There are very few pieces of media that have lasted as long as the TV children's show "Sesame Street." First appearing on television screens in 1969, the show's lovable characters and friendly neighbors have entered millions of homes and hearts around the world ever since. Following the Rev. Jesse Jackson's death on Feb. 17, 2026, a clip of his 1972 appearance on the show in which he recited the poem "I Am Somebody" with a group of kids went viral.
"Sesame Street" has always attempted to remind everyone, no matter their identity, that they are somebody, which has made it a target for politicians since its initial airing. Mississippi
"Sesame Street" has stayed true to its founding principles regardless, like in 2021, when the show introduced a family with two dads for the first time.
The show's place as a mainstay in culture and frequent political target means Snopes has investigated several rumors about "Sesame Street" and its characters over the years. Here are nine of those stories:
