Sesame Street Day – Nov. 10, 2026

Sesame Street Day
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Sesame Street Day celebrates the beloved children’s television show every November 10. For over five decades, this groundbreaking program has taught generations of children letters, numbers, and kindness through its unforgettable characters. Join us in singing along, sharing your favorite memories, and supporting educational programming for all.

Want to sponsor Sesame Street Day? Learn how

Expected Sesame Street Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that retailers often roll out special deals for Sesame Street Day. Look for discounts on toys, books, and apparel from brands like Fisher-Price, Gund, and Pura Vida Bracelets. Streaming services such as Max (home to new episodes) and PBS Kids may highlight classic episodes or offer limited-time free access. Educational platforms like HOMER Learning might feature themed content or subscription offers. Keep an eye on children’s clothing brands like Primary and Hanna Andersson for character collaborations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 10 approaches.

Platform Guide for Sesame Street Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #SesameStreetDay. Share fun facts, character impressions, or your favorite childhood memories of the show.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SesameStreetDay. Post photos of your favorite Sesame Street merchandise or a creative tribute to the characters.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SesameStreetDay. Join discussions about the show’s impact and share clips of memorable moments.

Social Media Tips for Sesame Street Day

Individuals

Revisit your favorite classic episodes or introduce a new generation to the magic of Sesame Street. Share your personal connection to the show's enduring lessons.

Creators

Produce a 'Sesame Street-inspired' craft tutorial, a character-themed recipe, or a video discussing the show's cultural significance and impact on education.

Brands

Launch a limited-edition product collaboration, host a virtual sing-along, or run a campaign highlighting the importance of early childhood education, aligning with the show's mission.

Top Brands for Sesame Street Day

  1. Sesame Workshop

    Founded in 1968 by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Its mission is to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

  2. Max

    Formerly HBO Max, this streaming service became the exclusive first-run home for new episodes of Sesame Street in 2015. It offers a vast library of classic and current episodes, making it a primary destination for fans.

  3. PBS Kids

    The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) was the original broadcaster of Sesame Street, premiering the show in 1969. PBS Kids continues to air classic episodes and remains a vital platform for educational children's programming.

  4. Fisher-Price

    A subsidiary of Mattel, Fisher-Price has been a long-standing partner with Sesame Street, producing a wide range of iconic toys. Their products often feature beloved characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster, bringing the show to life for young fans.

  5. Gund

    Founded in 1898, Gund is one of the oldest and most prestigious soft toy companies in the world. They are known for their high-quality plush toys, including a popular line of huggable Sesame Street characters that delight children and collectors alike.

  6. Uniqlo

    The Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer, Uniqlo, frequently collaborates with pop culture franchises, including Sesame Street. They release popular collections of t-shirts and other apparel featuring the show's characters, appealing to fans of all ages.

  7. Outschool

    Outschool is an online learning platform offering live, interactive classes for kids. While not directly affiliated with Sesame Street, its mission aligns with the show's educational goals, providing engaging learning experiences that complement early childhood development.

Sesame Street Day Hero

Joan Ganz Cooney

Joan Ganz Cooney is a television producer who co-founded Sesame Workshop (originally Children's Television Workshop) in 1968, leading to the creation of Sesame Street. Her vision was to harness the power of television to educate preschool children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Under her leadership, Sesame Street revolutionized children's programming, proving that entertainment and education could go hand-in-hand. She served as CEO until 1990 and her pioneering work earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995, cementing her legacy as a transformative figure in media and education.

History of Sesame Street Day

The seed of the idea that would become Sesame Street was first planted in talks between the television producer Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, the vice president of the Carnegie Foundation. During these conversations, Cooney spoke about her desire to leverage the ability of television shows to capture and keep children’s attention with the promotion of positive social values. 

Following a period of extensive creative and scientific development, the show we all now know and love would begin to take shape. It was decided that Sesame Street would rely greatly on research processes in order to better inform various aspects of the program, spanning across the introduction of new characters, plotlines, and production design. This strategy would prove to be not only innovative, but wildly successful as well; Sesame Street would premiere on November 10th, 1969 as an immediate sensation.  

