"Sesame Street" is already an institution on television. The preschool-centered show has been imparting education for 45 years and it is expected to continue for many seasons more.
However, with its move to HBO, the company behind the show, Sesame Workshop, has recently decided to fire some of its familiar cast members. Bob, Gordon and Luis will no longer be seen in the TV series, and parents and grandparents, who have watched the show and know these characters from way back, are not OK with the call.
'Sesame Street': Firing The Actors
According to the New York Daily News, the three actors who were let go have been with "Sesame Street" since the 70s. Many kids, who are now in their 40s, grew up learning their ABCs, 123s and social skills from Bob (Bob McGrath), Gordon (Roscoe Orman) and Luis (Emilio Delgado). But it's also this very reason why Sesame Workshop is dropping with the actors on the show.
With Bob, Gordon and Luis already in their 70s, "Sesame Street" believes that the show needed to change because its audience has also changed as kids are becoming more attuned to technology. Though the production insists the actors will still be promoting "Sesame Street" in many events, except on TV, not everyone is happy to know that the preschoolers of today won't be able to watch Bob, Gordon and Luis on the show.
Regarding our beloved cast members: pic.twitter.com/NzZ3HAuIc6
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) July 28, 2016
'Sesame Street': Saying Goodbye To Childhood Icons
On social media, netizens slammed the decision to fire the actors who have been a big part of their childhood. Many believe that the veterans have been instrumental in the show's massive worldwide success and letting them go has been seen as a discrimination and a disrespectful decision. Below are some reactions from parents and grandparents.
Very dipsappointed Sesame Street Nice way to teach loyalty & respect to kids Will u hve funeral or pretend they went to live happy on a farm — Mary Rinaldo Hansen (@JRCFoundation) July 28, 2016
@sesamestreet shame on you! How are we teaching our children to treat their elders when you treat them like this? Utterly ridiculous! — Jade McKenzie (@LibraryLadyMsM) July 29, 2016
...A horrible way to treat the remaining cast of #SesameStreet since they helped the beginning stages to millions o kids & the execs as well — Matt Williams (@MattDubb2011) July 28, 2016
They're getting rid of Bob, Gordon, and Luis on Sesame Street. My childhood is slowly dying over here.
— Michelle C (@ElleMCo) July 28, 2016
SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on you #SesameStreet. These 3 are positive, vital, older role models for children. #whatwouldmrhoopersay,#lovethese3 — Letitia Gianopulos (@tmgiano) July 28, 2016
Per USA Today, "Sesame Street" moved to HBO, a premium cable network, from the public network PBS after sealing a partnership back in January 2015. This deal allows for the show to develop five seasons on the network. PBS is still airing fresh episodes of "Sesame Street," but only nine months after it has ran on HBO. Watch Bob, Gordon and Luis with Maria in an old segment of "Sesame Street" below.
