"Elmo Loves You" on DVD

As previously reported, Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning an all-new DVD release entitled "Elmo Loves You!". This brand-new direct-to-DVD feature will address the concepts of love, emotions and friendship. Hitting stores on Janaury 6, 2009, this DVD makes a perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Elmo makes a special surprise card for someone he really loves but a gust of wind blows it away! Rosita joins Elmo in a chase after the card but they just can't seem to reach it. The two soon enlist the heroic skills of Super Grover to help save the day. Starring Elmo, Rosita and Super Grover, the 45-minute feature includes the new song "Elmo Loves You", a special music video about signing "I Love You", plus special performances by Trisha Yearwood, John Legend and R.E.M..

The DVD package will feature a special reflective mylar treatment giving a unique mirror effect (so you're on the box). This DVD is already beginning to become available to pre-order from many online retailers, so be sure to reserve your copy today! I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the release of all the upcoming Sesame Street home video titles as more details become available.

Pepe to Visit "The Late Late Show" on Tuesday

The fiesty Muppet crustacean, Pepe the King Prawn, is set to be the top guest on the CBS late night talk show "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" on Tuesday, October 28, 2008! Pepe will appear along on the program with Saffron Burrows, and musical guest X. During the appearance, Pepe will promote his upcoming book "It's Hard Out Here For a Shrimp: Life, Love & Living Large".

"The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" airs weeknights on CBS (check your local listings for details). This will mark Pepe's fifth time as a guest on "The Late Late Show". So stay up late and don't miss this exciting new Muppet guest spot!

Rizzo and Rowlf Roll Out Skateboard Video Response

Earlier this week, Fozzie Bear posted a special video on the web. Premiering on YouTube, MySpace and Vimeo, the on-location video featured Tyson the skateboarding dog with a group of Muppet spectators. Well, Rizzo the Rat got his hands on Fozzie's camera and, with the Help of Rowlf the Dog, shot a video response. The new Muppet video response was posted by Rizzo earlier today. You can watch as Rowlf attempts to become the Internet's top skateboarding dog.

The online video is avaiable on YouTube, MySpace and Vimeo. So check out Fozzie's video and Rizzo's response, and be sure to forward the links on to all of your friends, family members, and coworkers to enjoy!

Whatnot Workshop Opens Online

As originally planned, FAO Schwarz's Muppet Whatnot Workshop launched earlier today. Now consumers can create and customize their very own Muppet Whatnot. These premium and customizable puppets are retailing for just around $90 each (plus shipping and handling). Customers can create and customize their very own Whatnot puppet by picking a puppet body and accessorizing it with a variety of Muppet features and accessories.

The Muppet Whatnots are hand and rod puppets, just like the real Muppets. They're 16" tall and come in their own clear, drawstring backpack so your Muppet Whatnot can go with you wherever you go. You can also order the premium Muppet Whatnot Gift Kit, which allows the lucky recipient to embark on the unique, creative adventure of designing their very own performing puppet (a great holiday gift for any Muppet fan).

Begining on November 13th, visitors of FAO Schwarz's flagship store in New York will be able to participate in an exclusive in-store workshop experience to build their very own Whatnot Muppet. So check out the all-new Muppet Whatnot Workshop online at FAO.com. I will be sure to keep you updated on this exciting new boutique as soon as more details are announced.

The Muppets Post Another Viral Video

Earlier this summer, the Muppets released a some special videos on the world-wide-web. Premiering on YouTube, MySpace and Vimeo, these exclusive videos were an Internet sensation. Sam Eagle shared a Muppetational rendition of "Stars and Stripes Forever!"; Gonzo posted an all-chicken performance of "The Blue Danube Waltz"; the Swedish Chef posted a variation of "Habanera"; Beaker shared a unique version on "Ode to Joy"; and Statler and Waldorf posted their own video responses.

