Sesame Street has been a staple in many households for almost 50 years, teaching young kids not only educational lessons, but also lessons surrounding every day life.
The PBS show made headlines this past year when they conducted a study asking parents if they'd rather their kids be polite or empathetic. Most parents wished their kids would be polite, which researchers believed was the reason for the growing lack of empathy in college-age kids.
Sesame Street also stirred up emotion when they introduced Julia, a muppet with autism.
"Bringing Julia to life as a Sesame Street Muppet is the centerpiece of all of our new materials to support families of children with autism," said Sherrie Westin, EVP of Global Impact and Philanthropy, Sesame Workshop in a press release.
Now, in an effort to keep up with changing family trends, Sesame Street is introducing another new muppet to help kids identify what's happening in their lives.
Continue reading to find out who is being added to the cast!
The iconic kids show will be adding Rudy, a 3-year-old orange monster, to the crew.
Rudy is Abby Cadabby's step-brother. Although they are different (Abby is a fairy), the two accept each other with open arms.
Rudy is there to help children understand "stories about siblings, blended families, and conflict resolution," Sesame Street released in a statement.
"Families come in many forms "” including newly-blended families, which can present unique challenges for kids. As part of Sesame Street"˜s kindness curriculum, kids will watch as Abby and Rudy meet for the first time, get to know each other, and overcome their differences to embrace their new sibling relationship," Sesame continues in the press release.
Rudy and Abby "love each other very much" despite not being blood siblings, according to an interview with the new characters.
"Rudy is a monster and Elmo is a monster and we all get along, we are best friends," says Abby.
Adds Elmo: "Elmo thinks they're both really cool! They're so nice to each other, Elmo doesn't have brothers or sisters, but he feels like he does with Abby and Rudy."
"We're thrilled to introduce a new neighbor on Sesame Street "” Abby Cadabby's stepbrother Rudy!" Brown Johnson, EVP and Creative Director, Sesame Workshop, says. "The addition of Rudy to the family gives us a wonderful opportunity to explore sibling relationships "” the good and the challenging, as well as the idea that kids can come from blended families. Rudy is cute and funny, and loves a little mischief "” especially when he borrows his step-sister's wand!"
Do you think this new character is a good idea? Let us know!
