Sesame Street segments shot on location

WhileSesame Street often featured live-action footage, it was typically interwoven with the Muppet and animated segments. Several early segments took characters into the streets ofNew York City, such as someSesame Street News Flash segments, and other sequences shot inCentral Park andCity Island.

A deliberate attempt to film material out on location was made forthe show's 10th anniversary season.^[1] Segments took the cast and Muppets (particularlyBig Bird,Oscar the Grouch,Mr. Snuffleupagus, andBarkley) to well known locations such asChinatown,Lincoln Center, and Central Park.

Filming on location often coincided with a multi-episode story arc in which the cast would travel to a new location such asHawaii orPuerto Rico.see#Episodes

Shooting on location offered the crew the opportunity to film outdoors in natural light, but several segments produced outside of the studio were also located indoors. Examples include a trip to theMuseum of Modern Art, two different series shot in day care centers, and direct-to-video releases taped at a supermarket and one in a hospital.

Inseason 38, a segment called "What's the Word on the Street?" was the first to useMurray Monster out in the public. He soon became the host of the show, appearing in bumpers between segments, all set in New York City. Murray was deliberately kept off the main street set, according toJoey Mazzarino:

“I kinda keep Murray like, who's the guy onFraggle Rock?Uncle Traveling Matt. Because I feel like he goes out into the real world, and when we put him onto the street, there's just a million characters who can service this.^[2]”

This guide excludes film inserts shot on location unless they feature the Muppets or regular human cast.

Segments[]

