Sesame Street Makeover
The 46th season of "Sesame Street" goes into production this week and big renovations have taken place "where the air is sweet." Since last season, the familiar neighborhood has seen both remodels and completely new additions, with some of our favorite characters upgrading their real estate holdings on the block.
Here, for example, is what Oscar the Grouch's trash can used to look like.
Oscar's new can
And this is what Oscar's trash can looks like now. It's been updated and relocated to a more central spot on the block, so he can add grouchy commentary to more situations.
This season will also see a more mobile version of his character; popping up in trash cans, recycling bins and composting receptacles across the street, in addition to his own.
Big Bird's old nest
This is what Big Bird's nest used to look like.
Big Bird's new nest
And this is what Big Bird's nest looks like now. Rather than sitting on a wooden chest like it used to, the nest now sits -- much more appropriately -- in a tree.
The star tweetment
As you can see here, Big Bird looks pleased with his new real estate. Now, like most other birds, he lives in a tree... albeit one in the middle of a room.
The old store
Moving on with the tour, this is what Hooper's Store used to look like.
What's in "store" next season
And this is what Hooper's Store looks like now. With a new green color scheme and tiled counter area, the redesigned store has a clean, intentionally retro look.
Sesame Street Executive Producer Carol-Lynn Parente said elements like this are "intended to make the street feel current and colorful in a way that reflects the world kids see around them every day... anchoring our core characters in places around our neighborhood will help kids build an even deeper bond with our characters by better understanding who they are, where they live, and what they do.”
Cookie Monster's new place
With that in mind, Cookie Monster has moved into the apartment above Hooper’s Store, where he can always smells something baking.
The old garden
This is what the arbor garden used to look like.
Abby's new garden
And this is the new garden, where Abby can find sanctuary and inspiration among bright flowers and souped-up vegetation.
New additions
The new Sesame Street, created by award-winning designer David Gallo, features a few completely new additions, as well, like the Community Center pictured here.
A tree grows in Queens
Another completely new addition to the Sesame Street set in Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York is this garden at the back of 123 Sesame Street, where characters can go to relax and kick back with their friends.
Tickle me real estate
And last but not least, Elmo has moved into the 123 Sesame Street brownstone, where his bedroom is now the cornerstone of the iconic building.
Like the real-life rooms of many preschoolers, Elmo’s new room features colorful cubbies for his toys and proudly displays his crayon artwork on the walls. Of course, none of that is visible in this picture. So, you'll just have to wait until the new season premieres in the fall for a better look.