When you think of television programs with an iconic history of musical guests, Sesame Street might not be the first that comes to mind — though it should. Over the years it’s featured everyone from Stevie Wonder to One Direction, and the star-studded special guest roster for the upcoming 55th season has officially been revealed.
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In a one minute preview trailer, released on January 9, Sesame Street revealed the upcoming season’s curriculum will “focus on emotional well-being, helping children learn accessible strategies to comprehend and cope with big feelings through fun, lighthearted, relatable, and engaging stories.” Weaving in the guest line-up of major music, film and TV stars, and athletes that have been enlisted for the show’s 55th season, which launches on January 16 on HBO Max.
Among the musicians set to appear, Reneé Rapp will kick off the season, followed by Samara Joy on February 6. A month later Noah Kahan is set for March 6, followed by SZA on April 10, and then Christ Stapleton on July 24.
Both SZA and Noah previously teased their Sesame Street appearances on social media last year, with SZA calling the opportunity a dream “come true.”
“This was the purest happiest day from top to bottom. Thank you for having me and for patching up my inner child,” she wrote on Instagram sharing moments from her time on set with Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar The Grouch, and more.
And alongside photos with Sesame Street favorites like Cookie Monster and Elmo, Kahan shared the experience was “one of the best days of my life.”
Other special guests for season 55 include Michael B. Jordan, appearing on January 23, Queer Eye‘s Jonathan Van Ness will also make an appearance on August 21, as will tennis legend Billie Jean King on August 28.
Check out trailer for Sesame Street season 55 below.