SZA, Noah Kahan & More Join the Iconic Neighborhood for ‘Sesame Street’ Season 55

The beloved Sesame Street is back for its 55th season, and it’s pulling out all the stops with a dazzling lineup of celebrity guests. Premiering January 16 on Max, the new season promises not only the signature blend of fun and learning, but also a deeper dive into emotional well-being.

The star-studded roster includes Grammy-winning artists SZA, Noah Kahan, Chris Stapleton and jazz singer Samara Joy, alongside acclaimed actors Michael B. Jordan and Reneé Rapp. To add to the excitement, tennis legend Billie Jean King and Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness will also make appearances.

This season addresses the timely topic of mental health and emotional well-being, providing children with fun and relevant tools to understand and manage their feelings. As Sesame Workshop’s press release explains, the new episodes “focus on emotional well-being, helping kids learn accessible strategies for understanding and coping with big feelings.” Through playful segments, songs and “street stories” that are fun, light and relevant, children will explore strategies such as calming volcanic breaths to calm anger, hugs for frustration and venting disappointment.

The program, designed by Sesame Workshop Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and expressing emotions. Dr. Truglio explained:

“By focusing on emotion awareness and social connection skills, children will learn that all feelings are important and that we all have big feelings, as well as how to manage social scenarios with friends, family and the wider community. »

Sesame Street executive producer Sal Perez also shared the show’s goals for this season:

“New episodes of Sesame Street will help young viewers understand and express their feelings, learn new mindfulness practices, and, as always, have fun with their favorite furry and funny friends…. we give children the strategies to help them develop resilience and the fundamental skills needed for emotional well-being.

The season begins with Reneé Rapp on January 16, followed by Michael B. Jordan on January 23 and Billie Jean King closes the season on August 28. Check out the full list of upcoming guests below:

• Renée Rapp (Thursday January 16)
• Michael B. Jordan (Thursday, January 23)
• Samara Joy (Thursday February 6)
• Noah Kahan (Thursday March 6)
• SZA (Thursday April 10)
• Chris Stapleton (Thursday July 24)
• Jonathan Van Ness (Thursday August 21)
• Billie Jean King (Thursday August 28)

This season’s theme aligns with The SZAs her recent thoughts on releasing two albums of “peaceful children’s music” to complement her current contractual demands, a move she alluded to while promoting her latest deluxe album Lana. Could this Sesame Street cameo be a preview of what’s to come? Fans can’t wait to find out.

As always, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Bert, Ernie and the rest of the gang will keep learning happy and relevant in this iconic neighborhood. New episodes air every Thursday on Max and are also available on PBS KIDS. So mark your calendars and get ready to revisit the world’s most famous street, where stars, Muppets and children come together to learn, laugh and grow.

Watch the official trailer for Sesame Street Season 55 below:

Watch the new season of Sesame Street starting January 16 on Max, with episodes airing every Thursday. Do you have a favorite guest or moment? Let us know on @Celebmix!