Sesame Street: Season 38 Update

Since its 1969 debut, Sesame Street has helped entertain and educate audiences around the world. In the US alone, approximately 8-million people tune in to Sesame Street each week and there are over 74-million "graduates" of the program in addition. The groundbreaking show's groundbreaking 38th season is currently in production and is set to debut towards the end of summer 2007.

Although the full and formal announcements are planned to roll out until later this spring, many details on the forthcoming season have surfaced. Without giving too much away, here are some things to expect in the next batch of 26 episodes:

Abby Caddaby, the newest addition to the Sesame Street cast, will return in season 38. Last season the newcomer eased into audience view, as she appeared in only 3 of the 26 new episodes. This season however, it is said that Abby will be seen a lot more. Puppeteer, Leslie Carrara, said that fans will be able to spot her in "almost every episode next season". Additionally, Marco (Gina's recently adopted son) will be featured in the new season. Marco will be played by tot Guatemalan adoptee "Matthew" (replacing last season's infant twin-team of "Ashlynn" and "Caleb"). And those craving the "classics" need not worry because Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Count von Count, Grover, Bert, Ernie, Snuffy, Rosita, Baby Bear, Curly Bear, Zoe, Elmo and all the rest will be back too.

For the past 8-years, "Elmo's World" has been a staple segment of the series. The popular segment will return with several new episodes – covering such topics as mouths, noses, violins and the beach.

Ever since the first episode in 1969, celebrities have been an integral part of the show. This season will be no exception as several big name celebs have already recorded new inserts for inclusion in season 38. Anderson Cooper will demonstrate Grouch journalism with the help of Oscar and Grouch reporters Dan Rathernot and Walter Cranky. James Blunt will sing a about triangles to Telly with a variant on his song "You're Beautiful". And Elmo will get a lesson in football from the New York Jets (Coach Eric Mangini and players Ben Graham, Laveranues Coles and Chad Pennington).

Hopefully this information will help tide you over until the season premiere (or at least until more information is released). And, as always, I'll be here to keep you posted as more information on Sesame Street and its upcoming season surfaces.