Well, today the Muppets have unleashed another brand-new web video! Filmed on location by Fozzie Bear, the video features Rowlf the Dog, Gonzo the Great, Rizzo the Rat, and Tyson the Internet's famous skateboarding dog.

The online video is avaiable on YouTube, MySpace and Vimeo. So check it out, and be sure to foward the link on to all of your friends and coworkers to enjoy!

New Photos from the Muppets' "Letters to Santa"

NBC's publicity department has released several photos from the upcoming televison special "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa" - which you can check out below. The all-new holiday special is set to air on NBC on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 8pm.

When Kermit and the gang cause three letters on their way to Santa Claus to go missing, the troupe sets off to save Christmas for the letter-writers. The musical special will feature special appearances by Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Griffiths, Jane Krakowski, Petra Nemcova, Uma Thurman, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Michael Bloomberg, Madison Pettis and Paul Williams. For more information on this television special check out our special "Letters to Santa" page.

Spinney Narrates Complete "Street Gang" Audio Book

As previously announced, a new book exploring the history of Sesame Street is planned for release later this year. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" by Michael Davis will hit book stores on December 26, 2008. This narrative non-fiction book chronicles the history of Sesame Street with novelistic storytelling and detail.

Drawing upon hundreds of personal interviews with those who were there, Davis tells the unforgettable story of five decades of social and cultural change and the miraculous creative efforts, passion, and commitment of the writers, producers, directors, animators, and puppeteers who created one of the most influential programs in the history of television.

The 384-page book will be released by Viking Press; but in addition to the hardcover printing, an audio book version of the text is also planned. Narrated by the legendary Caroll Spinney (puppeter behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch), the complete unabridged 7-hour audio adaptation of "Street Gang" will be available on CD (in a 5-disc set) and for digital download on December 26, simultaneous with the hardcover release.

I will keep you updated with more information on the release of this wonderful new book as details continue to emmerge.

Henson to Produce Adult Puppet Noir

The Jim Henson Company has announced the development of a new film project called "The Happytime Murders". The original film noir murder mystery will fall under the company's Henson Alternative banner, a division that develops projects not intended for children (such as Puppet Up! and Tinseltown). Based on a story Dee Austin Robertson and Todd Berger, the original feature film will feature the well-known Henson style of irreverence and parody while presenting a unique twist on the film noir genre. In a world where puppets are a minority race amongst humans, a puppet detective is forced to solve a string of murders surrounding The Happytime Gang, the cast of a beloved children’s television show. Todd Berger has penned the screenplay and Brian Henson is attached to direct. I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information on this film becomes available.

Elmo, Abby and Bonnie!

Everyone's favorite fairy-in-training and furry red monster are planning to visit Bonnie Hunt's daytime talk show early next week! Abby Cadabby and Elmo are set to make a very special guest appearance on Monday's installment of "The Bonnie Hunt Show", a nationally syndicated daytime talk show hosted by comedian/actress Bonnie Hunt. The Sesame Street duo are scheduled to appear on the show on Monday, October 13, 2008 - check your local listings for time and channel.

These two Muppets are scheduled to appear together on Monday's show along with Alison Sweeney and Tyler Hilton. You won't want to miss this special appearance, so mark your calendars and don't forget to catch this very special Sesame Street guest spot on Monday, October 13th.

Sesame Street's Heroic Triple Feature

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products have announced plans to release a collection of three heroic Sesame Street home video titles in one convenient box set. The 3-disc collection, entitled "Sesame Street: Everyday Heroes", will be released on November 11, 2008. The package will include the following 3 Sesame Street titles - "Elmo Visits the Firehouse", "Elmo Visits the Doctor" and "Friends to the Rescue".

• Elmo Visits the Firehouse: After a fire on Sesame Street gives Elmo a scare, he and Maria visit a real New York City firehouse. Finding out about all the protective clothes firefighters wear and practicing how to "Get Low and Go" helps Elmo feel safe again. Then a special Elmo’s World all about Firefighters helps kids understand much more about what to do if there is a fire.



