Sesame Street — Season 17

Nov 1985

Big Bird reveals to Snuffy that something special is going to happen today: all his grown-up friends will finally get to meet his best friend face-to-face! Big Bird explains how tired he is of hearing everyone humor him about his "imaginary friend." Sponsors: J, S, 6

Nov 1985

In the early morning, Snuffy stops by Big Bird's nest, unable to sleep from the thrill of meeting everyone yesterday. A thought then occurs to him - he wonders if it really happened, or if he just imagined it. Sponsors: E, H, 7

Nov 1985

Snuffy wants to introduce Big Bird, Maria, Bob, Luis and Gordon to his new friend, but isn't sure how to do it since he just recently became friends with the grown-ups himself. Bob witnesses Snuffy playing a Snuffleupagus instrument called the "harpmonica." Sponsors: E, Q, 8

Nov 1985

Gordon is sitting on the stoop of 123 Sesame Street and reminisces with the viewer about a time where he waited all day for Mr. Snuffleupagus. He decides he could take a walk over to Snuffy's cave so he could get to know him better. Sponsors: H, Q, 9

Nov 1985

Telly Monster speaks in whispers as Gordon is asleep nearby in the yard, having stayed up late grading papers. The two were supposed to have lunch together, but Telly doesn't see how this can work if Gordon is sleeping. Sponsors: M, X, 6

Nov 1985

Bob comes across Oscar's trash can, which has now been converted into an ice creamery. Oscar advertises his nine different flavors, all beginning with the letter S. Oscar recruits Grundgetta to help attract customers to the stand. Sponsors: G, S, 9

Nov 1985

Snuffleupagus wrote his name today in Snufflegarden, but because he writes so big, he had to use four cards. He shows them off to Big Bird and the kids, who make several attempts to put them in the right order. Sponsors: R, Z, 8

Nov 1985

Telly goes to Hooper's Store, but finds the door is locked and the glass from the window is missing. He calls David over, who explains that some kids playing baseball accidentally broke the window. Telly helps David measure the size of the window. Sponsors: G, Q, 3

Nov 1985

The Honkers are in deep honk conversation when they notice the viewer and start honking even more and waving. Olivia comes by and asks what they're doing; they're so noisy. She wishes she could understand honk. Sponsors: A, Y, 11

Nov 1985

After an encounter with Forgetful Jones, Maria imagines what it would be like to be just as forgetful as he is. Back in the present, David arrives to remind Maria about their lunch date. Sponsors: F, R, 12

Dec 1985

Bob plays “Pop Goes the Weasel” with two kids and Forgetful Jones, who plays the cymbals off-cue. Bob instructs him to play after the word “fun,” but he does so when Susan stops by and asks if she can join the fun. Sponsors: T, X, 11

Dec 1985

As Olivia rushes to work, she bumps into Bob and his friend, who Olivia shows signs of interest in. When they pass Oscar's trash can, Oscar is introduced to Bob’s friend, Bernie (a piano tuner). Sponsors: L, Y, 3

Dec 1985

Oscar acts like a pirate in preparation for a bout of sailing with his pet elephants. Their ship, the S. Discontented, floats in the pool and the mast sticks out from the top of the can. Sponsors: G, M, 6

Dec 1985

Bob and Luis encounter Oscar training some live dogs in his Grouch dog training school; he’s training them to disobey his commands. Bob questions this whole concept, and Oscar reminds him of the difference between Grouches and humans. Sponsors: Q, V, 4

Dec 1985

The Count tells the viewer that today, they're going to learn to count grown-ups. He calls over Bob, Susan, Maria, David, and Mr. Macintosh, who are all rather busy, but allow themselves to be counted for the sake of the viewer. Sponsors: H, I, 9

Dec 1985

The cast prepares the street for a special occasion, decorating with a large banner, balloons and food. Forgetful Jones can't remember what's going on, so the others remind him that his favorite country singer is coming to visit Sesame Street today. Sponsors: A, X, 11

Dec 1985

Susan, Olivia, David, and Bob prepare to have a picnic in the park for an outdoor concert. Grundgetta brings them something else they might need - her portable radio, which broadcasts a Grouch weather report indicating rain. Sponsors: K, O, 10

Dec 1985

Bob finds Oscar typing away in his trash can. Oscar, wearing a writer's outfit, tells him that he's working on a play about trash to be performed today on Sesame Street. Bob asks to read it and Oscar allows him. Sponsors: F, M, 8

Dec 1985

Telly Monster and Big Bird are fighting over who gets to read a book in Big Bird's nest, tugging on each end until it tears in half. They apologize to each other and decide to each read their own half. Sponsors: P, S, 12

