Nick Martel

The show experiences deaths and cast changes, which will always happen on a show that runs for 50-plus years. But this story isn't just about who's missing. It's about who gets added, too. That's right, because it wouldn't be a Sesame Street episode without a character so beloved that he even gets more fan mail than Big Bird, the Muppet who actually helped save the entire show.

The show experiences deaths and cast changes, which will always happen on a show that runs for 50-plus years. But this story isn't just about who's missing. It's about who gets added, too. That's right, because it wouldn't be a Sesame Street episode without a character so beloved that he even gets more fan mail than Big Bird, the Muppet who actually helped save the entire show.

It's time to bring out our cuddly buddy, Elmo. Now, Jack, put on your podcasting vest because we are about to meet Sesame Street's favorite red three-year-old, Elmo. Elmo first appeared on Sesame Street as a background Muppet in 1979. Basically, Elmo was in a few short scenes with no lines. But in 1984, this small red monster gets a new puppeteer named Richard who gives him a gruff, bossy persona.

It's time to bring out our cuddly buddy, Elmo. Now, Jack, put on your podcasting vest because we are about to meet Sesame Street's favorite red three-year-old, Elmo. Elmo first appeared on Sesame Street as a background Muppet in 1979. Basically, Elmo was in a few short scenes with no lines. But in 1984, this small red monster gets a new puppeteer named Richard who gives him a gruff, bossy persona.

It's time to bring out our cuddly buddy, Elmo. Now, Jack, put on your podcasting vest because we are about to meet Sesame Street's favorite red three-year-old, Elmo. Elmo first appeared on Sesame Street as a background Muppet in 1979. Basically, Elmo was in a few short scenes with no lines. But in 1984, this small red monster gets a new puppeteer named Richard who gives him a gruff, bossy persona.

What? Puberty apparently hit Elmo like a ton of fluffy bricks. But Richard, that puppeteer, he hates performing Elmo. So one day, he's backstage in the green room, and in a fit of frustration, Richard tosses his hated red puppet to the new guy, a young puppeteer named Kevin Clash. He's just sitting there. He's studying a script. Maybe he's enjoying some fruit snacks.

What? Puberty apparently hit Elmo like a ton of fluffy bricks. But Richard, that puppeteer, he hates performing Elmo. So one day, he's backstage in the green room, and in a fit of frustration, Richard tosses his hated red puppet to the new guy, a young puppeteer named Kevin Clash. He's just sitting there. He's studying a script. Maybe he's enjoying some fruit snacks.

What? Puberty apparently hit Elmo like a ton of fluffy bricks. But Richard, that puppeteer, he hates performing Elmo. So one day, he's backstage in the green room, and in a fit of frustration, Richard tosses his hated red puppet to the new guy, a young puppeteer named Kevin Clash. He's just sitting there. He's studying a script. Maybe he's enjoying some fruit snacks.

And then this furry red thing, boom, just comes flying into his face. Richard walks off. He's like, see what you can do with this thing, kid, because they're about to start taping. So Kevin's got a winger. And when cameras start rolling, he lets loose with something that hadn't been tried before with this little red Muppet, a soft, innocent voice that we've all come to know.

And then this furry red thing, boom, just comes flying into his face. Richard walks off. He's like, see what you can do with this thing, kid, because they're about to start taping. So Kevin's got a winger. And when cameras start rolling, he lets loose with something that hadn't been tried before with this little red Muppet, a soft, innocent voice that we've all come to know.

And then this furry red thing, boom, just comes flying into his face. Richard walks off. He's like, see what you can do with this thing, kid, because they're about to start taping. So Kevin's got a winger. And when cameras start rolling, he lets loose with something that hadn't been tried before with this little red Muppet, a soft, innocent voice that we've all come to know.

Phew, that is more like it. Now, ironically, that spontaneous voice choice, it actually becomes really strategic because Elmo is going to speak to the younger kids who are watching. If Sesame Street's target demo is three to five-year-olds, Big Bird is for the older siblings. Elmo's for the babies of the family. Yes, Sesame Street has segmented its customers like any business would.

Phew, that is more like it. Now, ironically, that spontaneous voice choice, it actually becomes really strategic because Elmo is going to speak to the younger kids who are watching. If Sesame Street's target demo is three to five-year-olds, Big Bird is for the older siblings. Elmo's for the babies of the family. Yes, Sesame Street has segmented its customers like any business would.

Phew, that is more like it. Now, ironically, that spontaneous voice choice, it actually becomes really strategic because Elmo is going to speak to the younger kids who are watching. If Sesame Street's target demo is three to five-year-olds, Big Bird is for the older siblings. Elmo's for the babies of the family. Yes, Sesame Street has segmented its customers like any business would.

In fact, it's Elmo who rescues Sesame Street when their ratings and their finances take a dip. In the 1990s, the show starts losing market share to the kids' show disruptor of our youth. You know what I'm talking about? Barney, the big purple dino with the voice that haunts parents' dreams. He jumped into the kids' entertainment industry out of nowhere.

In fact, it's Elmo who rescues Sesame Street when their ratings and their finances take a dip. In the 1990s, the show starts losing market share to the kids' show disruptor of our youth. You know what I'm talking about? Barney, the big purple dino with the voice that haunts parents' dreams. He jumped into the kids' entertainment industry out of nowhere.

In fact, it's Elmo who rescues Sesame Street when their ratings and their finances take a dip. In the 1990s, the show starts losing market share to the kids' show disruptor of our youth. You know what I'm talking about? Barney, the big purple dino with the voice that haunts parents' dreams. He jumped into the kids' entertainment industry out of nowhere.

Sesame Street is struggling thanks to Barney, and its non-profit backers might have to sell to a big for-profit corporation. Outside buyers start to circle the children's television workshop, including the Walt Disney Corporation. But then, in 1996, a seemingly disconnected event will change everything.

Sesame Street is struggling thanks to Barney, and its non-profit backers might have to sell to a big for-profit corporation. Outside buyers start to circle the children's television workshop, including the Walt Disney Corporation. But then, in 1996, a seemingly disconnected event will change everything.

Sesame Street is struggling thanks to Barney, and its non-profit backers might have to sell to a big for-profit corporation. Outside buyers start to circle the children's television workshop, including the Walt Disney Corporation. But then, in 1996, a seemingly disconnected event will change everything.