Sesame Street

Elmo's effect on the series

Elmo has proven to be the series most recognizable and notarious character, even though he has only existed for around half of the series' run. Extremely popular with viewers, he is the host of a recurring segment called Elmo's World.

Related Topics:
Elmo - Elmo's World

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When first introduced, he was a minor character with no lines. He even appeared briefly (and silently) in the Sesame Street movie Follow That Bird. However, following the death of muppeteers Jim Henson and Richard Hunt in 1992, a number of Muppet characters were retired, elevating Elmo to a more prominent role.

Related Topics:
Follow That Bird - Jim Henson - Richard Hunt

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Elmo quickly replaced Big Bird as the central character of the program, eclipsing the other Muppet characters to the point that a full 20 minutes of the one-hour program became devoted solely to "Elmo's World", a segment that came to be viewed under a dubious light by many. Critical support of the program began to wane, as educators quickly noted that "Elmo's World" contained little to no educational value, and in fact often contained misinformation (such as Elmo incorrectly informing children that a horse in a picture is a "pony"). It is believed that Jim Henson had never intended Elmo to literally "run the show" as he now does.

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A critical blow had been struck to the venerable program, and rating dropped as parents tuned out. Sesame Street was no longer one of the best shows on TV for kids, and parents began to embrace other, so-called "dumbed-down" programs, such as Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, Barney & Friends, The Wiggles, and Bob the Builder. Not understanding the reason for the drop in ratings, writers gave Sesame Street an overhaul, yet completely failed to dethrone Elmo.

Related Topics:
Blue's Clues - Dora the Explorer - Barney & Friends - The Wiggles - Bob the Builder

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New videos tend to highlight Elmo, however that trend is changing with time, as Grover and Zoe star in their own productions. Many point out how the second theatrically-released Sesame Street movie Elmo in Grouchland features only a couple of series regulars, and the main body of the story does not even take place on Sesame Street. This can be explained, at least partially, by the unique occurrance of a singular plot, which cannot use dozens of characters without complications, and the fact the set of Sesame Street was built for the detail need on a television screen, and is rather small.

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The rise of Elmo is considered to be a candidate for the moment when Sesame Street jumped the shark, although some fans contend that it was actually the rise of Sonia Manzano, whose character Maria Rodriguez, has eclipsed the other human characters in the same manner that Elmo has eclipsed the other muppets. Coincidentally, this began when Sonia began writing for the show.

Related Topics:
Jumped the shark - Sonia Manzano - Maria Rodriguez

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