Dec 1985

On Ask Oscar, Telly reads a letter asking about the importance of listening. Oscar drives Telly crazy by blatantly paying little attention to everything he says, forcing Telly to repeat the details over and over. Sponsors: J, N, 5

Dec 1985

Luis gives Telly Monster a plan on how to get Oscar the Grouch to help show one of today's letters - R. Telly loudly begins his talk to get Oscar's attention and asks Oscar not to help at all. The reverse psychology works. Sponsors: R, X, 4

Dec 1985

Maria welcomes the viewer, then encounters Big Bird teaching a baby Honker to honk the alphabet. Big Bird recites it one part at a time in the form of "The Alphabet Song," and with Maria's help they get through the whole song. Sponsors: C, I, 6

Dec 1985

Slimey has had a long day of activity, so Oscar weighs him on a scale. David notes that Slimey weighs 4 ounces, which isn't accurate because he's holding a balloon, a backpack, and a hockey stick. Sponsors: D, H, 2

Dec 1985

At today's Grouchketeer meeting, Oscar presents a lesson on the letter S. On his Grouch computer, he's loaded a program that shows grouchy images of S words when the S key is pressed. Sponsors: O, S, 3

Dec 1985

Snuffleupagus shows Big Bird his outfit for a pageant about the alphabet at Snufflegarden, where he's playing the letter X. He sings his part in the show, then heads off. Sponsors: C, X, 11

Dec 1985

Piri wants to ask David for a part-time job at Hooper's Store. Oscar demonstrates how he should make the ask, with Telly's help. He gets face-to-face with Telly and loudly demands a job. Sponsors: J, O, 7

Dec 1985

Big Bird and Snuffy declare today as "Best Friends Day," and plan to celebrate together with a picnic in the park. Big Bird is eager to get started, but Snuffy reminds him to first pick up their lunch at Hooper's Store. Sponsors: B, K, 5

Dec 1985

Everybody on Sesame Street prepares for Miles' arrival in their own ways. A deliveryman drops off extra diapers and baby food for David at Hooper's Store, while Maria and Luis set up a play pen by the tire swing. Sponsors: B, C, 6

Dec 1985

Susan and Gordon welcome the viewer to Sesame Street, and explain their process of baby-proofing the apartment in order to keep little Miles safe. They're taking any breakable objects and placing them on the shelf out of Miles' reach. Sponsors: C, G, 8

Dec 1985

Susan's parents arrive from Michigan to see Miles. They are eager to see their grandson for the first time, but he is finally sleeping. Miles' grandmother Dorothy wants to sneak a peek while he's asleep. Sponsors: G, K, 9

Dec 1985

While Oscar and Susan argue over the placement of Oscar's piano positioned in front of his trash can, along comes Mrs. Trump to play a happy tune. They're joined by Maria, Gordon, and the kids, who enjoy the music. Sponsors: P, S, 7

Dec 1985

"Explorer Jones" and the kids pretend to be explorers. They're looking for the alphabet, but Forgetful doesn't know what it looks like. After identifying it as Maria's hot plate and Bob's shovel, he finds it in the direction of the viewer. Sponsors: F, H, 10

Jan 1986

At the crack of dawn, Ferlinghetti Donizetti drums a rhyme in the yard waking everyone up in the neighborhood. Big Bird leads the kids in a class for how to be pretend cars. Sponsors: I, L, 12

Jan 1986

Bob walks outside of his apartment and greets the viewer. He's just happened to receive his mail, and decides to go through it as he strolls down a busy Sesame Street. Sponsors: L, N, 2

Jan 1986

Gordon asks Piri, Big Bird, and Mr. Snuffleupagus to watch Miles while he goes to get his dry cleaning. Big Bird and Snuffy try to find ways to keep Miles amused, but their joke telling and dog imitations don't work very well. Sponsors: N, P, 3

Jan 1986

The Count recruits Maria to help him in "Counting Toes." Simon Soundman brings his vacuum cleaner to the Fix-It Shop and describes, using sounds, the evening when it stopped working. Maria deduces that he tripped on the wire and it merely became unplugged. Sponsors: A, O, 4

Jan 1986

It has just finished raining on Sesame Street, and Telly finds himself admiring the pitcher of rainwater he just collected. He tries to tell Oscar, who doesn't see why he should care about how important water is. Telly goes on to explain how people (and fish) would not be able to stop bothering him Piri finds Forgetful Jones sitting next to assembled ingredients of lemonade, to which Forgetful doesn't remember what he's going to do with. Sponsors: E, Q, 4

Jan 1986

Oscar hands Telly Monster the sheet music for his new song, "Q is for Quick," accompanied by his pet elephants. Telly sings it through once, but Oscar thinks it should sound faster. Telly sings it again and again, each time faster than before. Sponsors: Q, Z, 11

