Vila Sésamo

Vila Sésamo is the Brazilian version of the American children's show Sesame Street.

History

The show started in 1972 after the TV Cultura educational network purchased the rights to Sesame Street from the Children's Television Workshop. With help of communication students from São Paulo's University, the show was produced.

The show taught children about letters, numbers, grammar, maths, games, and music. It started with "Bom dia, crianças" ("Good morning, children").

Vila Sésamo ended in 1976, after the contract with CTW ended and the production cost was considered too much. TV Cultura has since tried to bring the show back to the Brazilian television. In 1999, TV Cultura showed once again an episode of Vila Sésamo, to celebrate the channel's 30 years of existence.

Characters

• Garibaldo (Laerte Morrone), a giant, shy, green bird. Similar to Big Bird.
• Gugu, a green muppet with a blue nose and orange cheeks. Similar to Oscar the Grouch.
• Beto and Ênio, Bert and Ernie-like characters.
• Juca (Armando Bógus), a toy maker who taught children about his craft.
• Ana Maria (Sônia Braga), a teacher and Juca's cousin.
• Gabriela (Aracy Balabanian), wife of Juca
• Funga-funga, an orange humped muppet who didn't like how others looked at him.