Sesame Street Turns 55; ‘The Need Has Never Been Greater,’ Says SVP (Exclusive) [Video]

It’s been 55 years since the popular children’s show Sesame Street first aired, but the wholesome Muppets have continued to touch viewers across generations. 

Though most who are older than the show’s target demographic probably aren’t tuning into the program on PBS or Max regularly (unless they have young children who watch), Elmo and his friends have likely popped up on their Instagram and TikTok feeds.

“It’s such a privilege and a rare opportunity to have a 55-year-old brand that is also this active on social,” says Aaron Bisman, the SVP of Marketing and Audience Development for Sesame Street, in an exclusive chat with PEOPLE on the brand’s 55th anniversary.

“Our focus is helping children grow smarter, stronger and kinder. But what we’ve always known is that to help children, we also need to be engaging their adults,” he continues.

On the Sesame StreetTikTok and Instagram accounts, it’s not uncommon to see …