DefunctTV: The Curse of Sesame Street

Buy Defunctland T-Shirts:

Donate on Patreon:

Facebook Group:

In part two of DefunctTV's Jim Henson series, the origins of Sesame Street, the Muppetland specials, and the failed Muppet pilots are discussed.

Defunctland Twitter:

Defunctland Subreddit:

[CommentEnthusiast]

"It will only last a month or two"-Jim Henson


Lasts 49 years

[DistoryDan]

So crazy seeing a puppet I built over 8 years ago end up in a commercial for my best friend’s YouTube channel... performed by another one of my best friend’s. Wild world full of magic destiny. Hahaha.

[pikminfan]

"It would only last a month or two", Jim said about the program that has lasted for 50 years, is still on the air and is making new episodes today.

[redtexan]

*drum roll*
“It’s the Defunctland Show, with our permanent guest star, Michael Eisner!

[TheGlane]

So far this series has solidified that Kevin is no longer "guy making theme park videos on Youtube" but "Documentary Filmmaker"

[Pheeze]

That Muppet's name? Michael Eisner.

[TheMaddness]

I said the softest "No" when Eisner was revealed and I think that is very telling on how much Defunctland I watch.

[ck-]

Imagine if Sesame Street was actually called *HEY STUPID* today.

[ProjectSNT]

How is it that no matter what Defunctland talks about, Michael Eisner somehow manages to come into the picture almost every time?

[TheNerindil]

When, oh when, will I finally complete MY transformation from abstract monster to frog?

[_Digishade_]

Good god, that Muppet pitch has to be one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Its desperation is just so *real.* Henson was really a genius.

[babiiluv]

The important thing you failed to mention about the history of Sesame Street is that “the children” who couldn’t read where black and Hispanic kids in NY city. They were falling behind with reading and math and life skills. That’s why the cast was so ethnic, it was made FOR the ethnic children in New York. That’s why it got so much backlash

[clarktooncrossing]

Okay, I was not expecting Micheal Eisner to show up here. Seriously, does he just follow you everywhere? At this rate I’m convinced he’s your freak’n roommate!

[gamergrl]

“It will only last a month or two” ~ Jim Henson

November 10, 1969 –
present

4, 481 episodes AND COUNTING

[ahhh]

7:06
“—and they were roommates.”

“Oh my god they were roommates.”

[millgiass]

So Gonzo is a "Frackle?" And Frackles are the predecesors of the Fraggles? So Gonzo is an ancestor of the Fraggles?

[fen]

"Why don't you call it "Hey, Stupid!?"

Pretty accurate to how TV execs saw kids back then.

[zacharyouten]

Seriously this is a Netflix quality documentary series, we should be paying for content this good

[Willsgottenbday]

Rip Carroll Spinny. He was my grandmother's first cousin, I got to meet him once & have a feather straight from the costume 😊

[CliffordtheOrangeCat]

"I was with Jimmy Dean but nobody remembers me anymore"


That is really a sad line, especially since it has been said that Rowlf was more of a reflection of the real Henson than Kermit. Henson had many great successes and was by no means in the realm of "defunct"; but it is remarkable to consider what more he could have achieved had others had more open minds, and had his own creative instincts been a bit more disciplined. There is much cause for celebration, but also for some melancholy.