Jan 1986

Telly Monster and a few kids hear some unique vocalizing; sounds they've never heard before on Sesame Street. They approach what Telly describes as "some kind of bird," a simplification the voice objects to, who introduces himself as Placido Flamingo from Santo Domingo, world famous opera star. He e Bob comes by as Placido continues to lead Telly and the kids with vocal lessons. Sponsors: V, W, 4

Jan 1986

Big Bird, an Anything Muppet kid (Pam Arciero), Desiree, Elmo, and Gladys the Cow welcome the viewer one word at a time. However, Buster the Horse, who is supposed to say "Street," isn't present. They listen for his arrival, mistaking the sounds of Nicole on her roller skates, a motor scooter, and a On Ask Oscar, Telly reads a fan question asking how they can become as grouchy as Oscar. Sponsors: P, R, 3

Jan 1986

Telly, while helping Luis at the Fix-it Shop, asks him when lunch will be. When he realizes they're both hungry Telly panics, but Luis says they can take a lunch break. Piri encourages him to try and remember, so Telly thinks hard and finally remembers the order. Sponsors: J, O, 8

Jan 1986

Forgetful Jones explains to Maria that he’s labeled all his body parts so he won’t forget them, but she points out that he’s labeled them incorrectly (“Hubba-wha? She puts the "nose," "ear," "cheek," and "finger" labels in the right places, but Forgetful lets her have his spare “nose” Telly wants to play catch with Oscar, and knocks on Oscar's trash can twice. Sponsors: C, K, 3

Jan 1986

Big Bird greets David at the door of Hooper's Store and says he can't tell him anything about the surprise waiting for him inside. But, through a series of unsolicited and inadvertent clues, David figures out that it's his Grandma Grace. When he opens the doors and gives her a hug, Big Bird takes to Maria finds Forgetful Jones holding a fishing rod over the basement rail of 123 Sesame Street, saying he's trying to "fish for an idea. Sponsors: W, Y, 5

Jan 1986

Oscar the Grouch loves the early morning because there are a multitude of sounds he gets to enjoy (such as garbage trucks, street construction, radios, barking, etc. Nobel Price witnesses Gordon performing an experiment with Daniella and Chris. He has two glass containers - one is a tall and thin bottle, the other is a short and wide pitcher filled with water. Sponsors: E, F, 9

Jan 1986

Snuffleupagus wants to play football with Slimey, but Oscar thinks the size difference will make the game unfair to Slimey; he suggests hide and seek instead. Snuffy looks everywhere on Sesame Street and can't find Slimey. Oscar shows Snuffy that Slimey has been hiding in Snuffy's fur the whole Gordon comes across Oscar reading his book of Grouch Rhymes to Irvine. Sponsors: T, Z, 10

Jan 1986

Big Bird observes Uncle Wally and the kids as they prepare to climb up a mountain. They check to see if they have all of their supplies while Big Bird glumly watches. One of the kids invites him to come along, and together they ascend the steps of the carriage house, which they pretend is "Mount Gar Back at the bottom of "Mount Garage," everyone has a picnic. Sponsors: O, S, 9

Jan 1986

At Hooper's Store David greets Jiffy the turtle, who comes in for breakfast. Jiffy speaks very slowly, so David makes sure Gordon and Linda have everything they need - this could take a long time. Jiffy doesn't know whether he wants eggs or pancakes, and eventually decides to have corn flakes with f It's lunch time, but Jiffy is still eating his breakfast. Sponsors: I, K, 11

Jan 1986

David has been looking after a potted plant for his friend and is on his way to return it. On his way there, he hears arguing coming from Big Bird's nest. He goes inside, where Big Bird and Snuffy are both blaming each other for knocking over their box of crayons. Sponsors: B, D, 5

Jan 1986

Maria and Luis welcome the viewer in Spanish, then Big Bird - or rather, "The Amazing Birdford," greets them. Big Bird has borrowed the Amazing Mumford's magic kit and is learning how to become a magician. Susan sets three new plants on her window sill. Sponsors: P, R, 3

Jan 1986

Luis, Piri, Grace, and Gordon are gathered to get a group photo with Miles. Olivia, operating the camera, gets them all into place, when Gordon wishes she could be a part of the photo too. Oscar offers to take their picture and assures the skeptical group that nothing will happen. Sponsors: V, Y, 7

Jan 1986

Elmo greets the viewer, as do the kids nearby. Elmo wants Barkley to say "hello" too, but Barkley's manner of saying hello is rolling around, kicking his feet, chasing his tail, then barking several times. Buster the Horse speaks in a whisper to Elmo about today's secret word - curious. Sponsors: H, U, 6

Jan 1986

Oscar hosts "Real Grouches," the show that showcases talented Grouches from around the world. First, Romeo Scuggs shows how he can play his screechy violin in-between shouting "Scram!" Then, Luba Merquit performs a song on a screechy blackboard. Sponsors: J, P, 2