The show would dominate the cultural terrain of children’s television in the ensuing decades. As its audience grew, so did its capacity and willingness to address increasingly complicated social, emotional, and ethical issues. Though not without some instances of controversy, Sesame Street has remained a pillar of constructive, educational programming with a unique ability to appeal to children and adults alike. However, as the general media landscape has experienced exponential growth in the 21st century, the show has in turn found itself faced with stiffer competition by other children’s television productions. 

As a result, Sesame Street no longer commands the same authority as in past decades, and it has even faced its fair share of financial troubles. Still, it is hard to imagine a world where children (and grown-ups) everywhere don’t carry fond memories of days spent learning and laughing with the whole gang on Sesame Street. 

Sesame Street Day timeline

November 10, 1969
Welcome to Sesame Street

The show premieres with its first episode.

1980
Sesame Street Live!

Sesame Street launches a live touring show, giving children the opportunity to meet their favorite television friends.

1998
A Whole New World

Elmo is given his own segment - 'Elmo’s World.'

2005
A New Record

With 101 Emmy Awards, Sesame Street earns a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the Most Emmy Wins by a Television Series.

2019
A Half-Century

2019 marks fifty years of Sesame Street!

How Businesses Can Celebrate Sesame Street Day

Local businesses can celebrate Sesame Street Day by creating family-friendly events and promotions. Bookstores might host story times featuring Sesame Street books, while toy stores could offer discounts on character merchandise. Restaurants could introduce themed menu items, like ‘Cookie Monster’ milkshakes or ‘Elmo’s pizza.’ Additionally, businesses could partner with local schools or libraries to donate educational materials, reinforcing the show’s core mission of learning and community engagement.

Sesame Street Day FAQs

When is Sesame Street Day?

Sesame Street Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, November 10, marking the anniversary of the show’s debut. It’s a perfect day to celebrate the enduring legacy of this beloved children’s program.

How many countries has Sesame Street aired in?

Sesame Street has aired in over 150 countries worldwide since its inception, with many regions developing their own localized versions. This global reach underscores its universal appeal and educational effectiveness.

How many Emmy Awards has Sesame Street won?

Sesame Street holds the record for the most Emmy Awards won by any television series, with over 200 Daytime Emmy Awards. This remarkable achievement reflects its consistent quality and impact across decades.

Who are the original human cast members of Sesame Street?

The original human cast members who debuted in 1969 included Bob McGrath (Bob), Matt Robinson (Gordon), Loretta Long (Susan), and Will Lee (Mr. Hooper). These beloved characters provided a warm and consistent presence for generations of viewers.

Sesame Street Day Activities

  1. Sport Sesame Street gear

    There are tons of Sesame Street-related goods to choose from. T-shirts are never a bad option! Hats are also a pretty easy way to show your appreciation. Although, if it's not one of the big furry varieties, you're kind of slacking—just saying.

  2. Watch the show!

    With nearly 5,000 episodes produced, even selecting favorite deep cuts would be a tough task. Luckily, with a show as consistently well-made as Sesame Street, you can’t go wrong by picking a random episode!

  3. Have a Sesame Street karaoke party

    Grab your friends, warm up your vocals, and get ready to rock out Sesame Street-style. Everyone has a favorite song, and re-visiting some of the greatest hits (“Rubber Duckie,” “C is for Cookie,” and “I Love Trash” all spring to mind) is a great way to spend the day.

Why We Love Sesame Street Day

  1. We get to remember our favorite characters

    The idea of Sesame Street and its iconic characters are inseparable. Thinking of mornings and afternoons spent with Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and the whole family of other lovable muppets brings back plenty of happy memories for almost everyone.

  2. It's the perfect justification for a bubble bath

    It's pretty much mandatory to take a bubble bath on Sesame Street Day. How else would you do the rubber duckie song any justice? Alright, bubbles or a rubber duck aren't necessary, but they help. And, after a hard day’s work, it feels great to soak in a hot tub. There's something about a shower that seems so business-like. See, Ernie had the right idea all along!

  3. Sesame Street is almost universal

    Sesame Street has been broadcast in more than 120 different countries. Having spent decades entertaining and educating children around the globe, the show emerges as a uniting theme across people from cultures everywhere.

Sesame Street Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 10 Tuesday
2027 November 10 Wednesday
2028 November 10 Friday
2029 November 10 Saturday
2030 November 10 Sunday