get rid of it, but Elmo insists that she keep it. Leela asks Luis to try to fix it again. When he arrives, he asks Elmo to find a wrench in his tool box. After a few tries, Elmo finally finds a wrench. Luis opens the lid of the machine to see if it is fixed but it squirts water in his face! Luis decides he needs to put in a new nut in the shape of a hexagon. Elmo finds a nut but it only has four sides. He looks again and finds one with six sides! A hexagon! Luis tightens the nut and tries the machine again. It starts to bang, clang, and hiccup louder than ever! Suddenly, the machine starts to move! Luis suggests that something might be stuck in the spin basket. He opens it and pulls out different objects as Elmo adds them up—seven objects all together! Luis throws in clothes and detergent to see if the machine works. All of a sudden, the machine lid explodes, spewing clothes and soap everywhere! Now Leela really wants to get rid of the machine, but Elmo insists they keep it and reuse it for another purpose. But for what? Oscar announces that he thinks it’s the greatest machine ever! That’s it! The machine can be reused as a “Grouch’s Messing Machine!” All the grouches come running to take turns messing up their clothes. It’s a grouch dream machine!
#14 - Big Bad Wolf Huffs and Puffs Slimey
Season 42 - Episode 10
Slimey's afraid to tell anyone after the Big Bad Wolf huffs and puffs and blows him into Snuffy's lunch.
#15 - Baby Bear's First Day of School
Season 36 - Episode 11
It’s Baby Bear’s first day of school and he’s very excited! Papa Bear drops Baby Bear off at the Storybook Community School and tells him that he loves him and will be back after school to pick him up. At school, Baby Bear meets and becomes friends with Hansel and Gretel, Jack and Jill, Little Red Riding Hood, and other storybook characters. While Baby Bear is having fun making friends and learning new things, he often misses his family throughout the day. Baby Bear wonders what they are doing and wishes that they could be there to share in the excitement of his first day in school. When Papa Bear picks Baby Bear up, Baby Bear tells him that while he had a great time at school, he also really missed his family. Papa Bear reassures Baby Bear by telling him that it’s okay to miss the family. He tells Baby Bear to just think about the time they get to see each other again at the end of the day, and how he will tell his family about all the great things he did in school!
#16 - Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
Season 40 - Episode 12
Mary Mary Quite Contrary walks along Sesame Street and dumps a pile of dirt outside Oscar’s trash can. Gordon explains that she can not leave the dirt; she is making a mess! Mary Mary insists that she is going to grow a garden with silver bells and cockle shells. Gordon tries to tell her that silver bells and cockleshells aren’t alive. Gardens need to have things growing in them, like vegetables, fruits or flowers. Mary Mary decides she will grow flowers in her garden by using dirt, sun, and water. Later, Alan and Gina walk by Oscar’s trashcan and comment on the beautiful garden. But Oscar doesn’t like it! He wants Mary Mary to move her garden. As Mary Mary plants more flowers, Oscar decides to have his elephant, Fluffy squirt water at her. Maybe that will get her to move? But as Mary Mary explains, the water helps her flowers to grow. Oscar doesn’t know what to do! He sends over Hairy Hairy, from the Grouch nursery rhyme, with stinky weeds and moldy seeds and three pigs, but even that doesn’t get rid of Mary Mary and her garden. Suddenly, Oscar changes his mind. He likes the horrible smell from the stinky weeds and loud noises from the pigs. It’s a Grouch paradise! Mary Mary finds this out and decides to move the garden. She likes to be contrary and do the opposite of whatever anyone wants her to do. Mary Mary moves her garden while Gordon happily cleans up the remaining dirt!