Jan 1986

Biff supervises as Sully drills the sidewalk outside 123 Sesame Street. Gordon comes to the window, begging them to stop, as baby Miles is going to be taking his nap. Sully can't seem to drill any quieter, so Biff suggests they take their lunch break earlier. Sponsors: T, V, 7

Jan 1986

Maria greets the viewer, when a panicked Telly alerts her that something has happened to Desiree. Maria goes over to investigate, and Elmo says her tooth has come out. Maria doesn’t think this is an emergency because Desiree is the right age for losing her baby teeth. Sponsors: D, G, 8

Jan 1986

Big Bird and Snuffy pretend to explore Sesame Street, imagining it's their first time seeing it. They observe an "umpadumpus tree," meet some friendly native "Sesame Streetians" speaking "Sesamese" and attempt to communicate with them and learn their customs, and encounter a wild animal (Barkley). Oscar kicks off the annual Grouchketeer Dirty Face Contest. Sponsors: E, X, 9

Feb 1986

Uncle Wally and Bob are up very early to go jogging with Gordon. Bob remains groggy and falls asleep standing up as Wally and Gordon converse. Wally knows how to get Bob up and running; he places a small radio in his hands and plays the "William Tell Overture," which wakes him up. Sponsors: I, K, 2

Feb 1986

Maria, Gordon, and the kids see Forgetful Jones has a new, large hat. He was given it by Clementine, claiming it would be so big he'd never forget it. Maria and Gordon teach Forgetful some synonyms for "big" he can use to describe it, only now he's forgotten what it's called. Sponsors: H, N, 6

Feb 1986

Bob and Big Bird are just about to go to the movies when Bob takes notice of Big Bird's clever note for Snuffy. Big Bird explains that if Snuffy goes looking for him, he'll see the note left, reading, "Dear Snuffy, Big Bird and Bob went to a." with Snuffy intending to show the word "back. Sponsors: Q, W, 3

Feb 1986

Big Bird brings Luis a floppy disk to load on the computer in the Fix-It Shop while Snuffy looks on from outside (he couldn't fit through the door). The disk contains an encyclopedia of "upagusses" which Big Bird finds fascinating. Snuffy feels as though his own variation of an upagus — the snuffleu Snuffy returns dressed as a bunny betting on Big Bird confusing him for one of the other upagusses. Sponsors: P, T, 8

Feb 1986

Big Bird and the Birdketeers show the viewer how "You Can Be a Birdketeer." Oscar the Grouch objects following the song and thinks that being a Grouchketeer is much better. He tells the viewer to stick around. Sponsors: F, W, 4

Feb 1986

Nobel Price yells out on the street to everyone about his new invention. Maria and Luis come out of the Fix-It Shop to see his new alphabet, which he calls the "Price-phabet." He explains the only difference it has from the regular alphabet, is that the letter Z is replaced with a little smiley Elmo brings Barkley over to the yard to play some Hide and Seek, and closes his eyes and counts to ten. Sponsors: V, Z, 5

Feb 1986

Barkley follows Big Bird as he carries a basket over to the yard. Inside the basket is Rhymena the Rhyming Cat (Pam Arciero), which David finds unbelievable. His suspicions seem to be confirmed when Big Bird feeds her certain rhymes to rhyme with "meow". Sponsors: J, S, 7

Feb 1986

Olivia discovers a door in the middle of Sesame Street with an "entrada" sign on it. Nobel Price boasts this is another invention of his, but Olivia points out the door doesn't go anywhere. Since Olivia isn't going anywhere either, Dr. Sponsors: C, Z, 8

Feb 1986

Miss Blechman is visiting Sesame Street and pesters Luis to try and guess what she does for a living. Given her clues of working in a classroom, receiving apple cores from young Grouches, and dirtying up her blackboard, Luis knows that she is a Grouch teacher and is there to see Oscar, who was her b Miss Blechman gives Oscar a Grouch listening test, identifying the various nasty noises around them. Sponsors: N, Z, 9

Feb 1986

At the Fix-it Shop, Jason watches Maria attempt to fix a clock. He offers to help but she doesn’t think he could help her around the shop. While she concentrates on her work, Jason answers the phone and reads the hours of the shop from a sign on the cash register. Sponsors: L, Y, 10

Feb 1986

The Grouchketeers fish in Oscar's trash can, and Oscar tells them they'll be getting clues on their lines for what they are fishing for. Zoe reels in a peanut, and Solomon gets some hay. Bob, Maria, and Olivia are looking after Miles while Gordon and Susan are at a school meeting. The three lull him to sleep with a song ("Lullaby the World"). Sponsors: M, U, 11

