Top 10 Times Sesame Street Tackled Serious Issues

It's a childhood staple, but "Sesame Street" could also tackle some serious issues. For this list, we’ll be looking at the the most notable instances when this show broke down complex topics in a caring manner. Our countdown includes adoption, teasing, divorce, and more! Which serious issue do YOU think "Sesame Street" tackled the best? Let us know in the comments!

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[davidpumpkinsjr.]

Sesame Street teaches children not to avoid or suppress feelings like fear, anger, jealously or sadness, but to understand that these feelings are natural and sometimes even justified and ultimately how to deal with them properly.

[baliyae]

Mr. Hooper was definitely an asset to the show. I’m glad they addressed his death in a way the kids at home could understand.

[AliAngelpie]

As someone who grew up watching Sesame Street, it makes me so happy seeing how they're unafraid to cover topics that children can relate to and use to learn and grow.

[LavenderRare]

I was diagnosed with autism at age 3. Autism wasn't as well-known when I was a kid, so I was bullied a lot. But I'm happy autism is talked about more. And Julia made me really happy that Sesame Street covered my condition.

[SatyrToon]

I'm really glad they chose a female character to represent autism as the standards for autism were created a long time ago by studying an almost strictly male demographic, meaning it has been very hard for women outside of extreme cases to be diagnosed with the disorder.

Edit:

No, I am not diminishing how important it is for boys to get diagnosed. I'm simply pointing out that women have a harder time because they present differently. Everyone with autism deserves a diagnosis and care. Just because I point out the struggles of one group does not mean that I don't acknowledge that another group also struggles.

[SquirtleHK]

3:41 Carly teaching that mommy's substance abuse disease "is a grown up problem and isn't because of anything I did" that's amazing, I'm so glad they covered that😭

[PlatinumRoseLady]

"Sesame Street" knows something that most people forget - kids are smart. And if you talk WITH them - NOT talk AT them, or talk DOWN to them, they understand.
Thank you to you wonderful people.

[isabelleambers]

I Remember when my best friend was diagnosed with autism. I had no idea she had autism until we were 4 her parents and my parents sat me down to talk about it then we watch the sesame street episode about autism, and I understood a little better what autism is, and were still friends to this day and I'm glad to have a friend like her and i will always support people with autism.

[AnneIglesias]

Maria was a QUEEN during her time in the show. Not only did she help me with my self image as a girl becoming a woman, but she openly talked about our Puerto Rican heritage and culture, something I had never seen a kids show do in the 80s and 90s. I’ll never forget what she’s done for the show and for me ❤

[mirandabullard]

This show is the best. It really teaches kids about things they need to know in a way that kids can understand.

[dollyperry]

My children are all adults....so I haven't watched Seseme Street in a very long time. I admit that some of these clips brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad this quality show is bringing tough subjects to light in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

[draconiclady]

The clip with Elmo and Rosita about Military families isn't what they were talking about. It was about Rosita's Dad and the aftermath of an accident that had left him paralyzed from the waist down and how Rosita feels about it. The military family one focused on Elmo's Dad being deployed and how Elmo felt and dealt with it as well as his return.

[masonplacher]

We will be forever grateful to Jim Henson for making the muppets for this show. Jim Henson was more than a puppeteer, he was a legend.

[Bitsy]

I understand why Mr. Hooper‘s death is a lot more iconic and memorable, but I also wanna mention the episode where Elmo‘s uncle dies and his father helps console Elmo’s cousin, Jesse. They really tackled and explained when someone dies in a family and how hard it can be for both children and adults. I found myself re-watching it whenever I miss somebody who died my family

[gracebleekman]

I feel like there should be a 2nd part to this because Sesame Street tackles such hard issues and should be applauded for everything.

[syppy]

Moral of the story: if you want your kids to learn about something serious, tune over to these guys, they know what they're doing

[emmeoliver]

I have a professor that worked for Sesame Street and she said it was the most positive and thoughtful environment she’d ever worked In. It’s a wonderful show that’s done so many amazing things for children and adults.

[CairnTerrier]

As a 53 year old adult, I am not ashamed to say that Sesame Street is up there with several others as the greatest tv program ever. Educational for the little ones and funny and entertaining for adults. I guess I can be called an original watcher…and remember Mr.Hooper fondly. The episode covering his passing was about as honest, gut-wrenching, and poignant as it could possibly be. I do like how they kept his store running to show that one’s legacy will continue. One episode I absolutely loved that I actually caught well after my “watching years” (do we ever outgrow this show?) centered around a family of dogs who move into the neighborhood…a mom and dad dog with their young daughter. While the parents are thrilled with their new home on Sesame Street, their daughter is heartbroken, having had to say goodbye to her old friends and in the mindset she won’t make any new ones. At first the little girl dog is inconsolable, but as the story progresses, each character gently reassures her that she has plenty in common with her new neighbors. Big Bird tells her that he likes to draw just like her, and also explains that he has had to say goodbye to people who moved away from Sesame Street, and understands how hard it is to miss people who are no longer there. But it is Oscar who is the true hero, by validating her feelings and listening to the angry poem she wrote about having to move. When she finishes reading, he tells her to read it again, which she does so, only to discover that venting her feelings to a person willing to listen helped get her anger out in the open and off her chest.He then cuts a relatable deal with her by giving her some old slippers to chew, (remember, she is a dog) as long as she returns them in worse condition than when she got them! In the end she begins to warm up to her new home and friendships. Wonderful episode concerning a topic in which many people both young and old have had to go through. And on a comic relief side note….Cookie Monster crashes a train locomotive through Guy Smiley’s game show studio in one of the interspersed skits!!!!

[trinaq]

I liked how they addressed the tough subjects of death and grief by incorporating Will Lee's death into the show, and gently explaining what has happened to their young audience. It's something that we all experience at some point in our lives, so it was an excellent call.

[fireflyparker]

I am impressed, because even though it is a children’s program, Sesame Street knows how to tackle serious issues, and they did it in a way that is educational for everybody including adults.