Watch Sesame Street: Put Down The Duckie

Sesame Street has been a part of American television programming for almost fifty years, inspiring, educating, and entertaining young children across the country. The beloved characters from this children's show have become household names and icons, from Big Bird to Cookie Monster, Elmo to Oscar the Grouch. In 2010, a special Sesame Street episode was released entitled "Put Down The Duckie," featuring special guest appearances and musical performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The premise of "Put Down The Duckie" centers around Ernie, one of the classic Sesame Street characters who is perhaps best known for his duckie obsession. He loves his rubber duckie so much that he's even hesitant to put it down, even when it's time to play music with his friend, the equally musical and lovable Bert. In this episode, Ernie learns a powerful lesson about the importance of letting go of attachments and trying new things.

The story begins with Ernie and Bert in the midst of a jam session, playing a lively tune on their musical instruments. As they play, Ernie's duckie continually gets in the way, and he becomes more and more preoccupied with it. Bert tries to gently persuade his friend to put the toy down so they can continue playing, but Ernie can't bear to be separated from his beloved duckie. Their musical session is disrupted, and the two friends are left feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

Enter some of the biggest names in music and television at the time, including Jon Stewart, Robin Williams, and Alicia Keys, all of whom appear on the episode to encourage Ernie to see the value in putting down his duckie and exploring new avenues of creativity. In a series of comedic sketches and musical performances, these stars teach Ernie (and the young audience) about trying new things and discovering different forms of self-expression.

The musical performances in "Put Down The Duckie" are some of the most memorable and entertaining aspects of the episode. Alicia Keys, for example, performs a soulful rendition of the Sesame Street classic "Doin' The Pigeon," complete with a dance routine that involves several of the show's main characters. Other musical numbers include Jon Stewart's rendition of "People In Your Neighborhood" and a lively duet between Robin Williams and Elmo.

As the episode progresses, Ernie begins to understand the value in putting down his duckie, both literally and metaphorically. He learns that trying new things and exploring different forms of self-expression can be just as rewarding and fulfilling as playing with his beloved rubber toy. The story ends on a heartwarming note, with Ernie and Bert finally able to enjoy a full and fruitful musical session without any interference from the infamous duckie.

Overall, Sesame Street: Put Down The Duckie is a classic example of what has made this children's show so popular and enduring over the years. The episode manages to convey a valuable lesson about the importance of trying new things and exploring different forms of self-expression, all while maintaining the humor and charm that has made Sesame Street a beloved cultural institution. For parents and caregivers looking for a fun and educational way to entertain young children, this episode is a must-see.

Sesame Street: Put Down The Duckie is a 2010 family movie with a runtime of 45 minutes.