Feb 1986

Luis and Maria go about their business at the Fix-It Shop when they hear a loud tune blaring. In comes Leo the Party Monster, a monster who loves partying more than anything. Leo shows up again, asking to use the Fix-It Shop's computer to write out some invitations for a party at Bob's apartment. He promises Luis he won't do any partying while he works. Sponsors: J, X, 5

Feb 1986

Telly asks Gordon if he spends too much time worrying. Gordon assures him that he just happens to feel one feeling very strongly and everyone does it, especially the Heartstrongs... David happens upon the day's Grouchketeer meeting, where Oscar has prepared a lecture on the four basic Grouch food groups - sticky, gloppy, oozy, and noisy foods. Sponsors: B, F, 6

Feb 1986

At night, Maria, Olivia, and Bob are getting ready to go home and go to bed. While Hoots continues playing his lullaby, Maria emerges in her nightgown to see if she locked the door to the Fix-It Shop. Sponsors: E, M, 3

Feb 1986

Telly prepares Elmo to welcome the viewer, but Elmo doesn't know what the word "welcome" means. Telly finds he can't describe what it means to him, so he runs off to find someone who can help him. Elmo liked the song (and the cute froggies) when Telly returns. He claims he consulted Big Bird, Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Mr. Snuffleupagus, none of whom could tell him what "welcome" means. Sponsors: A, V, 4

Feb 1986

Big Bird has asked Gladys the Cow to help say hello to the viewer, but she balks at a cow of her talent being wasted on such a menial task. Maria questions why Oscar has left an old, junky car seat out on the street. Oscar tells her it's for an important lesson about safety, and the Grouchketeers show how to use a seatbelt. Sponsors: A, D, 9

Feb 1986

Uncle Wally and Elmo are planning an adventure to the library. At the library, Uncle Wally reads a story to the kids from the book The Legends Of The Lost Explorers, with Elmo providing his own sound effects. Sponsors: M, X, 2

Feb 1986

The Count welcomes the viewer and unveils the number 2, and then presents Snuffy as he is going to count to two. Forgetful Jones is sitting down at Hooper's with a piece of paper when he calls out to David to ask to borrow a carrot so he can write a note to himself reminding him to order chicken feed. Sponsors: O, X, 2

Feb 1986

Susan asks Telly to go to her car and retrieve Miles' toy from the front seat. Telly runs back and forth, asking questions about how to open it, which key to use, and which plaything to bring back. Gordon sings "I Heard My Dog Bark" as Susan, Bob, Uncle Wally and some kids make the animal sounds. Sponsors: O, R, 3

Feb 1986

In song, Big Bird shows Elmo the difference between "Big and Small." Bob encounters Tyler the tailor, wheeling a clothing rack. Tyler explains that he's a traveling tailor, meaning he brings clothes to customers instead of them picking up from him. Sponsors: R, T, 4

Mar 1986

Slimey enters the new worm movie theater to see Gone with the Worm. Oscar encourages him to spoil his appetite on movie snacks, and peeks in to watch as well... An opening credit appears, with an MGM logo spoof with a worm instead of the lion. It dissolves to... Sponsors: D, W, 5

Mar 1986

Snuffy sets up a proscenium in the yard with help from Daniella and Naoika, and Bob tries to guess what's going on. Snuffy's play, “The Day The Sun Almost Didn't Rise,” begins, with Big Bird narrating. In the play, the sun (Snuffy) decides to get some extra sleep instead of rising. Sponsors: H, I, 6

Mar 1986

Luis is swamped with work at the Fix-It Shop, and Maria is too busy reading her book - The Adventures of Captain Swashbuckle - to help. While fixing Big Bird's record player, Luis tells him of a story he's reading about Captain Swashbuckle, a pirate. Sponsors: P, U, 7

Mar 1986

Maria is strolling along Sesame Street when she finds a "Se Habla Español" sign outside Hooper's Store. Elmo finds David arranging a plate of food in accordance to a picture. David lets him help out by pointing out all the foods on the plate. Sponsors: E, U, 8

Mar 1986

Luis, Susan, and the kids are meeting Mrs. Honker's new baby, who doesn't have a name yet. Big Bird asks Micki to hold his hand while he practices crossing the street (actually going from the stoop of 123 Sesame Street to Hooper's Store). Sponsors: O, U, 9

Mar 1986

The Count and Gordon count all the body parts on Miles, which add up to "one fine, wonderful, beautiful baby boy." Gladys the Cow feels incensed when she finds Elmo trying to act like her. He claims they're the same, and Gladys is quick to point out the obvious physical differences. Sponsors: N, O, 8

Mar 1986

Maria welcomes the viewer from the yard, where Telly and the kids are writing their own stories today. Maria encounters Oscar, who is watching Slimey take a picture of his pet slug, Sluggy. Maria finds Sluggy repulsive, and Oscar tells her everything he knows about slugs. Sponsors: C, N, 9

