'Sesame Street' at 40

NEW YORK, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- 'Sesame Street,' the daytime staple of public television that taught the alphabet, counting and lessons about getting along, opened its 40th season Tuesday.

Jim Henson's Muppets had their first airing as "Sesame Street" on Nov. 10, 1969, and new episodes for the 2009 season premiered Tuesday. The images of Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Elmo and Bert and Ernie -- Henson's homage to "It's a Wonderful Life" -- are well-established as part of U.S. culture.

The program's stage became a popular stop for the famous -- first lady Michelle Obama taped a segment on healthy eating for Tuesday's program -- many of whom watched the program when they were young.

Caroll Spinney, who voices and performs Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, was the commencement speaker at Villanova in 2004. Alumni were said to be alarmed at the idea but, at the ceremony, Spinney was greeted with cheers from the graduating class as he started his talk with, "Hello, I'm your first teacher." in Big Bird's famous high-pitched voice.

And, in true "Sesame Street" fashion, there was an ultimate moral to Spinney's talk: "You have to believe in your dreams. That's the only way they will come true."

Any program that has aired 4,187 original episodes, which have been rerun countless times, would have a huge audience. It's estimated that 77 million people in the United States saw the program as children.

It's popularity with the young stems from its entertainment value. It's staying power is also linked to its educational value.

"Sesame Street" has won 118 Emmys over its run and has been broadcast in 120 countries.