China’s Ha Ha Channel Slates New Sesame Street Series

SHANGHAI: Sesame Street’s Big Bird Looks at the World is a new daily series debuting on the Ha Ha Channel in China that features the muppet characters Big Bird, Elmo and Lily.

The series targets 3- to 7-year-olds. Sesame Street’s Big Bird Looks at the World looks to foster children’s natural curiosity about science and nature and encourages hands-on exploration as a way to learn. Each episode is triggered by a question that the characters have after they notice something about the world around them. Within each episode, two live-action films will provide in-depth information and real-world visuals.

The show debuts on Ha Ha Channel on December 22 at 5:30 p.m. The 52×11-minute episodes will air in Chinese Mandarin.

“Sesame Workshop has had a proud history of serving the needs of children globally since 1969 and in China since 1983 when Big Bird first visited,” said Gary E. Knell, the president and CEO of Sesame Workshop. “Toonmax, being committed to building a premier educational preschool brand, and MSD, investing in Chinese children’s growth and well-being, are exceptional partners. Sesame Street’s Big Bird Looks at the World serves as a positive example of what can be accomplished with successful people-to-people exchanges. While our cultures may be diverse, we’ve both gained incredible insight and friendship through sharing ideas and experiences for Sesame Street.”

“Through the continued efforts of those in the industry, the children’s media landscape in China has made big strides in the last few years,” commented Ye Chao, the deputy general manager of Shanghai Toonmax Media Co. “With a core focus on children’s programming and animated content, Toonmax is actively engaged in the edutainment field. Ten years later, we are partnering with Sesame Workshop again. This time to bring Sesame Street’s Big Bird Looks at the World to a specially dedicated children’s TV channel. This really speaks to the mission of Toonmax, which is ‘all for children.’ We hope the series will provide a new experience to millions of children.”

Michel Vounatsos, the senior VP of Merck and president of MSD China, added, "MSD is committed to working with Chinese authorities and partners to improve people’s health and quality of life. Merck Foundation has been working with Sesame Workshop for many years worldwide. I believe with this new series launching on the Ha Ha Channel of Toonmax of Shanghai Media Group, we will continue to bring premier preschool education to Chinese families and help benefit the growth and well-being of Chinese children.”