4 'Sesame Street' Storylines That Prove It's an Adult Show

Sesame Street is definitely a genius show. It creates a context that educates children while acknowledging the complex realities adults navigate. And that's a tough job.

However, the show's willingness to address difficult topics with honesty and hope is what explains its intergenerational appeal. This proves that one of the most popular children's shows speaks to the child within every adult.

Here we have 4 storylines that prove Sesame Street is an adult show as well.

1. “Farewell Mr. Hooper” (Episode 1839)

Perhaps the most emotionally powerful episode in Sesame Street history addressed the real-life death of actor Will Lee, who played Mr. Hooper. Rather than writing the character out quietly, the writers chose to confront death head-on.

Big Bird's confusion and grief mirror the genuine emotions adults face when losing loved ones. The episode's honest portrayal of mortality and the permanence of death created a watershed moment in children's television while offering comfort to grieving families.

2. “Elmo Visits the Firehouse” (Episode 3981)

Following a devastating fire at Elmo's home, this episode explored trauma, loss, and recovery with remarkable sensitivity. Adults recognized the realistic depiction of post-traumatic stress as Elmo struggled with fear and anxiety.

The storyline addressed practical concerns like fire safety while acknowledging the psychological impact of experiencing disaster.

3. Bert and Ernie's Friendship Challenges

There’s no one particular episode that shows us the struggles Bert and Ernie had to get through to keep being best friends, but a bunch of them. For example, episode “Happy Bert Day” follows Ernie creating a party for Bert, while he only wanted to focus on puzzles that day, and episode “The Feelings Game” follows them in deep disagreement about the fact that one of them wants to play it and another one doesn't.

Multiple episodes featuring Bert and Ernie's relationship dynamics showcase emotional exploration of friendship and compromise. Their conflicts over noise, cleanliness, personal space simply mirror real roommates and relationship challenges adults face daily.

4. The Hurricane Episodes

Sesame Street's hurricane-themed episodes addressed natural disasters with remarkable depth. Characters dealt with preparation, fear, destruction, and rebuilding, which all are experiences that adults understand intimately.

The show offered practical advice and emotional support for families facing real emergencies by addressing community resilience and mutual aid during crisis situations.