Mar 1986

Luis has a board with three drawings of animals on it. Luis discovers the mess in Big Bird's nest, and he decides to clean it up himself to show Big Bird he cares. He comes across a glued mass of craft supplies, and throws it away assuming it's trash. Sponsors: A, W, 10

Mar 1986

Bob welcomes the viewer and gives Oscar a cheerful morning greeting. Oscar is sick of the peace around him and hopes an argument will occur soon. Telly is taking care of a baby Honker, who won't stop crying. Sponsors: B, P, 6

Mar 1986

At Hooper's Store, Forgetful Jones struggles to remember some important information, but he succeeds: he remembers to say "Howdy" to the viewer, the street's name, his name, and that he's supposed to . Forgetful is excited about remembering the previous sketch, even though he was wrong about there being a boat in it. "That's why they call me Remembering Jones," he says. Sponsors: A, S, 2

Mar 1986

Snuffy greets Big Bird in the yard wearing a cap and speaking with a New Jersey accent. Snuffy has decided that since taxi cabs cost a lot of money (and he only has 75¢), he's going to carry people around on his back. Sponsors: A, C, 12

Mar 1986

David procures 12 ping-pong balls for Telly. He asks why Telly would need so many, and Telly begins his lengthy explanation: he's going to visit his Granny Monster, who has a ping-pong table at home. Telly needs a suitcase for his trip and David has already gotten him a big one, but it's not big enough. David appears with a bigger suitcase, which still isn't big enough. Sponsors: A, Z, 12

Mar 1986

Big Bird walks up to Susan and the kids on the stoop of 123 Sesame Street, wanting to show them a new trick where he can make a rhyme for any part of the body. Big Bird is still trying to think of a rhyme for "elbow," leading to a montage of him pondering all around the street in frustration. Sponsors: V, Y, 3

Mar 1986

While planning to clean out his nest, Big Bird realizes he needs to return some books to the library, so he and Snuffy walk on over before it closes. Linda and Teresa give Big Bird and Snuffy a little test to see how well they can help out in the library: they have to sort four books. Sponsors: J, Y, 4

Mar 1986

Bob sings "I Sing It" to the kids. Susan wearily returns home from a long day at work, ready to hit the sack early. She notices a tiny bed next to Oscar's trash can and wonders what it's doing there. Sponsors: B, F, 5

Mar 1986

Elmo enters the Fix-It Shop where Luis is busy fixing a clock. Luis asks, "What's new?" which prompts Elmo to fetch a shoe. Luis has tried to stop Elmo from playing his rhyming game, but each response has been met with yet another rhyming object (all piled inside the store). Sponsors: I, V, 6

Mar 1986

Maria, Elmo, and the kids find Shelley the Turtle sitting next to Oscar's trash can. Oscar is still trying to lead the turtle out of its shell, but has no luck when Maria comes by to check on his progress. Sponsors: B, T, 7

Mar 1986

At dusk, Oscar shows Luis and the kids a demonstration of how the Earth revolves around the sun, using a large apple as the Earth (with Slimey inside) and a flashlight as the sun, which Luis operates. Bob encounters Oscar arguing with Telly about whether nighttime is a happy time or a sad time. Oscar gives his reasons why it’s a happy time, and Telly gives his reasons why it’s. Sponsors: D, G, 8

Mar 1986

Big Bird notices Gordon bouncing baby Miles on his lap in the yard when he asks Gordon to play. Gordon explains to Big Bird that he can't play at the moment because he's busy playing with Miles. David is reading a newspaper outside of Hooper's while Elmo watches him on the newsstand. Elmo asks if he can borrow the newspaper, and David assumes he wants it for cutouts or origami. Sponsors: E, F, 10

Mar 1986

Mr. Snuffleupagus asks Big Bird and Elmo to watch Mr. Anteloper for him for awhile, telling them his toy really likes being in somebody's lap. Linda shows Maria, Snuffy, and the kids signs for things all around them like an airplane in the sky or the steps of the garage. Sponsors: D, H, 11

Mar 1986

Telly is decked out in weather gear of all kinds. As soon as Telly heads for home, it begins to snow on Bob. Sponsors: G, M, 5

Apr 1986

Maria and David stand by as Slimey reads "The Earthworm's Book of Magic. Oscar tells Linda and Bob to scram now that they've gotten a chance to see an embiggened Slimey. Buster drops by and calls him enormous, prompting a warning from Oscar not to call him names. Sponsors: I, L, 12

Apr 1986

Oscar objects to Gordon sweeping in front of his trash can. Gordon says Oscar doesn't own the sidewalk, so he won't stop sweeping. Big Bird, Piri, and some kids make a tower out of some boxes, stacking them in order of size. Sponsors: L, P, 2

