Hulton Archive/Getty Images "Sesame Street" cast members pose on the set circa 1969. The show is still going strong 50 years later. In pictures: The early years of 'Sesame Street'

Hulton Archive/Getty Images "Sesame Street" cast members pose on the set circa 1969. The show is still going strong 50 years later.

"Sesame Street," the longest-running children's show in US history, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week.

The first episode ran on November 10, 1969, at the height of the civil rights movement and the War on Poverty. It introduced the world to Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and other beloved characters.

The idea was to harness the power of television to help young children, especially those less advantaged, prepare for school.

Over the years, the educational show has taught children not only the alphabet and how to count, but how to peacefully resolve conflict, treat others with respect and deal with loss.

It can now be seen in more than 150 countries, in 70 different languages.