WIRED's Autocomplete Interviews Season 1 Episode 20 The Cast of 'Sesame Street' Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions

In this episode of WIRED's Autocomplete Interviews, the beloved cast of Sesame Street answers some of the internet's most asked questions about the long-running children's show. From the show's origins in the 1960s to its current roster of colorful characters and educational programming, the Sesame Street team provides insightful and often hilarious responses to queries like "Who is Elmo's girlfriend?" and "What is Big Bird's real name?".

Hosted by WIRED's own Jayme Deerwester, the interviewees include Elmo puppeteer Ryan Dillon, Cookie Monster puppeteer David Rudman, Abby Cadabby puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, and Big Bird puppeteer Matt Vogel. The quartet field questions submitted by fans and internet users around the world, giving viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most beloved children's shows of all time.

Through the Autocomplete Interviews format, viewers get a feel for the personalities behind the puppets, as the cast members share their own experiences and anecdotes about their time on the show. They discuss the challenges of puppeteering - such as the difficulty of manipulating the puppet's arms while keeping the camera out of view - and the joy of bringing joy and laughter to millions of children around the globe.

The cast also sheds light on some of the show's most beloved characters, providing answers to questions like "Why is Cookie Monster blue now?" and "How tall is Big Bird?". Along the way, they share hilarious insights into the workings of the show, like the fact that puppeteers will sometimes wear roller skates to make their puppets appear to be walking or the fact that Elmo's original name was "Baby Monster".

Beyond humorous anecdotes, the interview offers a glimpse into the deeper philosophy of Sesame Street, with the cast members discussing the show's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity. They acknowledge that Sesame Street has always been about representing a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds, and that it continues to evolve as the world changes. They also touch on the important role the show has played in teaching children about important issues like race and tolerance, underscoring the impact that Sesame Street has had on generations of viewers.

Throughout the interview, the Sesame Street cast proves themselves to be as charming and entertaining as the furry creatures they bring to life. With their impressive range of voices, witty comebacks, and heartfelt insights, they provide a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most iconic children's shows of all time. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Sesame Street or a newcomer to the show, this Autocomplete Interview is guaranteed to delight and entertain.