Here, in case you’ve missed it, is Ricky Gervais’s cute, funny appearance on Sesame Street:
And here is ParentDish’s response to the video:
Kids need images of trustworthy grown-ups, especially as they’re relaxing at bedtime. If this skit were made for adults, then maybe we’d find it funny. But as entertainment for children, it’s just kind of weird.
You missed the boat on this one, Sesame Street.
Luckily, out of 148 comments, only three people agreed with ParentWire, including this one:
Vickie 12-29-2009 @ 11:31AM
I have a 2 1/2 yr. old nephew who is very sensitive to loud noises. This would have scared him, just like it did Elmo. I don’t see why they needed to do the screaming when the song was sweet & got its point across just fine without it. And what was the need to continue to tell Elmo about how famous he was? Seemed better geared for SNL to me….but, that’s just my opinion.
Parenting is easy. Comedy is hard.
(Via RetroCrush.)
Parent who claim they’re not used to screaming have obviously never paid attention to the new “Elmo’s World” segment at the end of every show. It’s the worst part of the program, and Elmo screams, “YAAAY” several times. Elmo is the worst thing to happen to Sesame street. Both he and Cookie Monster need grammar lessons, but CM isn’t as popular and is way more endearing.
“But as entertainment for children, it’s just kind of weird”
The same was once said about Sesame Street, in general.
That skit, on the other hand, was several levels of awesome.
I like the Pokemon episode that used flashes to induce epileptic fits …
My 5 year old thought it was funny and so did I. This is a prime example of why, if you’re a parent, you should avoid websites or publications targeted at parents. They are for lunatics.
a) it’s a segment about the letter “n”, not about how to go to sleep, and b) if you’re using sesame street to put your kid to sleep, you might want to rethink your parenting strategy.
Keeping people awake at bedtime was one of Bert and Ernie’s favorite schticks? Remember “Dance Myself to Sleep”? No? Well watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk1Y4xo4X…
That’s like 30 years old.
Parenting publications and discussion boards are basically dominated by lunatics and hucksters scaring you into buying things.
As a God fearing and Christ loving parent I’m appalled, appalled I tell you!, that Sesame Street allowed an avowed ATHEIST to sing to Elmo! He’s English too! What if he’d attempted to teach our children to say “zed” for the letter “z?” Horrors of horrors!!!!!!!!
Yeah – you’re not supposed to tuck your kid in with this skit, so there is really nothing to complain about. Sesame Street did not miss the boat. They introduced a new audience to the genius of Ricky Gervais.
I pity the child with so humorless a family. Stick that in your parent asshat.
I was expecting inappropriate content. This? This is funny.
I’m with #9, I pity the children with humorless parents.
Sesame Street is geared toward preschoolers and kindergarteners, not 2 1/2 year olds. Good thing that one person wasn’t letting her nephew watch (not that every other 2 1/2 year old in America isn’t watching anyway).
The thing I find odd is that people are complaining about one of the few recent skits that’s pretty close to the original feeling and tone of Sesame Street. Seriously — it’s like the old style; educational but FUNNY.
Stop making skits that children might enjoy with their parents, Sesame Street. No one needs any of that ” fun for the entire family” crap, right?
“Does Elmo want a celebrity cup of warm milk?”
“No, Mr. Ricky has done enough…”
“Okay.” [smile]
I nearly wet my pants at that.
Agreed. Silly, non-controversy.
Really? Is that supposed to be saracastic? (I can’t tell….)
The kids would get it.
Sesame Street in all its wierdness holds some of the best memory clups from my childhood. People get way too worked up about what a kids show does to their kids. The involvement of parents with kids is what counts. Parents are powerful, not TV shows. If TV has that much influence over your kids, they are watching way too much and you are not talking to them enough. The video is hilarious. RIcky Gervais is hilarious, and it’s good to see celebrities giving their energy to educational shows. Kids with a naturally creative/humerous bent need a show like this!
“But as entertainment for children, it’s just kind of weird.”
I do think this is kind of weird. NOT as weird as a lot of other, more acid-headed sesame street shit.
Yiiiiiip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip uuuhuhuuhuh …yip yip yip yip yip yip yip… not earth, nope..yip yip yip yip yip yip yip
do dooooo do do, manamenah
Wow, the 21/2 year old sounds like a pussy.
I don’t want my children to see this simply because they would A) Find it hilarous and then B) attempt to wake their father up in this way if they ever catch him napping on the couch. That said, I heartily approve of such shenanigans.
It will be great to watch Ricky Gervais, i have bought tickets from
http://ticketfront.com/event/Ricky_Gerva… looking forward to it.