Picture	Title /First Appearance	Description
	Slow motion Big Bird Episode 0358	Kids narrate a film in which footage is slowed down and sped up. Sequences include kids on a playground, riding a roller coaster, andBig Bird jumping around and being chased in the park.
	Kermit asks Julia about animal sounds Episode 0536	Kermit interviews Julia, a little girl, about the sounds animals make. When he asks her what sound a frog makes, she replies "Wiggit! Wiggit!" which doesn't amuse Kermit. Video:Old School: Volume 1
	Kermit asks a man about loud and soft Episode 0546	Kermit asksa man on the street if he can help demonstrate the difference between loud and soft.
	Meet at the bridge Episode 0567	Maria andDavid look for each other at the Pine Bank Arch in Central Park, but have trouble finding one another. The concepts ofabove andbelow are demonstrated.
	Gordon Goes Cycling Episode 0927	Gordon rides his bike around the city.
	Oscar Adams Episode 0932	AtCity Island, Maria and Bob ask Oscar to take their photo. He tells them to step back further and further until they fall off the dock.
	"Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" Episode 0971	Judy Collins andthe kids sing "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" at City Island.
	Kermit the Hermit Episode 0974	Bob plays an explorer named Faversham Svedwick who spends twenty years searching all over the globe forKermit the Hermit, the Wisest Man in the World. When he finds him, he challenges him to a game of tag.
	"Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday" Episode 0982	Bob and the kids sing "Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday."
	"The Sun Shines" Episode 0993	Judy Collins and the cast sing "The Sun Shines" at City Island.
	"Everything Grows" Episode 0998	Olivia sings "Everything Grows" at the Bronx Zoo.
	"Water Cantata" Episode 1000	Judy Collins and the cast sing about water at City Island.
	Kermit interviews John-John Episode 1016	Kermit interviewsJohn-John, asking him to make dog and cat sounds, and making them louder.
	Classroom Episode 1068	Gordon hangs out in a classroom. He joins the kids and the teacher as they play with an elastic rope and get into different shapes.
	"Bicycling" Episode 1186	InCentral Park, the adults ride bikes while the song "Bicycling" plays.
	The Itinerant Grouch Episode 1188	Bob is surprised to findOscar holding aGrouchketeer meeting inChinatown in an effort to spread grouchiness around the city.
	"Vamos a Tomar" Episode 1192	Maria strolls through a Hispanic neighborhood ofNew York City singing "Vamos a Tomar El Fresco."
	Oscar Buys Pizza Episode 1194	In the rain, Maria goes to get some pizza. Oscar asks her to get him a slice and describes the various toppings he wants. Maria suddenly loses her appetite.
	"Alegria" Episode 1196	Luis and a street band perform "Alegria."
	"Las Altenitas" Episode 1196	Luis and a band play "Las Alteñitas" in a city park, as kids come over and dance.
	Pick Up the Wrapper Episode 1197	Bob finds a Liver and Onion candy bar wrapper dropped on the ground byOscar, who denies seeing it. Bob picks it up and puts it to Oscar's face until he admits it's his. Bob explains it's not right to throw trash on the ground and he should pick it up, though Oscar is quick to point out Bob's already done that for him.
	Big Bird Plays Red Light Episode 1198	Big Bird plays Red Light/Green Light with the kids in front of Engine Company 74.
	Walk/Don't Walk Episode 1200	Out on the streets of New York City, Big Bird makes sure the kids understand the meaning of the "Walk" and "Don't Walk" signs.
	The Corner Newsstand Episode 1204	Gordon happens by a newsstand run by Oscar the Grouch (filling in for Sid Sourpuss). The newsstand carries various Grouch reading materials, so Oscar sells Gordon a magazine with absolutely no grouchy words in it at all - the pages are all blank.
	Band Shell Episode 1221	Maria accompanies Big Bird to a bandshell in Lincoln Center, where Big Bird wants to get good seats for an upcoming concert. After spending much time figuring out whether to sit near or far from the stage, he finally settles on a spot in the middle of the area...only the concert isn't starting until 8 o'clock the next evening.
	Trash Wagon Episode 1226	On the streets of New York City,Luis explains to the kids how a garbage truck collects and disposes of trash. He's surprised to see the truck is operated by Oscar, whose rented the truck from "Grouch Rent-a-Heap." Oscar doesn't intend on taking the load to any city dump, but rather to his trash can back on Sesame Street.
	"Street Fever" Episode 1230	David sings "Street Fever" as he finds rhythms in doing ordinary tasks, such as sweeping and hammering, around the city.
	Bird's Nose Episode 1246	Big Bird talks about noses and beaks, and what his beak can do. He tells Olivia, "I'm awful sorry about your nose."
	"Jogging" Episode 1254	The cast, followed by Oscar in histrash can, jog in Central Park.
	Big Bird's Safety Talk Episode 1256	Big Bird walks down the street, describing the difference between the actual street and sidewalks.
	Memory Trick Episode 1260	Olivia findsBig Bird repeating "G, G, G" to himself. He explains it's a memory trick to help remember a letter he received from his cousin Esmeralda regarding her 14 newly-hatched eggs - his immediate response was, "Gee!" This is a remake of a scene fromEpisode 0539, which was a remake of a scene fromEpisode 0027.
	Chinatown Dragon Episode 1261	Big Bird and Bob walk around Chinatown, where Big Bird expresses his fear the many dragons they have around. Bob explains the dragons are just puppets they use for celebrations. Just then, a dragon puppet pops out from a staircase, startling Bob. Big Bird comforts him, telling him it's only a puppet.
	"Oscar's Bill of Gripes" Episode 1262	Oscar holds a rally outside Central Park (by theUSS Maine National Monument) to bring awareness of theGrouches' Bill of Rights, but more commonly referred to as the "Bill of Gripes." He sings about the various things the document protects a Grouch's right to do, such as the right to be miserable all the time or play their broken trumpet at night. His audience, consisting of people and Grouches (along with Gordon andWilly), eventually abandon the cause and leave.
	Finding the Balloons Episode 1264	In the park,Maria and some kids play withBarkley, telling him whether he'snear orfar some balloons they've hidden.
	Dropping off Susan Episode 1265	Gordon drives Susan to an apartment, where she will be tending to somebody sick. Before going inside, she explains to the viewer how her job works.
	Impromptu Concert Episode 1266	While reading the paper outside theLincoln Center (near Henry Moore'sReclining Figure),Bob's attention shifts to three musicians. They play the recorder, bassoon, and guitar as Bob vocalizes from their sheet music.
	Hide-and-Seek Episode 1267	Barkley joinsMaria and the kids for a game ofhide-and-seek in aNew York City park. He's not very good at hiding while Maria counts, so she makes him "it" while she and the others hide. They find Barkley isn't very good seeking either.
	Litter Basket Episode 1269	While strolling throughCentral Park,Gordon accidentally lets his sandwich wrapper fall to the ground instead of the litter basket.Oscar emerges from within and explains the importance of not littering, especially because of a deal he made with the local Parks Department - any trash in the can belongs to him. Gordon,Maria and the kids collect more litter for Oscar, who feels as though he's in Heaven.
