Sesame Street has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved children’s programs in television history. Since its debut in 1969, it has not only educated millions around the world but also brought comfort, joy, and laughter through its colorful ensemble of characters. From teaching the alphabet and counting to addressing real-world issues like inclusion, grief, and diversity, the show has remained a cultural cornerstone for generations. At the heart of its magic are the characters—furry, feathered, or human-like creatures who feel more like old friends than puppets. Their timeless personalities, memorable catchphrases, and educational contributions have earned them iconic status. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Sesame Street characters of all time, ranked by impact, popularity, and the special place they hold in our hearts.
#1: Big Bird
Towering at eight feet two inches and covered in bright yellow feathers, Big Bird is not just a character—he is the very soul of Sesame Street. Created by Jim Henson and masterfully performed for decades by Caroll Spinney, Big Bird represents the curious, kind-hearted child in all of us. He sees the world with wonder and sincerity, often asking thoughtful questions and seeking to understand life’s complexities. Big Bird’s innocence makes him the perfect conduit for explaining difficult topics to young viewers, such as the episode where he processes the death of Mr. Hooper—one of the most profound and groundbreaking moments in children’s television. He has a vivid imagination, shown in episodes where he talks to his friend Mr. Snuffleupagus or flies in dreams, and he often leads viewers into musical or educational adventures. His gentle voice, wide eyes, and awkward movements make him charmingly relatable. Big Bird doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and that vulnerability teaches kids that it’s okay not to know everything. His role has evolved over the years, but his core identity remains the same—a loving, loyal friend who learns alongside the audience. Big Bird is the character that grounds the series emotionally and philosophically, making him the most enduring symbol of Sesame Street.
#2: Elmo
Elmo burst into superstardom in the 1990s and quickly became a phenomenon, turning the third person into a household form of speech. With his bright red fur, high-pitched voice, and boundless energy, Elmo captured the hearts of preschoolers everywhere. Performed originally by Kevin Clash, Elmo is known for his infectious laughter, curiosity, and signature segment, “Elmo’s World,” which introduced a new format to the show. In it, Elmo explores everyday topics—like pets, dancing, and birthdays—with the help of his pet goldfish Dorothy and a crayon-drawn computer. This segment helped reinforce independent thinking and made complex topics more approachable. Elmo is emotionally expressive and always wants to help his friends, even when he gets things hilariously wrong. What makes Elmo especially powerful is his ability to connect on a deeply emotional level. Whether comforting a friend or singing “I Love You” to his blanket, Elmo radiates sincerity. He’s also used his popularity to reach beyond the show, appearing in talk shows, holiday specials, and even testifying before Congress about music education. Elmo’s blend of toddler-like enthusiasm and emotional intelligence has made him one of the most iconic and marketable characters in children’s media. He’s not just popular—he’s universally adored.
#3: Cookie Monster
Cookie Monster is chaos wrapped in blue fur and googly eyes, and we wouldn’t want him any other way. With his gravelly voice and insatiable appetite for cookies, he brings a wild sense of humor and physical comedy to Sesame Street. He was originally conceived as a villain in a snack commercial before becoming a lovable fixture of the show. What makes Cookie Monster so beloved isn’t just his “Om nom nom!” catchphrase or his frequent inability to wait—it’s his surprisingly deep personality. In recent years, the show has used him to model self-regulation and delayed gratification, such as when he sings “Me Want It (But Me Wait)” to teach patience. Despite his obsession with cookies, Cookie Monster is more than a one-note character. He’s incredibly friendly, honest, and well-meaning, and he often helps friends solve problems in his own clumsy way. His segments with kids often show him making mistakes, learning from them, and laughing about it, reinforcing that it’s okay to be imperfect. Cookie Monster’s sheer joy and silliness have transcended the screen, making him a favorite for both kids and nostalgic adults. He’s the walking, talking embodiment of impulse and delight—and a reminder that learning can be messy and deliciously fun.