#17 - Abby Has the Sparkle Fairy Freckles
Season 40 - Episode 13
Elmo and Abby are playing tag. Suddenly, Abby’s freckles start sparkling! Abby calls the Fairy Doctor who looks at Abby’s freckles. Abby has a case of the Sparkle Speckle Fairy Freckles! This is where freckles sparkle and glow, and eventually fall off. The Fairy Doctor tells Abby the magic words to get the freckles back, “Fricka-Fracka, Freckle Back-A”. All of a sudden, Abby’s freckles jump off of her face, glowing and bouncing all around! Abby, with the help of Alan, chases one freckle as it bounces into Hooper’s store. Chris spots it on a cereal box. Abby says the magic words and poof! The freckle returns to Abby’s face. Abby has five more to find! Rosita notices the dot on the center of her flower drawing is sparkling and so is the dot on the “i” in her name “Rosita.” Abby says the magic words two times and the freckles reappear on Abby’s face. Only three more to go! Abby notices that all the freckles seem to be hiding on little circles and realizes she should look for circles! Abby sees two more freckles go bouncing into the laundromat. Mama Bear notices a sparkling freckle on Baby Bear’s polka dotted underpants and Elmo notices a freckle on Leela’s nose ring. Magic word time! Abby leaves the Laundromat and notices a freckle on Cookie Monster’s cookie. He’s about to take a bite! Luckily, Abby stops him just in time to say the magic words and get the last and final freckle back on her face. Cookie Monster happily eats the cookie, while Abby admires the six freckles on her face!
#18 - The Rainbow Show
Season 40 - Episode 14
Elmo is drawing when he looks up in the sky and sees a rainbow! Wow! Elmo rushes to show everybody, but when Rosita arrives, the rainbow has disappeared. Elmo asks Leela if there is something he can do to bring the rainbow back. Leela offers to draw a picture of a rainbow. Leela can’t remember all the colors of the rainbow, but uses the acronym Roy G. Biv to help her remember the colors. Rosita likes the picture, but she wants to see a real rainbow. Elmo gets an idea! What about a rainbow of monsters? Elmo gathers monsters of all different colors; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. After many attempts, the monsters finally line up in appropriate order. Rosita enjoys seeing a rainbow of different colored monsters, but still wishes she could see a real rainbow. Abby hears Rosita and recites a magic rhyme to grant Rosita’s wish. Poof! Oh no! Instead of making a rainbow appear, raincoats appear on Elmo and Rosita! Abby tries again and again. Her magic rhyme still doesn’t work. Abby makes a rainstorm, instead of a rainbow. Everyone rushes inside, where Gordon makes a rainbow appear using a flashlight, a glass of water, and white paper. Afterward, as Elmo and Rosita are playing outside, Rosita looks up and sees something special, a rainbow! Elmo and Rosita sing all about the beautiful rainbow in the sky.
#19 - Letter 'R' Mystery
Season 42 - Episode 14
Abby and Elmo investigate who is stealing things that start with the letter "R".
#20 - Amphibian Show
Season 40 - Episode 15
Elmo and Abby are resting when suddenly it’s time to play the game show, “Find that Amphibian.” Elmo and Abby must find an amphibian before the game show’s tadpole turns into a frog. They don’t know what an amphibian is, but the announcer gives them a clue- an animal that starts out living in water. Elmo and Abby meet a fish and are convinced they have won the game! As the announcer explains, though, fish only live in water and not on land. Elmo and Abby look for their second clue- an animal that breathes air. They find an amphibian! A bird! They learn, though, that amphibians don’t have any feathers. Elmo and Abby look for their third clue-an animal with four legs. Elmo and Abby come across a horse, but a horse is a mammal, not an amphibian. Elmo and Abby use their last clue about metamorphosis to help them. They come across an alligator. Could this be an amphibian? No, an alligator is a reptile not an amphibian. He looks the same way now as he did when he was a baby, only bigger. Elmo and Abby are disappointed. They’re never going to find an amphibian! Luckily, they run into Chris who suggests that they find an animal that fits all the clues- an animal that lives in water when it’s a baby, breathes air as an adult, has four legs, and goes through metamorphosis. Suddenly, they think of Anne Phibian, the game show’s announcer. She matches all the clues. Hooray! They found an amphibian. And just in time! Elmo, Abby and Chris celebrate as they dance with the amphibians!
#21 - Cast Iron Cooks
Season 42 - Episode 15
Alan, Chris and Elmo are challenged to make stew with things that start with the letter "P".