Apr 1986

Big Bird asks the viewer not to touch that dial and hums a game show fanfare as he announces that it's time for... Gordon steps out of 123 Sesame Street to rake up some fallen leaves when he hears Telly yelling in front of Oscar's trash can. Sponsors: E, R, 3

Apr 1986

Big Bird gets up early in the morning and encounters a sleepy Hoots the Owl who is too tired to play with Big Bird. Oscar visits Gordon as he finishes feeding Miles his lunch. He enjoys watching Gordon clean up the messy baby, thinking Miles would rather be dirty than clean. Sponsors: R, U, 4

Apr 1986

Oscar quizzes the Grouchketeers on opposites, namely ones that pertain to Grouches (being dirty instead of clean, loud instead of quiet, etc.). Oscar leads David and the Grouchketeers in a reading lesson using a Grouch newspaper. Sponsors: F, X, 6

Apr 1986

Big Bird and Elmo surprise Snuffy with an "abierto" sign on the door to Big Bird's nest. They sing "Abierto to You" to Snuffy, who informs them it’s not his birthday. Big Bird, Justin, Betsy, and Carese play with blocks on the work table outside the Fix-it Shop, when Maria needs to use the table. They put the blocks back in the boxes that have a matching shape. Sponsors: B, K, 7

Apr 1986

Maria has just finished making a small table to give to Linda for her birthday. Telly comes by with a potted plant and asks Maria to build him a table to put it on. Buster the Horse greets Oscar and remarks that he looks rather slovenly, a word Oscar has never heard before. Buster explains it and gives various synonyms which are new to Oscar as well. Sponsors: O, T, 8

Apr 1986

At the library, Telly Monster looks for a book called The Book of Trees. Micki helps him look in the section it should be in, but it's not there. Maria finishes painting a chair for Mrs. Osborne when Elmo comes by, eager to play a game. Maria proposes a guessing game where Elmo must figure out where her WET PAINT sign must go. Sponsors: M, Q, 9

Apr 1986

Forgetful Jones can't remember Buster the Horse's telephone number, so Luis (taking a break from repairing the window of Gordon and Susan's apartment) looks it up in a telephone book. Daniella goes to Hooper's Store and wants to call someone, so David shows her how a phone book works. It turns out she only needed the book as a footstool... she knew the number already. Sponsors: W, Z, 10

Apr 1986

Maria welcomes the viewer as she fans herself with a magazine, upset by the extreme heat today. Oscar calls her over and shows her the new Grouch fan he installed above his trash can. Oscar stops Luis as he passes by and offers him a glass of water to beat the heat, no jokes or tricks. Luis skeptically takes a sip and is pleased it's normal. Sponsors: H, N, 11

Apr 1986

Big Bird, taking a cue from “Ask Oscar,” sets up an information booth with a sign that reads “telephone. Mr. Snuffleupagus stops by Big Bird’s booth and asks if he can call his mommy on the telephone. Sponsors: C, D, 12

Apr 1986

Maria tells the viewer that she's going shopping downtown. Grundgetta guesses what she's going to be shopping for, which turns out to be shoes. At the shoe store, quirky saleswoman Edith Prickley (Andrea Martin) tries to find the right size shoe, hopeful she'll make a sale as it's her first day on the job. Sponsors: A, S, 2

Apr 1986

Telly displays a sign that reads "INFORMATION" so he can give an explanation of what the word means. Buster the Horse, Desiree, and Bjorn concoct a trick to play on Bob. Buster asks him and the kids to repeat various neighs and whinnies that he makes. Sponsors: Q, Z, 10

Apr 1986

At nighttime, Hoots the Owl meets up with fellow jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. Wynton says that "N" begins the word "note," and Hoots names the different kind of musical notes there are as demonstrated by Wynton and his trumpets. Sponsors: N, Y, 4

Apr 1986

Big Bird delivers detective-style narration over scenes of the street, claiming today was just like any other day. Big Bird finds Maria about to play tennis, but her three tennis balls disappear behind their backs one by one. Sponsors: C, S, 6

Apr 1986

Telly shows Maria that he's taking care of Piri's dog Cool while he's off downtown. Maria and some kids draw pictures of dogs to hang around Sesame Street, hoping it will help Telly find Cool. Sponsors: A, V, 4

Apr 1986

Telly explains to Susan and Gordon that he's waiting at the bus stop for Uncle Wally to arrive. When the bus does arrive, Telly is so fixated on the sign that he doesn't notice that Uncle Wally has passed him until it's too late. Sponsors: P, U, 3