	Giant Steps Episode 1276	Luis plays "Giant Steps" with the kids in the park.Oscar can't tolerate hearing them say "May I?" over and over and starts up his own game of "Grouch Steps." Luis and the kids take several steps backwards away from Oscar's can, giving him enough space to be left alone.
	No Standing Episode 1277	Big Bird waits at a bus stop in the city (withJon Stone as a bystander). Big Bird sees "No Standing" on the sign and assumes that means he can't stand still. He walks around, then dances (singing "Hava Nagila") before sitting down on the curb. Gordon pulls up in his car and clarifies that "No Standing" means no cars can be parked there. The bus pulls up and honks at Gordon to move.
	Laundry - Handkerchief Episode 1277	In the city,Big Bird comes across a laundry. He confirms with the owner than any handkerchief can be washed and ironed for just thirty cents. Big Bird presents him withMr. Snuffleupagus' giant, monogrammed handkerchief.
	"Six of One" Episode 1278	While shopping in the city,Gordon andSusan sing "Six of One."
	Big Bird calls Snuffy Episode 1291	Big Bird telephones Mr. Snuffleupagus from Chinatown and describes a dragon puppet right next to him. Snuffy chuckles at the idea and compliments Big Bird's imagination. "Et tu, Snuffy?" he moans.
	"Man's Best Friend" Episode 1294	Gordon sits in hishis apartment reading out loud to the music of "Man's Best Friend." Several points in the song cut to outdoor scenes withBarkley and the kids demonstrating why the adage is true.
	Big Bird's Lunch Episode 1296	In a New York City park, Big Bird sits down on a bench with some birdseed lunch. Luis, Bob and Susan pass by and he invites them to have lunch with him, but they all decline for one reason or another. Big Bird then spills his birdseed by accident and is delighted when it attracts a flock of pigeons he can converse with.
	Baseball Episode 1298	The cast plays baseball with the kids out in the park.Maria invitesOscar to join them, but he claims he has a Grouch game scheduled and heads for the outfield.Bob hits a long-fly ball that lands inOscar's trash can, which Oscar will return after he and his Grouch pals finish their game inside.
	Dropping Off Gordon Episode 1298	Susan drops Gordon off at work. He reveals that he teaches at Public School No. 9 on the corner of W 83rd St and Columbus Ave on the Upper West side of Manhattan.
	Dog Day Afternoon Episode 1301	Olivia and the kids spend an afternoon with Barkley in the park. By the end of it all, he's much too tired to return to Sesame Street. They situate him in the backseat of a Hansom cab as they follow along.
	Big Bird Horseback Riding Episode 1304	Maria andLuis watchBig Bird ride a horse on the carousel inCentral Park.
	Mirror Episode 1304	In voiceover,David sings a song asking the listener to guess whatSusan and the kids are doing; the kids are copying Susan's actions.
	"We're Not Alone" Episode 1306	Bob sings "We're Not Alone" toLinda inMcGraw-Hill Park.
	Hopscotch Episode 1307	In voiceover,David sings a song asking the listener to name the game being played whileGordon andSusan help the kids draw a hopscotch on the city asphalt.
	"Picture of You" Episode 1308	Olivia sings "Picture of You" as she photographs the kids.
	"Win or Lose" Episode 1308	Olivia and David join the kids in a jog while Olivia sings "Win or Lose."
	O'Leary Episode 1311	In voiceover,David sings a song asking the listener to name the game being played whileSusan and the kids play O'Leary.
	Lincoln Center Fountain Episode 1311	Big Bird drags Bob, Gordon, Susan and Linda to the Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center to finally meet Mr. Snuffleupagus, who comes to hear the opera rehearsals every day. However, once he arrives, he becomes blocked by the fountain in the plaza square.
	Filling the Air with Love Episode 1312	Maria andOlivia visit the bandshell atLincoln Center, where Olivia admits she likes to imagine being a singer on that very stage. She envisions herself as a famous performer, singing "Filling the Air with Love."
	Hit the Penny Episode 1312	Out in the plaza of Lincoln Center,Susan and the kids play "Hit the Penny."Big Bird happens upon the game and claims he andMr. Snuffleupagus play it all the time. However, he misses every shot. He darts off and returns with the penny he and Snuffy usually play with, which is about five-feet big.
	Frankie Four Eyes Episode 1313	Maria joins the kids' stickball game in the park. Up at bat is a Muppet boy named Frankie, who's afraid of wearing his glasses because the other kids make fun of him. She shows him how important glasses can be and wearing them improves his swing.
	Barkley's Frisbee Dream Episode 1503	Barkley has a dream where he's sleeping in a field when he hears some kids calling for him to play frisbee with them. One of the kids throws it high up into the air, and in slow motion, Barkley chases it and catches it in mid-air. He feels so happy as the kids play with him in the grass.
	Jump Rope Episode 1537	In voiceover,David sings a song asking the listener to name the game being played whileSusan andGordon jump rope with the kids.
	David disco skates Episode 1559	David struggles to roller-skate downSesame Street. Big Bird helps him toHooper's Store and reminds him that "practice makes perfect." David imagines being a great skater: in his fantasy, he roller-skates throughCentral Park with ease. Back in reality, David skates on his own and falls down, but he doesn't mind. Music: "What Makes Music?"
	"Without People" Episode 1570	In a school playground, Big Bird wanders around by himself singing about all the things you can't do without people: singing songs, swinging on swings, and other kinds of special things you can only do with people. At the end of the song, the classroom bell rings and dozens of children rush out to greet Big Bird.
	Butcher shop Episode 1638	Olivia and Kareem visit Walter's Meat Market to learn how a butcher does their job.
	Gordon jogs Episode 1727	Gordon goes through a stretching routine inthe yard during the early morning and explains to the camera that he like so get up this early because there's very little traffic and it's a pretty time of the day. He invites the viewer along for a jog, which is set to a spoof of theChariots of Fire music, and consists of a montage of Gordon running through the city.
	Twister Episode 1846	In voiceover,David sings a song about guessing that game, whileSusan and some kids play "Twister" in the park.
	Barkley and kids in the park Episode 1855	In the park, Barkley watches some kids line up to demonstrate first and last.
	Barkley looks for Snuffy at the park Episode 1873	Mr. Snuffleupagus walks in Central Park, being followed by Barkley, who follows his scent.
	"Hand Talk" Episode 2622	A song about gesticulation. Big Bird,Cookie Monster, and Oscar all make appearances in the song.
	"Dancin' Shoes" Episode 2949	Elmo,Ernie,Bert, andCount von Count dance along with the kids on location.
	"A New Way to Walk" Episode 3233	The Oinker Sisters sing "A New Way to Walk" in the park, intercut with shots of many celebrities dancing.
	Elmo and Winston show love Episode 3526	Elmo appears at the New York Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation[3] in a segment where he kisses a beluga whale.
	In Search of Fish Episode 3528	Wolfgang the Seal visits the New York Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation to find some fish.
	"Ocean Emotion" Episode 3532	At the New York Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation, Elmo sings about various emotions felt by the animal life in the facilities.