• Elmo Visits the Doctor: Join Elmo on his first trip to the doctor’s office! Elmo and his friends learn how going to the doctor can help an earache, a fever, and a stuffy nose feel better.



• Friends to the Rescue: After a big storm, all of Sesame Street joins together to rebuild Big Bird's nest twig by twig! This video special is a powerful tool to encourage children to help each other when facing real challenges.

These three fun stories featuring the Muppets of Sesame Street will be available together for the first time! This set, including over 151-minutes of heroic adventures, will be a convenient and economical way to get these great Sesame titles. You can pre-order the entire set from many retailers for just around $19.99.

Whatnot Workshop Opens this Month

As previously reported, FAO Schwartz has partnered with Muppet Studios to create a unique Muppet experience for their customers by launching The Muppet Whatnot Workshop. This boutique will allow customers to create their very own Muppet Whatnot. Customers will be able to pick a puppet body and accessorize it with a huge variety of Muppet features, accessories and apparel.

Visitors of FAO Schwartz's flagship store in New York will be able to participate in an exclusive in-store workshop experience and build their very own Whatnot Muppet. In addition to the in-store experience, consumers can also build and buy their own Whatnot via FAO Schwarz’s official website. FAO Schwarz plans to open The Muppet Whatnot Workshop, later this month - with the online debut slated for October 22, 2008 and the in-store workshop opening on November 13, 2008. These premium puppets are highly customizable and are expected to retail for $130 each.

You can check out a sampling of Whatnot Workshop creations in FAO Schwarz's Fall 2008 catalog (image posted below). Soon you will be able to own your very own personalized Muppet, and I will be sure to keep you updated on this exciting new boutique as soon as more details are announced.

Pajanimals Comes to Sprout on November 2nd

As previously reported, "Jim Henson's Pajanimals", the Jim Henson Company's newest puppet series, is planned to debut on PBS KIDS Sprout later this year as part of the network's evening programming block. Sprout has now set an exact premiere date - "Jim Henson's Pajanimals" will debut on Sunday, November 2, 2008 during Sprout's signature nighttime block, "The Good Night Show".

This original, short-form musical series is designed to be both entertaining and educational as it helps comfort preschool viewers with bedtime themes and transitional issues such as separating from mom at the end of the day, healthy routines, sleeping through the night and being comfortable with the lights out.

The Pajanimals' bedtime antics will touch a chord with parents and children alike who will relate to the night time songs they sing. The Pajanimals include Sweetpea Sue, a shy, smart pony who never forgets to wash up before bedtime; Squacky, an excitable duck who sometimes has a hard time settling down at night; Cow Bella, a creative, well mannered cow with an Italian accent "Ciao Bella"; and Apollo, an upbeat, optimistic pup who loves space adventures but has a slight case of separation anxiety.

Below is a special sneak-peek of the Pajanimals -- and for more information, check out our previous report on the upcoming series. I will keep you updated with more information on this new bedtime series as things develop.

Catch the Muppets' New "Studio DC" Again

For all of you who missed Disney Channel's big premiere of the Muppets' "Studio DC" special hosted by Selena Gomez (or for all of you who just want to catch it again), the 30-minute television special is set to re-air several times this month. Disney plans on re-airing the new "Studio DC: Almost Live" production on:

• Sunday, October 5, 2008 (8:00 PM)
• Monday, October 6, 2008 (5:00 PM)
• Tuesday, October 7, 2008 (3:30 PM)
• Tuesday, October 7, 2008 (10:30 PM)
• Thursday, October 9, 2008 (2:00 PM)
• Thursday, October 9, 2008 (11:00 PM)
• Saturday, October 11, 2008 (4:30 PM)
• Wednesday, October 15, 2008 (3:30 PM)
• Thursday, October 16, 2008 (12:00 AM)
• Friday, October 17, 2008 (2:30 PM)
• Tuesday, October 21, 2008 (5:30 PM)
• Wednesday, October 22, 2008 (1:00 AM)
• Saturday, October 25, 2008 (3:00 PM)
• Sunday, October 26, 2008 (12:00 AM)
• Tuesday, October 28, 2008 (5:00 PM)
• Wedneday, October 29, 2008 (12:30 AM)
• Friday, October 31, 2008 (4:30 PM)

