Roommates, the cast of Sesame Street has been geared toward representing some of the most controversial struggles children have to endure. Now, the legendary children’s show is introducing a new muppet, whose mother is battling an opioid addiction.
According to NBC News, a little green Muppet named Karli will explain that her mom “was away for a while because she has a grown-up problem”. Her storyline is geared toward the 5.7 million children who suffer at the hands of parents with substance abuse issues.
In the online episodes, Karlie tells Elmo and another muppet about her mom’s meetings and the special kids-only meetings she attends, where she spends time with other children who are having the same experience.
“How they’re impacted by addiction is often something that we don’t hear about or, more importantly, don’t heat in a children’s voice or perspective,” said Jeanette Betancourt, senior Vice President of social impact at Sesame Workshop.
Despite how many parents suffer through substance abuse issues, many have no real way to help their children. cope. They are also unsure of how to even explain the issue to a child under the age of 11. Sesame Street is hoping Karli’s character will related to those children, and let them know they are not alone.
“There’s nothing else out there that addresses substance abuse for young kids from their perspective,” said Kama Einhorn, a senior content manager with Sesame workshop. “Even a parent at their most vulnerable–at the worst of their struggle–can take one thing away when they watch it with their kids, then that serves the purpose,” Einhorn said.
This is Sesame Street’s 50th season on air, and the show has a long history of tackling difficult issues with great sensitivity. The show has depicted death, racism, and in 2017, the show introduced a muppet with autism. Producers also dragged Donald Trump before he was President, giving hm fluorescent orange hair and calling him “Donald Grump”.
