The longest running show in American history clocks up another milestone today.
Sesame Street premiered on November 10, 1969, which makes today the show’s 45th anniversary. It might be a show for children, but more than one celebrity cameo has left us giggling, both on Sesame Street itself and at the various situations when the characters have appeared. Here are 10 of our favourite moments.
Tom Hiddleston
In one of the most inspired celebrity cameos, internet darling Tom Hiddleston teaches Cookie Monster the meaning of delayed gratification. Yes, really.
Neil Patrick Harris
Until this moment, you probably didn’t know that you needed to see Neil Patrick Harris dressed up and singing as the Fairy Shoe Person, but now you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this. Watch the full clip to see him complain about how the Tooth Fairy gets better PR than he does.
Amy Poehler
The Parks and Recreation star takes on too big of a task with Elmo, but after downsizing (and getting in several cow puns), the two manage to show us the meaning of the word “challenge.”
Ricky Gervais
Elmo and Ricky Gervais argue over whether Ricky is actually a celebrity or not (the jury is still out on that one), before the Office creator sings a not-so-soothing lullaby to Elmo. Gervais might be an unlikely guest for family-friendly Sesame Street, but this is one of the funniest guest spots ever.
Maya Rudolph
The Saturday Night Live alum and Elmo educate us on the word “brainstorm” in the best and most natural way possible — through rap, and song and dance.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch goes head to head with his nemesis, Murray-arty to solve a mind-mending puzzle fit for Sherlock Holmes. Well, not really. But Benedict’s insistence that he isn’t actually Sherlock and the ridiculous number of puns and Sherlock references alone make this worth watching.
Tina Fey
Tina Fey dons her best pirate outfit and her worst pirate accent to play a dastardly Bookaneer. Watch out, they aren’t coming for your money, or your ship, but for your books.
Robin Williams
The master of comedy himself tries to teach the inhabitants of Sesame Street about conflict. Start it for the nostalgia factor, keep watching for the gibberish Williams’ so convincingly and intently spits out at the end of the clip.
Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons explains the word “arachnid” while being chased by a spider. Spoiler alert: He doesn’t really know what an arachnid is, but this chase scene is golden.
John Oliver
Disclaimer: This is technically not a Sesame Street cameo, as it was a YouTube video produced by Mashable and PBS. That said, this is too funny not to include. Last Week Tonight host John Oliver joins Cookie Monster at W-ORD News for a broadcast all about words. Headlines include the word “crumb” ending with a silent “B” — what’s it doing back there anyway? Highlights include Cookie eating Oliver’s tie.
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