 The children 's television program Sesame Street premiered in 1969 to high ratings , positive reviews , and some controversy , which have continued during its history . Even though the show aired on only 67 % of American televisions at the time of its premiere , it earned a 3 @.@ 3 Nielsen rating , or 1 @.@ 9 million households . By the 1970s , Sesame Street had become one of the most widely viewed children 's programs in the world , and in 2006 it was broadcast in more than 120 countries . By 2012 , the show had a 3 @.@ 3 N