After four decades, "Sesame Street" and the Muppets are inextricably linked.
And yet when Jim Henson brought the Muppets on board, it was a big departure.
"My father was kind of surprised to be pulled into educational programming because, as a puppeteer, he often stayed far away from the kind of birthday party, little-kids' entertainment puppetry," said Lisa Henson, chief executive officer of The Jim Henson Co.
"But, of course, it was incredibly rewarding for him and for all of his collaborators. And I think most people would say that was one of the greatest high points of the Muppets, that they could be there from the beginning of 'Sesame Street.' "
And it has indeed been 40 years. The first episode aired on Nov. 10, 1969.
"When I travel around the country and give speeches, I mention the 40th anniversary of 'Sesame Street' and some people smile," said PBS president Paula Kerger. "And some people look obviously stricken, because they remember when 'Sesame Street' came on the air.
"I think that what 'Sesame Street' has done so extraordinarily well over its history is really set the standard for the best of children's programming."
When the show premiered, most homes had access to maybe four or five channels. Few people had cable hookups, and those who did used them to get better reception of broadcast signals. (The were no cable networks until 1972.)
Things like VCRs, DVRs and the Internet were almost the stuff of science fiction.
And the idea of educational programming for preschoolers was revolutionary.
"We were literally the only game in town," said Miranda Barry, executive vice president of content for Sesame Workshop. "I think there are now 47 preschool shows on television in various places."
And, while there are plenty of good programs out there — including the PBS kids lineup — none of them have the cachet or impact of the "Sesame Street." And not just in this country.
"We're proud to say that ... we have become the longest street in the world," Barry said. " 'Sesame Street' is seen in over 140 countries, and we have become the largest informal educator of children the world over."
The curriculum of "Sesame Street" hasn't changed all that much since 1969. Rosemarie Truglio, vice president of education and research for Sesame Workshop, pointed to "cornerstones" like literacy and mathematics.
"Social and emotional (elements), I think, are critical, especially in the preschool years. And healthy habits for life ... because we know there is an obesity crisis and health issues with our young preschoolers," she said. "The curriculum of the show is based on is the same kind of curriculum that you would see in a quality preschool."
As has been the case for 40 years, "Sesame Street" continues to evolve. The new season, which begins Tuesday, will feature a new block format. Murray the Monster Muppet will host each episode from different locations to link four longer segments; shorter segments will air throughout the hour.
There will also be a new nature curriculum; an updated opening with a new version of the "Sunny Days" theme song; and "Sesame Street's" first CGI Muppet, a digitized version of Abby Cadabby.
(The 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street" may be a big deal, but the 40th-anniversary episode won't make note of it. There is, however, an anniversary DVD that goes on sale on Nov. 10.)
"One of the things that I think is wonderful about 'Sesame Street' is that we are experimental. And we try. And we learn," Truglio said. "And sometimes we fail, but we learn from those mistakes."
She pointed to the character Snuffleupugus, who was originally introduced as Big Bird's imaginary friend.
"At the time that that was happening, there was a lot of stuff going on with children not being believed (about) child molestation. ... We never wanted to put a child in a situation where they're telling the truth, but the adults don't believe them," Truglio said. "And that's the main reason why we decided to make Snuffy real."
"Sesame Street" has always been for preschoolers, but to some extent, the show has always worked on more than one level. It has done spoofs of adult entertainment that the kids enjoy, but only their parents really get.
Like the "Desperate Housewives" spoof about a "Desperate Houseplant" that "wasn't getting its needs met by the gardener," Barry said.
And this season will include a spoof of "Mad Men" — a show that (with any luck) no preschoolers have seen.
"I hope I don't give too much away, but think about the title 'Mad Men' and think about the emotional curriculum that might be linked to that," Truglio said. "That's a little hint."
And, as "Sesame Street" turns 40, it's still going strong. It's become such a part of the fabric of America, it's difficult to remember when it wasn't on the air.
"I remember when I was kid watching 'Gigantor' and 'Top Cat' and all the old junk in the morning before my parents woke up," Henson said. "That was before 'Sesame Street' came along and changed everything."
And the show is one of the healthiest 40-year-olds in the country.
"I'm very proud of our partnership with Sesame Workshop and all that we've done together," Kerger said. "And I really look forward to the next 40 years."
Tune in
"Sesame Street" airs weekdays at 6 a.m. on KUED-Ch. 7 and 1 p.m. on KBYU-Ch. 11.