"Miles’ adoption" is a Sesame Street story arc that took place over several episodes in Season 17 (1985).
The introduction of Miles allowed the show to tackle the topic of adoption. Roscoe Orman originally suggested that Gordon and Susan have a child when he first joined the show in 1974. At the time, the producers felt that it was too complicated to cast a baby to play the part.
Ten years later, when Orman's son Miles was a year old, he revisited the idea. Orman remembers, "Caroll Spinney offhandedly said one day, 'That son of yours is so cute -- he's such a great kid -- we should bring him on the show and let him be your son.' I said that I had suggested something like that years ago but it was shot down. And he said, 'Well, you know, you could even adopt him.' That really started my wheels turning and I mentioned it to [Executive Producer] Dulcy Singer." The producers were intrigued by the adoption angle, and cast Miles Orman in the role. "The idea is that he'll grow up on the show -- for as long as he wants to," Roscoe Orman said.[1]
The entirety of the arc was included in the Sesame Street Unpaved syndication package, and it was adapted as a story book called Susan and Gordon Adopt a Baby the following year with illustrations by Joe Mathieu.
The story of Miles' adoption is often cited as one of the landmark moments for the series, with segments appearing in Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting, and as an historical moment visited by Grover and Elmo in the anniversary special The Street We Live On.
Miles celebrates his first birthday in Episode 2226 (season 18).
Episodes[]
| Picture | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Episode 2122 Gordan and Susan announce they're having a baby |
 |
Episode 2123 Meeting Miles |
 |
Episode 2124 Baby-proofing the apartment |
 |
Episode 2125 Miles's grandparents visit |
Sources[]
- ↑ "Meet Gordon: Roscoe Orman," by Rebecca Herman. Sesame Street Magazine Parents' Guide, issue 160, December 1986.