Episodes[]

Episodes where the street stories include scenes shot on location.

Episode 0540Mr. Hooper thanks a fire lieutenant for saving his store

Episodes 0810-0815Trip to New Mexico

Episode 0924Oscar's movie features scenes (several with Oscar) at a real garbage dump

Episode 0946Maria, David, & Big Bird go to City Island

Episode 0959The cast goes camping

Episodes 1090-1095Trip to Hawaii

Episode 1146Big Bird's "One Way" Journey

Episodes 1316-1321Trip to Puerto Rico

Episode 1613Maria imagines herself on a beach

Episode 1615A visit toGrace's farm

Episodes 1706-1710Big Bird goes to Camp Echo Rock

Episode 1836Snuffy and Gordon run in the New York City marathon

Episode 2356A visit to the Bronx Zoo

Episode 2484Maria and Luis go shopping for their wedding clothes during "The Dress, The Suit"

Episode 2525Big Bird wanders through the city and Central Park making a map

Episode 2544Blue Bird sequence in Central Park

Episode 2590The Snuffleupagus family has a picnic in Central Park

Episode 2835The cast goes rollerskating in Central Park

Episode 2876Big Bird and friends go to Massapequa Wildlife Preserve

Episodes 2882-2885Trip to Montana

Episode 3511Big Bird's fishing trip

Episode 3981Elmo and Maria visit an East Harlem firehouse

Episode 5001Big Bird and Nina start their cross-country road trip from a real New York street.

Episode 5202Elmo accompanies a mailperson through Jackson Heights in Queens.

Episode 5209Abby, Rudy, and Freddy hike in Croton Gorge Park in Westchester.

Episodes 5224-5228The Sesame Street gang goes to a farm.

Episode 5235Family day at the park.

Episode 5313Big Bird meets his Nani Bird at the park.

Episode 5323Julia and Sam teach Elmo how to ride a horse at a horse farm.

Recurring segments[]

Sesame Street Opening Theme(1972-2007)

Ice Follies sketches(1975)

Wanda Falbo (Word Fairy)(1989)

Big Bird's Video Postcards(1992)

Museum of Modern Art(1997)

Monsters in Day Care(1998)

Sesame Street Goes to Day Care(1998)

What's the Word on the Street?(2007-2015)

Murray Has a Little Lamb(2008-2015)

PBS promos(2014)

Big Bird's Road Trip(2019)

Movies and specials[]

Big Bird in China(1983)

Don't Eat the Pictures(1983)

Follow That Bird(1985)

Big Bird in Japan(1988)

20 and Still Counting(1989)

...Visits the Hospital(1990)

...Visits the Firehouse(1990)

We All Sing Together(1993)

Sesame Street Jam(1993)

Sesame Street Stays Up Late(1993)

Big Bird Gets Lost(1998)

Elmopalooza(1998)

Elmo's World: Wild Wild West!(2001)

Peter and the Wolf(2001)

What's the Name of That Song?(2004)

The Magical Wand Chase(2017)

Elmo's Playdate: Scavenger Hunt(2020)

Honorable mentions[]

• Video footage ofMr. Hooper riding a bike with some kids appears in several airings of the "Sesame Street Theme" duringseason 3, such as episodes0324 and0335.
• Reporter Kermit broadcasts from the streets of Manhattan inElmo Saves Christmas, but he is matted against separately shot footage.

See also[]

• Filming locations

Sources[]