On Television, There’s a Street Where Everyone is Welcome

Jim Henson and Frank Oz in 
"Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

For over 50 years, “Sesame Street” has been a staple in children’s television, combining puppets and actors to act out educational, humorous, and sometimes emotional skits that helped teach their audience about life.  With its memorable characters and dedicated production staff, it isn’t any wonder why the show has lived for as long as it has since its beginnings on PBS.

Now, director Marilyn Agrelo brings the story of “Sesame Street” to life with her documentary, “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street,” which is based on Michael Davis’ 2008 book, “Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street.” Through Agrelo’s lens, we’re given a layered view into the brilliant minds behind what became one of the television’s most iconic shows.

The movie invites us to several interviews, both old and new, with those who were most involved in making “Sesame Street,” with a significant subject being Joan Ganz Cooney, one of the show’s creators.  As she talks about the program, it’s clear how much this project meant to her in terms of constructing a show that counter-programed the commercialized shows toward which children tended to gravitate, being committed to having “Sesame Street” be a show that could both entertain and educate.

We also receive a view into the genius of “Muppets” creator Jim Henson, who helped create some the characters on “Sesame Street.” The movie dives into the richness of his mind that shows a person who had a boundless imagination and who could conjure up these distinctive characters.  We’re told stories about how certain of those characters came to be, showing us how much care and attention went into creating them and ensuring audiences would keep coming back to see what adventures they would have and which lessons they would teach.

Other than Cooney and Henson, we’re given plenty of other interviews, whether they be from previous cast members of “Sesame Street,” or from individuals who worked behind the scenes. Through the many discussions that are had, we’re shown all of the challenges and rewards that came with putting this beloved show together, as well as the family that came out of creating this cultural touchstone.

Much like another PBS show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” “Sesame Street” didn’t shy away from focusing on sensitive topics, including death.  This is displayed in a poignant scene that exhibits how the cast and crew handled the passing of Will Lee, who portrayed Mr. Hooper, a shop owner on the show. It’s a superb example of how “Sesame Street” was much more than a children’s show, and just like “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” it knew that its young audiences could handle these types of issues if we gave them a chance.

There are many reasons why “Sesame Street” has been around for as long as it has, and “Street Gang” shows why this show continues to endure. Through the many episodes that have aired over the last few decades, viewers have known that, no matter what, there will always be a lesson to be learned, and a home to have on Sesame Street.

Grade: A