Apr 1986

Oscar the Grouch warns Chip and Dip to stay away from his trash can, but it only prompts them to sing a song about how they are the same with the exception of their voices. Slimey helps out at the Fix-It Shop when Maria and Luis hear a loud, growling sound. The two assume it's the other's stomach growling, but it turns out to be tiny Slimey's stomach. Sponsors: O, W, 8

Apr 1986

At dusk, Maria observes the many sounds coming from her neighbors: Gordon vacuuming, Bob listening to his records, and Luis using a drill inside the Fix-It Shop. Maria naturally assumes a blackout has occurred, so she goes inside to call the electric company from the Fix-it Shop landline. Sponsors: U, Y, 7

Apr 1986

Luis tells Big Bird that his friend, singer Rubén Blades, is coming to visit today. Rubén sings "Ayuda" with Piri and the kids, who shout out the title word throughout the song. Sponsors: S, X, 2

Apr 1986

Gordon introduces Leo the Party Monster to Miles and demonstrates how he can almost walk, sort of dance, and he's beginning to talk. Placido Flamingo sings "La donna è mobile" with lyrics about opposites with a Honker. Sponsors: E, F, 6

Apr 1986

Uncle Wally emerges from his apartment, dressed in overalls and a straw hat. Uncle Wally plants the seeds in the dirt. He discovers one left in the package, but he has no room to plant it, nor any place else he can put it. Sponsors: I, J, 11

May 1986

Big Bird greets Susan, Maria and Barkley before checking out what Bob is up to. Bob is listening to an opera on the radio and Big Bird imagines if everyone sang instead of speaking. Maria stands still as Rachel, an artist, paints her portrait. Oscar enjoys Rachel's stained overalls and bossy attitude as she tells Maria to sit still. Sponsors: Q, T, 10

May 1986

Maria introduces Snuffy to Baby Natasha, whom she's watching while her mother is away. Elmo stops by the Fix-It Shop and plays his latest game. He packs his make-believe suitcase for a make-believe trip to his granny's, making sure to get a "goodbye hug" from Luis before he goes. Sponsors: C, G, 12

May 1986

Up on the roof of 123 Sesame Street, Gordon, Susan, and Maria finish work on a scarecrow for the rooftop garden. Big Bird drops by and asks to be introduced to their new friend. Telly happens by the group, as Big Bird asks him to help him pack; he wants to leave Sesame Street if this is how the adults are going to treat his kind. Sponsors: F, O, 6

May 1986

Itzhak Perlman and a Honker accompany Placido Flamingo in the tenor aria "Vesti la giubba" from Pagliacci. Piri kicks his soccer ball toward Itzhak Perlman in the yard, and he catches it. Sponsors: I, L, 9

May 1986

The Grouchketeers assemble as the audience for The Grouch News, anchored by Oscar the Grouch. He checks in with English correspondent Dwight. Telly comes into the Fix-It Shop with a problem - he's forgotten the name of a new friend he's made, and frets about their next encounter, worried it might cause some animosity. Sponsors: I, J, 4

May 1986

As Susan exits 123 Sesame Street carrying some boxes to throw out, Forgetful Jones offers to help, then immediately forgets he did. Telly Monster asks the kids to identify clues on a clothesline hanging over the yard, but when the line moves there's nothing on it. Sponsors: P, R, 4

May 1986

Telly Monster is going to talk to the viewer about the word information. Maria, Big Bird and Luis have a "Rhyme Out." Sponsors: M, Z, 12

May 1986

As Gordon prepares some breakfast, Telly interrupts the action with a Monster on the Spot message on the word important. The garfish film is interrupted for another report from Telly. He is stationed by the Fix-It Shop door to report on a story so up-to-the-minute that it has yet to even occur. Sponsors: K, O, 8

May 1986

Gordon comes across Dexter juggling in the yard and wishes he can juggle as well as he can. Telly has caught word that Leo the Party Monster is throwing a dance party, but has a big worry - he doesn't know how to party. Leo tries teaching him some of his moves and recommends he practice. Sponsors: B, E, 3

May 1986

A cheerful young lady named Amelia Adams (Teri Garr) applies to attend Oscar's New School for Grouch Research. Oscar calls his school to session, and asks his students what a Grouch would say if a neighbor stopped by their trash can. Sponsors: M, T, 6

May 1986

Big Bird and Elmo intend to play with Barkley, but he's fast asleep. Elmo darts off, inspired to make a game that won't involve waking him up. Elmo returns with some paper and a pencil. His idea is to interpret what Barkley does in his sleep and turn it into a story. Sponsors: F, Z, 11

May 1986

Big Bird brings a live chicken named Edwina to the Fix-It Shop. He explains to Luis that things have gotten slow on her farm and she's looking for a new job. Bob finds Forgetful Jones by the bus stop, only he doesn't remember what he's doing there. Sponsors: L, R, 10