#4: Oscar the Grouch
Oscar the Grouch lives in a trash can and likes it that way. With his green fur, gruff voice, and permanent scowl, Oscar is Sesame Street’s most unconventional hero. He’s rude, he’s grumpy, and he revels in the opposite of what most children’s characters teach. But that’s exactly what makes him brilliant. Oscar introduces kids to the idea that not everyone is the same—and that’s perfectly fine. He represents the contrarian in all of us and teaches valuable lessons about boundaries, emotional expression, and respecting differences. Created by Jim Henson and performed for decades by Caroll Spinney, Oscar has an entire universe inside his trash can, including a pet worm named Slimey and a full community of Grouches. While he often complains or pushes others away, he always reveals a softer side in moments of vulnerability or unexpected kindness. His love for noise, mess, and weird things is played for laughs but also helps children embrace uniqueness. Oscar has also been a tool for the show’s humor, providing sarcastic commentary that gives a wink to adult viewers without compromising the show’s integrity. In a world filled with cheerful characters, Oscar is a necessary contrast—a curmudgeon with a heart who proves that you don’t have to be sunny to be lovable.
#5: Grover
Grover is the well-meaning, overly enthusiastic, and often hilariously inept monster who tries so hard—and that’s exactly why everyone loves him. With his sky-blue fur, pink nose, and endearingly raspy voice, Grover has been a core Sesame Street character since the early days. He’s known for his role as “Super Grover,” the caped alter ego who swoops in to help, only to complicate things further. Despite his frequent blunders, Grover never gives up, modeling persistence and optimism in the face of failure. His slapstick comedy is balanced by genuine emotional intelligence, especially in his segments with children, where he listens attentively and encourages learning. One of Grover’s most iconic sketches involves him as a waiter trying to serve a customer—usually with absurd and comically frustrating results. Another classic bit is his “Near… Far!” demonstration, where he runs back and forth to illustrate concepts. These moments not only provide laughs but teach preschoolers basic vocabulary and ideas. Grover is the friend who always shows up, even if he trips over his own cape doing so. He brings energy, humor, and a loving heart to every scene he’s in. Above all, Grover reminds us that trying your best—no matter the outcome—is what truly matters.
#6: Bert
Bert is the straight man to Ernie’s constant antics, and while he may come across as grumpy or boring, he’s actually one of the most emotionally grounded characters on Sesame Street. With his striped shirt, unibrow, and nasal voice, Bert is iconic in his own subtle way. He’s deeply interested in things that others find dull—like paper clips, pigeons (especially his pet pigeon, Bernice), and bottle caps. But that’s exactly the point: Bert’s passions, no matter how odd, are respected and celebrated, showing kids that all interests are valid. Bert frequently finds himself exasperated by Ernie’s pranks and silliness, but there’s never any doubt that he cares deeply for his best friend. Their relationship is a masterclass in chemistry, showcasing patience, compromise, and love. Bert has had his own musical moments too, like “Doin’ the Pigeon,” which is equal parts ridiculous and heartfelt. He’s a great example of how a quieter, more serious personality has value—and doesn’t need to change to fit in. Through Bert, children learn the importance of structure, boundaries, and self-expression in all forms. He’s not flashy, but his authenticity makes him unforgettable.
#7: Ernie
Ernie is the lovable, mischievous half of the Bert and Ernie duo, and one of the most iconic puppets in television history. With his striped sweater, round head, and infectious laugh, Ernie is pure joy and imagination. He’s a playful troublemaker who thrives on fun and curiosity, often dragging Bert into his off-the-wall ideas. From taking baths with his beloved rubber duckie to asking philosophical questions in the middle of the night, Ernie always keeps things interesting. His solo segments, like the classic “Rubber Duckie” song, became huge cultural hits and even charted on Billboard’s Top 40. Ernie’s humor is rooted in innocence; he doesn’t try to annoy Bert—he just sees the world differently and wants to share that view. Yet beneath his silliness lies a strong moral compass. Ernie is quick to apologize, quick to laugh at himself, and always makes room for Bert’s feelings. Their friendship has become one of television’s longest-standing and most analyzed, often interpreted as a model for healthy relationships. Ernie’s gift is his ability to make the mundane magical, and through him, Sesame Street celebrates imagination, laughter, and the beauty of being different.