The half-hour variety show featured The Cheetah Girls performing a Bollywood dance number with Miss Piggy; Selena Gomez learning the art comedy from Fozzie Bear; Moises Arias and Jake T. Austin learning the art of being a critic from Statler and Waldorf; Demi Lovato singing with Beaker; Jason Earles and Jason Dolley visiting the Swedish Chef's craft services table; David Henrie jamming with Floyd on the guitar; and much more.

So be sure to set the VCR and mark your calendars so you don’t miss this all new "Studio DC: Almost Live!" hosted by Selena Gomez . And I will be sure to keep you updated on the future of "Studio DC" and the Muppets as information becomes available.

Lots of Sesame Street DVDs Coming Your Way in '09!

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning to release slue of exciting new DVDs next year. These DVDs have it all - love, pirates, birthdays, bedtime, faces, and a big 2-disc anniversary celebration! Here's the scoop on several of these upcoming DVD titles.

Elmo makes a special surprise card for someone he really loves in the new direct-to-video production "Elmo Loves You!". However when the wind blows it away, Rosita and Super Grover join Elmo in pursuit of his card. Will Elmo be able to give his surprise card to someone very special? Join Elmo, Rosita and Grover as they learn about love, emotions and friendship in this tale featuring the new song "Elmo Loves You" and a special music video. This all-new DVD is due out in January 2009 (just in time for Valentine's Day).

Sesame Street takes to the high seas in "Sesame Street: Pirates!", a swashbuckeling DVD planned for release in April 2009. Elmo and Alan are visted by a ship full of pirates calling themselves "The Bookaneers" (because they love reading and they love books). The pirates, led by Tina Fey, invite Elmo to become a Bookaneer. However he'll have to pass the Bookaneer test first. Can Elmo find the pirate’s treasure and become a Bookaneer? Join Elmo as he sets sail on to learn all about about literacy and letters.

Birthdays can be filled with lots of fun and surprises; cake, games, presents and songs...but what happens at birthday parties in Fairytale Land? Elmo and Abby attend Little Red Riding Hood’s birthday celebration in the all-new direct-to-DVD feature "Birthday Fun With Elmo and Abby". The DVD, slated for release in June 2009, will also features a new "Birthday Dance" music video as well as the Elmo’s World "Birthdays" episode as bonuses.

Nighttime comes to Sesame Street in the forthcoming DVD "Bedtime With Elmo" which expected to hit stores in July 2009. Elmo wants to play rather than go to bed, so his daddy shows him why everyone needs sleep. Filled with bedtime stories, lullabies and dreams; this video will also include a special DVD extra featuring Andrea Bocelli singing "Time To Say Goodnight" to Elmo.

Next up is "Elmo's World: One Fine Face", the latest Elmo's World compilation, due out in October 2009. The single-disc DVD release will include three Elmo's World episodes dealing with "Eyes", "Noses" and "Mouths".

The final DVD that Sesame Workshop has planned for 2009 is a special "Sesame Street: 40th Anniversary" DVD release - planned to hit stores in November 2009 (in order to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the landmark show's debut). This special dvd will celebrate 40 years of Sesame Street by highlighting favorite stories, songs, Muppets celebrities, and sketches. This two-disc set will feature content from the first twenty years on disc one, and the second twenty years on the second disc. This comprehensive collection is expected to contain many fan favorites along with some special surprises to reflect the content of the past, present and even some unreleased segments being created for the future.

So, needless to say, it looks like 2009 will be an exciting year for Sesame Street fans and collectors. And, as always, I will be sure to keep you updated with even more information on all of these Sesame Street DVDs as soon as more information becomes available.