Is SESAME STREET Being Brought To You By The Letters O, V, E and R?

This week, Newsweek reported that Sesame Street is losing the ratings war, now ranking 15th in top children's shows on the air. Not only is viewership down, but production is as well, as The Children's Television Workshop produces only 26 new episodes a year (at one time it produced 130).

Sesame Street brought educational television to the masses, regardless of social or economic standing, and introduced children to arts, culture, politics, death and dozens of other important concepts. Despite criticism regarding political correctness, sexism, racial inequality and advertising, Sesame Street remains as one of the most important programs ever aired.

Will the series survive? Can it evolve and adapt as it's audience has? No one can truly say.

I'm not a parent, but I can't help but think the world would be a better place if they switched off Dora and turned on Snuffleupagus.

Watch some memorable clips featuring some famous guest stars and their appearances on Sesame Street after the jump.