Sesame Street debuted on American Television in November 1969. That makes it 51 years old in a couple of weeks. For people of my age, it was probably one of the first American programs that we watched as children: learning our ABC, that one of these things not being like the other, and wanting to count because ve love to count. It’s around the same age as DUPLO. give or take a couple of months.
Today we see the announcement of 21324 123 Sesame Street, the latest in the LEGO Ideas range. It is due to be released on November 1, 2020 and comes with 1367 elements. It has a recommended retail price of £109.99, €119.99, $USD119.99, $CAD149.99 and AUD $199.99. With 6 muppet based minifigures, the set has a surprising recommended age range of 18+.
In reality, the 18+ label is not a surprise. It is more of a branding, rather than a recommended age. It has been applied to many sets whose equivalent set in previous years might have been 16+ or 12+. The 18+ label is designed to help adults interested or intrigued by LEGO to find sets that would be considered apprpriate for them: either because of subject material, the complexity of the build, or sheer nostalgia value.
Around the time of Sesame Street’s 35th anniversary, I remember reading about a DVD release of early episodes that was going to be rated M for Mature audiences, not because of a somewhat lurid blooper reel, but simply because many of society’s attitudes to some of the content had changed over the intervening years. The small pieces included here make me feel pretty confident that the set is not intended to be played with by toddlers.
The Minifigure selection is slightly limited, but includes the essential muppets: Big Bird, Oscar, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie – along with their supporting props: Teddie Bear, Slimey the worm, Dorothy the goldfish, Cookies, Pigeons and Rubber Duckie respectively; but is certainly an iconic collection of the line up from the last 50 years (plus Elmo!). Big Bird seem to attain his height through an extended head piece, that fits over his torso.
The buildings themselves are open at the back – allowing for acces to set up scenes with your favorite characters.
Many other characters appear in artwork on the walls and newspapers, including Guy Smiley, Grover, Mr Hooper, Snuffleupagus, Rosita, Biff and Sully. A small gold statuette in one apartment may well refer to Sesame Street holding a record number of Emmy’s for Children’s Television, next to a Golden Frog – I like to imagine it represents Kermit, a mainstay in the early years, before he went off to host the Muppet Show, and made it in the big leagues of Primetime broadcasting.
Bert and Ernie’s apartment has all the essential elements: the portrait, the twin beds, the bathtub and the rubber Duckie. Of course, Bert is able to read all about how to cook oatmeal, while Ernie is in the bath.
The external environs include a table outside Hooper’s store, as well as Oscar’s trash can and Big Bird’s nest.
Imagined by a keen LEGO builder and seasoned Sesame Street fan, the first-ever Sesame Street product from the LEGO Group will be available from 1st November from LEGO.com and LEGO Stores.
Voted for by LEGO brick lovers all over the world, a wonderfully nostalgic new LEGO Ideas set has been brought to life after being envisioned by an avid builder. The brand-new LEGO® Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is the latest product from the LEGO Ideas collection, which conceptualises and produces the creative wonders imagined and voted for by LEGO brick fans themselves.
Created with all the delightful elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, in which Bert famously pleaded with Ernie to remove a banana from his ear so he could hear better, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person – builders will marvel in Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.
As they embark on their immersive build journey of LEGO® Ideas 123 Sesame Street, seasoned LEGO fans and younger builders alike can take a trip down memory lane, passing by Hooper’s Store, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can, and many more quintessential Sesame Street locations, making it the perfect set to enjoy on your own or together as a family. Fans can even bring their favourite characters and show moments to life with the brand new and exclusive buildable minifigures which have been moulded specifically for the set, including characters such as Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird.
The new LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits. Other recent LEGO Ideas sets inspired by LEGO fans, include the LEGO Ideas Grand Piano and the LEGO Ideas Friends Central Perk.
Created by Sesame Street fan and LEGO enthusiast Ivan Guerrero, this set brings together the magic of the iconic New York City street with the mindful and creative building experience of LEGO bricks to create an instant classic.
Speaking about the creative journey, Ivan Guerrero said: “As a long-time fan of the LEGO Group and Sesame Street, it has been a dream come true to be able to merge my two passions into a memorable set for fellow builders to enjoy. LEGO bricks and Sesame Street shaped both my childhood and adult years, and the opportunity to work with the LEGO Ideas team to bring this quintessential New York street to life has been thrilling.”
Federico Begher, VP of Global Marketing at The LEGO Group added: “We were instantly drawn to Ivan’s idea, as we had never created an official LEGO product with Sesame Street before. It was clear from the submission that Ivan is passionate about Sesame Street and he really brought it to life with the wide array of characters and bright, classic colours. For the first time in the history of LEGO Ideas, we also had the opportunity to create brand new minifigures for a set – bringing something new and exciting to our LEGO fans.
Knowing the impact Sesame Street has had on the world for decades, sharing similar values with generations past and present, this felt like an exciting way to blend novelty with nostalgia, and pay homage to the truly iconic 123 Sesame Street through LEGO Ideas.”
“Your imagination and creativity can take you places—and with the help of LEGO Ideas, it’s now transporting fans to Sesame Street where you’re never too old for a playdate,” said Gabriela Arenas, Sesame Workshop’s Vice President of Licensing, North America.
Once built, the 1,367-piece LEGO® 123 Sesame Street is sure to bring excitement and nostalgia into any space, measuring 9” (24cm) high, 13.5” (35cm) wide and 8.2” (21cm) deep.
The new LEGO® Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is the latest example of how the LEGO Group aims to inspire builders of all ages to build, rebuild and get excited by the process of creation.
LEGO® 123 Sesame Street will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from 1st November
I love the look of 123 Sesame Street. It brings back so many nostalgic memories, both for my own, and my children’s childhood viewing.
I am disappointed that there are no human characters represented – Sesame Street has long been a place where minority groupshave been portrayed in a positive light, and to present us with some additional minifigures with realistic skin tones seems like an opportunity missed.
I love the locations represented, as well as the realisation of the minifigures. The set is due for release on Novemeber 1st and has a recommended price of $AUD199.99 £109.99, €119.99, $USD119.99, $CAD149.99.
I’d love to know how you feel about this set: after the last few 18 + sets – Ideas; Nintendo – it feels refreshing to see one for under $200. Even more so for it to have such broad appeal.
What do you think of this set? Why not leave your comments below, and until next time…
Play Well.