#22 - Camping Show
Season 40 - Episode 16
Chris and Elmo are excited to be camping in the woods! They unpack their camping supplies and take out two sleeping bags and two canteens. One sleeping bag and canteen for each of them. Next, they take out four hotdogs and marshmallows. Elmo gives two hotdogs and marshmallows to himself and two to Chris. Suddenly, a beaver emerges from the woods. Elmo asks Chris if the beaver can stay for dinner. The beaver explains that he doesn’t eat hot dogs and marshmallows but likes to eat bark. Next, two turtles come along. Elmo invites them to stay for dinner, too. Chris brings them a pile of green leaves and dandelions. Just when everyone is about to eat their dinner, two raccoons appear. Chris disappears into the woods and emerges holding acorns and berries for the raccoons. It is finally time to dig in when four ducks fly by the camp fire. They have just migrated back from Venezuela. The ducks decide to stay for dinner and tell Chris what they like to eat—snails, leaves, and bugs. Chris goes into the pond and brings back water plants. Finally, Chris, Elmo and all the animals eat dinner! Elmo and Chris both agree they should have a sleepover like this every night!
#23 - Squirmadega Car Race
Season 40 - Episode 17
Slimey is practicing for the Squirmadega Car Race. He zooms forward, backward, and around and around on the counter of Mr. Hopper’s store. Elmo excitedly gets ready to watch Slimey in the worm car race. Elmo is Slimey’s biggest fan and cheerleader! The worms’ race cars line up as the sportscaster, Jeff Gordon, introduces the five race car drivers. Elmo cheers! Jeff Gordon discusses the race course. The worms must drive over the laundry basket, under the table and around the fire hydrant to win the race. The worms start their engines and take off! Cars #1, #2, and #3 lose control and are quickly out of the race, but Shawna Wiggleson in Car #4 and Slimey in Car #5 are still going. It’s a close race! Slimey approaches the finishing line, but gets caught in Big Bird’s toes. Shawna pulls ahead and wins! Elmo is very sad and disappointed. He wanted Slimey to win and thinks Slimey’s sad because he lost the race. But Slimey is happy; he loves racing whether he wins or loses and he loves to practice, too. Elmo learns all that really matters is that Slimey did his best. And so did Elmo! He did a great job cheering Slimey on!
#24 - Jack's Big Jump
Season 40 - Episode 18
Jack Be Nimble is getting ready for his big jump over eight candlesticks! He tries to jump over them, but instead he knocks them over and falls. Jack runs away and hides. He messed up and now is having trouble jumping. Baby Bear and Telly find someone to help him—a kangaroo! The kangaroo sometimes has trouble jumping too, but he sings the Jumping Song to help him get over his fear. Luckily, Jack gets his jump back. He is ready to jump, but instead jumps quickly behind a bench. Jack is upset; he can jump up and down, but can’t jump over the candlesticks. Telly and Baby Bear race out and find a special cow—the cow that jumped over the moon! Jack practices jumping with the support and help from the cow and realizes that he is indeed ready to jump over eight candlesticks. Everybody is chanting when Jack flies into the air and jumps over not eight, but 11 candlesticks! He did it! Hooray! Telly and Baby Bear jump too!
#25 - Inspected By 4
Season 40 - Episode 19
Leela, Telly and Elmo are folding clothes in the laundromat when Inspector 4, Judah Friedlander, comes along to inspect for things that are in groups of four. Inspector 4 can’t find four of anything and threatens to shut down the Laundromat! Luckily, Elmo suggests counting the bottles of fabric softener. Time to count! 1,2,3,4! There are four bottles of fabric softener. They pass the number 4 inspection! Next, Inspector 4 visits Mr. Hooper’s store. Inspector 4 inspects the peanut butter sandwiches. Oh no! There are ten sandwiches and ten is more than four. Telly gets an idea! What if he eats some of the peanut butter sandwiches? Telly eats one sandwich, then two, and then three more sandwiches so that only four sandwiches remain. Hooper’s store passes the number 4 inspection! Last, Inspector 4 looks around the steps of Sesame Street and sees the letter “R” standing next to a rake. The Inspector 4 threatens to shut down the letter “R” because he only has one thing that begins with the letter “R”—rake. Elmo has an idea! What if they find three other things that begin with the letter “R” and add them together? Elmo, Telly and the letter “R” find a rose, a rock, and a rodent. They did it! They found four things that begin with the letter “R”! Inspector 4’s mission is completed!