When did Sesame Street jump the shark?

Question

Me, I say it jumped when Elmo was introduced. Some others feel that it jumped when Mr. Snuffleupagus's existence was confirmed to others besides Big Bird. Hardliners feel that everything after Mr. Hooper's death is but a pale imitation of the true Street.

What say you?

NOTE: "Jump the Shark" is a term indicating the point at which a good TV series sharply decreased in quality and began to suck. www.jumptheshark.com explains.

Answer 1

I'm part of the first generation of Sesame Street watchers and I currently watch with my daughter, who is three (the age I've tuned in when the show first went on air). Elmo definitely helped Sesame Street "jump the shark" not just because of his political correctness but the fact that the last 20 minutes of the show are all about "Elmo's World".

I agree about the revelation of "Snuffy". It was a lot COOLER when Big Bird would talk about Mr. Snuffalufagus (I REFUSE to call him "Snuffy") and no one would believe he was real.

But the one jump that no one really talks about is that there is a lot less human interaction on the show. Being first generation you would ALWAYS see Gordon, Susan, Mr. Hooper, Luis, Maria and Bob in different parts of the show...and often. Now, you are lucky to see ONE human and perhaps a small skit. Elmo hogged up the show so that definitely helped in the reduction. The only human "guarantee" is "Trash" Gordon and thats at the end when he gives the letter and number of the day.

Answer 2

Sesame Street Jump

Answer 3

I'd have to say that when they introduced Mr. Snuffleupagus to everyone, was the beginning of the downfall. When they found the big dog and named him "Barkley", that was pretty lame too.

I also am not a big fan of the new characters such as Elmo, Zoe, Rosita, and most of all Baby Bear. They gave him a speech impediment for heaven's sake. Why would they do that?

I remember the days of "one of these kids is not like the other" and the baker who had to carry 12 cakes and would always fall down the stairs. That was good stuff. But, my kids enjoy all of the stuff that they have grown up with and I'm sure 20 years from now they will be asking the same questions.

Answer 4

I think it depends on what age you are. For those who are older it could be Mr. Hooper or Snuffy 'coming out' as it were, but there are alot of people who don't even know SS before the exisitance of Elmo.

For me, however, I don't think it has. It is trying to keep up with times changing so quickly. It is a true testament that it is doing something right since it is still on the air.

Answer 5

When they made Elmo such a main fixture. He was cute as a supporting character that would pop up now and then, but the whole Elmo madness thing really declined the quality of the show. It didn't used to talk down to kids.

Answer 6

It jumped the shark in 1990 with the death of Jim Henson. After that, they started doing re-runs of his earlier bits; and the show took on a decidedly less witty tone with the new features. I agree with you about Elmo -- He's a Poltically Correct dolt.

Answer 7

More of a question than an answer - is Sesame Street on tv anymore? Am sure my grand daughter would love it - as my children did! Either the british channels or Sky?

Answer 8

i say you pretty funny!! i was gonna say elmo and mr hooper before opening now ill have to go with when they really started playing up the ernie bert gay storyline obvious ratings ploy

Answer 9

When the world was introduced to Grungetta Grunge, Oscar's girlfriend.

Answer 10

I'm sorry, maybe I'm showing my age here; but what the heck does 'jump the shark' mean????