Sesame Street segments shot on location

While Sesame Street often featured live-action footage, it was typically interwoven with the Muppet and animated segments. Several early segments took characters into the streets of New York City, such as some Sesame Street News Flash segments, and other sequences shot in Central Park and City Island.

A deliberate attempt to film material out on location was made for the show's 10th anniversary season. Segments took the cast and Muppets (particularly Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Mr. Snuffleupagus, and Barkley) to well known locations such as Chinatown, 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 as Hawaii or Puerto 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 the Museum 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.

In season 38, a segment called "What's the Word on the Street?" was the first to use Murray Monster out in the public. He soon become 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 to Joey Mazzarino:

“I kinda keep Murray like, who's the guy on Fraggle 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.”

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

Sketches

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, and Big 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 asks a man on the street if he can help demonstrate the difference between loud and soft.
	Meet at the bridge Episode 0567	Maria and David look for each other in the park, but have trouble finding one another. The concepts of above and below are demonstrated.
	Gordon Bicycling Episode 0927	Gordon rides his bike around the city.
	Oscar Adams Episode 0932	At City 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 and the 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 for Kermit 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 interviews John-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	In Central Park, the adults ride bikes while the song "Bicycling" plays.
	The Itinerant Grouch Episode 1188	Bob is surprised to find Oscar holding a Grouchketeer meeting in Chinatown in an effort to spread grouchiness around the city.
	"Vamos a Tomar" Episode 1192	Maria strolls through a Hispanic neighborhood of New 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 by Oscar, 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 with 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 Central Park, 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 his trash 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 finds Big 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 from Episode 0539, which was a remake of a scene from Episode 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 the USS Maine National Monument) to bring awareness of the Grouches' 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 and Willy), eventually abandon the cause and leave.
	Finding the Balloons Episode 1264	In the park, Maria and some kids play with Barkley, telling him whether he's near or far some balloons they've hidden.
	Driving in the city Episode 1265	On the streets of New York City, Gordon drives Susan to an apartment, where she will be tending to somebody sick.
	Impromptu Concert Episode 1266	While reading the paper outside the Lincoln Center (near Henry Moore's Reclining 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 joins Maria and the kids for a game of hide-and-seek in a New 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 through Central 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 (with Jon 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 with Mr. Snuffleupagus' giant, monogrammed handkerchief.
	"Six of One" Episode 1278	While shopping in the city, Gordon and Susan 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 sings "Man's Best Friend," musing about why dogs (like Barkley) are considered as such.
	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 invites Oscar 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 in Oscar'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 the school where he teaches.
	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 and Luis watch Big Bird ride a horse on the carousel in Central Park.
	Mirror Episode 1304	Susan and the kids mirror each other's actions.
	Hopscotch Episode 1307	The kids play hopscotch on the streets of New York City.
	"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 a New York City Park, the kids play O'Leary.
	Lincoln Center Fountain Episode 1311	Big Bird drags Bob, Gordon, Susan and Maria 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 and Olivia visit the bandshell at Lincoln 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 and Mr. 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	Susan and Gordon jump rope with the kids.
	David disco skates Episode 1559	David struggles to roller-skate down Sesame Street. Big Bird helps him to Hooper's Store and reminds him that "practice makes perfect." David imagines being a great skater: in his fantasy, he roller-skates through Central 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.
	Gordon jogs Episode 1727	Gordon goes through a stretching routine in the arbor 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 the Chariots of Fire music, and consists of a montage of Gordon running through the city.
	Twister Episode 1846	Susan and some kids play "Twister" in the park as David sings "Name That Game".
	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, and Count 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.

Episodes

Episodes where the street stories include scenes shot on location.

Episodes 0810-0815Trip to New Mexico

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 to Harriet'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 2525Big Bird wanders through the city and Central Park making a map

Episode 2544Blue Bird sequence

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

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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)

Big Bird's Road Trip(2019)

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Movies and specials

Big Bird in China(1983)

Don't Eat the Pictures(1983)

Follow That Bird(1985)

Big Bird in Japan(1988)

...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)

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

The Magical Wand Chase(2017)

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