Sesame Street Biography Set to Re-air

The A&E television network will re-air their wonderful behind-the-scenes special about Sesame Street - "Sesame Street Biography". The 2-hour special is being shown in two hour-long parts. "Part 1" will air on Monday, December 18, 2006 at 4:00am ET/PT; and the second hour, "Part 2", will air the very next day (Tuesday, December 19, 2006) at the same time (4:00am ET/PT) -- check your local listings for details.

This is an unprecedented behind-the-scenes special, originally produced in 2001, takes viewers inside how the children's educational show is put together, from the initial writers' meeting through research, production, and actual filming. Viewers will see the Muppeteers working their Muppets and rehearsing.

Sesame Street is a TV legend - pure and simple. Jim Henson's vision gave the world Big Bird, the Grouch, Kermit and countless other beloved characters, and has helped millions of kids get a jump start on the alphabet, counting and other essential skills. For this extraordinary portrait, Sesame Street's producers allowed A&E unrestricted access to all facets of the show's creation, and they follow one episode from the first writer's meeting to broadcast to see how it all comes together. Rare footage captures landmark moments, including the pilot pitch, and extensive archival interviews with Jim Henson and Frank Oz offer insights into the creators' intentions.

It is on really early (or really late, depending on your point of view), but if you haven't seen this great documentary (and even if you have) be sure to set your VCR or program your TiVo (or put a pot of coffee on, set your alarm and clean off the couch). If you are so inclined, you can also buy the official DVD of the entire special from A&E's online store (right here). The $30 disc does not feature any special features, menus or artwork like standard DVDs; it simply includes a full copy of the quality program.