Sesame Street Enters Season 39 in Hi-Def

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 visit the street each week and there are over 74-million "graduates" of the program. Sesame Street is now entering its 39th season, set to debut on PBS on August 11, 2008.

The upcoming season will be produced in high-definition. Sesame Workshop has gone HD with the help of Sony, who is supplying the show with the hi-def cameras and equipment. Now audiences will be able to experience the world of Sesame Street in a whole new way - seeing the detailed textures of the Muppet monsters' fur and each of Big Bird's bright yellow feathers.

"What has been so special about Sesame Street all these years is that it reflects a real inner-city community" said Carol-Lynn Parente, executive producer of Sesame Street; "The decision to shoot in HD has been so exciting because it has brought the Street to life, making our neighborhood of adults, children, monsters, grouches and 8-foot birds come alive."

Big Bird, Oscar, Cookie Monster, the Count, Grover, Bert, Ernie, Snuffy, Telly, Rosita, Baby Bear, Zoe, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and the rest of the gang will return this season with a whole new set of adventures, lessons, songs, games and sketches. The season will also introduce Leela, a new human character on the street. Performed by Nitya Vidyasagar, Leela will run the local laundromat.

Ever since the first episode in 1969, celebrities have been a featured part of the show. This season will be no exception as several big name stars have already recorded appearances for the new season of Sesame Street. Sandra Oh will visit Cookie Monster in the role of the Cookie Fairy, and Neil Patrick Harris is said to appear as the "Fairy Shoe Person". Brian Williams will appear to report on an epidemic of selfishness on Sesame Street. Rapper/actor LL Cool J will appear in a segment with Oscar, Elmo and Abby Cadabby; and singer/songwriter Feist will sing a variation of her hit song "1234", reworked as "1234 Monsters Crawling 'Cross the Floor".

Hopefully this information will help tide you over until the season premiere in August (or at least until more information is released). So mark August 11th on your calendars (consult your local listings for details on air times in your area) and prepare for a hi-def season of adventures, education and fun from your friends on Sesame Street! I will keep you updated with information and details on the upcoming season as I get them.