#8: Abby Cadabby
A later addition to Sesame Street, Abby Cadabby brought a fresh sparkle to the cast when she arrived in 2006. As a pink, fairy-in-training Muppet with purple pigtails and a magic wand, Abby represents the bridge between fantasy and early childhood learning. Her name is a play on the magical phrase “abracadabra,” and her segments often focus on emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and cultural inclusivity. Abby is bilingual, speaking both English and “Dragonfly,” and sometimes even throws in a little Spanish. She’s curious, kind-hearted, and sometimes a little insecure—traits that make her especially relatable to younger viewers. Abby’s magic often doesn’t go quite as planned, which leads to teachable moments about mistakes and trying again. One of her greatest contributions is in teaching empathy and understanding differences. She has participated in segments about family diversity, gender roles, and the importance of kindness. Abby’s soft voice and colorful appearance make her an immediate favorite with younger children, while her thoughtful stories give her substance beyond her sparkles. Abby Cadabby brought a breath of fairy dust into the show’s rich legacy and continues to be a standout star in the newer generation of Sesame Street.
#9: Count von Count
With his purple skin, monocle, and Dracula-inspired wardrobe, Count von Count is Sesame Street’s friendly resident vampire who loves numbers instead of necks. Known simply as “the Count,” he brings math to life through laughter and thunderclaps. Every time he counts something, lightning flashes and he bursts into his trademark laugh: “Ah ah ah!” Introduced in the early 1970s, the Count is both a parody of classic horror and a genuinely effective math teacher. He makes counting fun, accessible, and exciting—even dramatic. His passion for numbers is infectious, and he often teaches addition, subtraction, and patterns in ways that feel like part of a magic trick. Beyond his educational value, the Count’s gothic flair and peculiar habits have made him a cult favorite among both kids and adults. He’s been paired with everyone from Elmo to Cookie Monster and even has a love interest, Countess von Backwards. The Count proves that even the most eccentric characters can make powerful educators. With his booming voice and theatrical flair, he turns every number into an event—and every moment into a lesson worth remembering.
#10: Snuffleupagus
Aloysius Snuffleupagus, affectionately known as Snuffy, is Big Bird’s enormous, woolly mammoth-like best friend with long eyelashes and a deep, gentle voice. Originally introduced as Big Bird’s “imaginary” friend, Snuffy was a mystery to adults on the show for many years—only the children could see him. This long-running gag eventually ended in the 1980s when producers decided it was more important for children to feel believed by adults. When the grownups finally met Snuffy, it was a touching moment that validated Big Bird’s feelings and set a powerful example for trust and respect. Snuffy is soft-spoken and polite, with a sometimes overly literal mind. He’s incredibly loyal and has a calming, almost meditative presence. He’s not flashy or silly like other characters, but his strength lies in emotional support and quiet friendship. Snuffy helps children understand complex emotions like sadness, worry, and longing in a gentle, approachable way. His relationship with Big Bird is one of the most sincere on Sesame Street, filled with shared adventures, problem-solving, and comfort. Snuffy represents the value of being a good listener and the importance of being seen and heard—especially when it matters most.
Sesame Street’s enduring magic comes from its ability to mix heart, humor, and education into every character it brings to life. Whether it’s Big Bird’s wide-eyed curiosity, Elmo’s joyful exuberance, or Oscar’s unapologetic grumpiness, each of these Muppets teaches children something invaluable—often without them even realizing they’re learning. This top 10 list celebrates not only the iconic status of these characters but the emotional connections they forge with every generation. In a world that keeps changing, Sesame Street remains a familiar, welcoming neighborhood—and its characters, trusted lifelong friends.
