In 1992, to keep up with an ever-changing society and skyrocketing divorce rates, Sesame Street was resolute in its goal of taking on topics that most children's shows wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. Subsequently, Mr. Snuffleupagus (more fondly known as Snuffy) was cast in the role of child divorcee.
After Snuffy confides in a horrified Big Bird, Gordon breaks down what divorce is and why it happens in a child-friendly manner. Teeny-tiny viewers were told that sometimes divorce is for the best. Gordon assured everyone that Snuffy and his sister will always be loved, even if dad moves out. Everything was all planned out, and the episode went through six revisions with a team of writers, researchers and producers, but chaos still ensued once the segment was tested on preschoolers a few weeks before it was set to air. The preschoolers were confused, upset and in tears! Where would Snuffy live? Why don't his parents love him anymore? Will my parents get a divorce? Sesame Street admitted defeat and killed the show.
Now, twenty years later, the persistent people at Sesame Street are going for round two, but they're being extremely cautious. The focus of the episode will be making sure kids understand that they're not alone and that it isn't their fault.
Will Sesame Street be successful in their second attempt at educating kids about divorce? Who knows!? The anticipation is killing me...
It was a normal afternoon on Sesame Street when Snuffy prepared to drop the 'd' word on preschool viewers: divorce. The following is dialogue from a segment of the ground breaking divorce scene:
Snuffy: My dad is moving out of our cave. I'm not sure where. Some cave across town.
Big Bird: But why!?
Snuffy: Because of something call a divorce.GASP! Scandal on Sesame Street!
After Snuffy confides in a horrified Big Bird, Gordon breaks down what divorce is and why it happens in a child-friendly manner. Teeny-tiny viewers were told that sometimes divorce is for the best. Gordon assured everyone that Snuffy and his sister will always be loved, even if dad moves out. Everything was all planned out, and the episode went through six revisions with a team of writers, researchers and producers, but chaos still ensued once the segment was tested on preschoolers a few weeks before it was set to air. The preschoolers were confused, upset and in tears! Where would Snuffy live? Why don't his parents love him anymore? Will my parents get a divorce? Sesame Street admitted defeat and killed the show.
Now, twenty years later, the persistent people at Sesame Street are going for round two, but they're being extremely cautious. The focus of the episode will be making sure kids understand that they're not alone and that it isn't their fault.
Will Sesame Street be successful in their second attempt at educating kids about divorce? Who knows!? The anticipation is killing me...
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