curmudgeon of children’s tv

Well now, I reckon most folks know a thing or two about children’s TV, don’t they? Been around since, well, practically forever it seems. And you can’t talk about children’s TV without mentioning the grumpy ol’ fella who’s made his mark on the screen for years – Bert from Sesame Street. If you’ve ever watched that show, you know exactly who I’m talkin’ about. Bert ain’t the jolly one, that’s for sure. He’s always been the curmudgeon of the bunch.

Now, folks like me, who’ve seen the world change a bit, can remember when Sesame Street first came on the air. That was back in 1969, good gracious! Bert, with his frown and his serious face, sure did stand out from the rest of the crew. He ain’t all about the fun and games like his buddy Ernie, no sir. Bert’s the one who likes things neat and orderly. Always scowling at Ernie’s messes, or complaining about things just not being “right.”

Why is Bert a Curmudgeon?

Well, let me tell you, Bert sure has a reputation for being the old grouch on Sesame Street. Now, don’t get me wrong, he’s not a bad guy. He’s just… well, a bit of a stickler for the rules, you could say. He likes things in their place, all neat and tidy, and if you make a mess, he’ll sure let you know about it. But deep down, Bert’s heart is as big as a barn. He might complain a lot, but he does care. He’s just got a funny way of showin’ it!

The Good Old Days of Children’s TV

Back in the day, when I was younger, we didn’t have all them fancy cartoons and gizmos to keep kids busy. Nope. We had Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and a few others like The Electric Company and Zoom. Them shows were somethin’ else. They didn’t just entertain you, they taught you stuff too, about numbers, letters, and even life itself.

Now, Sesame Street was a special one. It was the kind of show that could make you laugh, make you think, and even make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And Bert, with his grumpy attitude, was part of the magic. Kids loved him because, even though he always seemed to be mad about something, you knew he was a good guy underneath all that fussin’ and frettin’.

What Makes Bert So Memorable?

Now, let me tell ya, Bert ain’t the type of character you forget easily. You ever seen a puppet with such an iconic frown? No, you don’t forget Bert. He’s just one of those characters who sticks with you. Maybe it’s his stubbornness, maybe it’s how he keeps his cool even when Ernie is goofin’ off. Bert is one of those characters who shows us all that it’s okay to be a little different. Sure, he’s not the carefree, always-smiling type, but that’s what makes him so memorable.

He’s got this love for pigeons too – that’s another thing that makes him stand out. Who else would get so worked up over pigeons? I tell you, Bert is a one-of-a-kind character. Always serious, but always with a little bit of heart behind it. If you’ve ever watched Sesame Street, you know what I mean.

Is Bert Really a Curmudgeon?

Well, now, some folks might call him a curmudgeon, but I reckon it’s more like he’s just misunderstood. Sure, he’s a bit cranky sometimes, but who wouldn’t be if they had to put up with all the nonsense Ernie gets up to? They balance each other out, ya see. Bert’s the straight-laced one, the one who keeps things grounded. Without Bert’s grumpy side, the show wouldn’t be the same. He’s the yin to Ernie’s yang, and that’s a mighty fine balance in my book.

And let’s not forget, Bert’s also shown to be caring and kind-hearted when it matters most. He might complain, but he’ll never let his friends down when they need him. So, is Bert really a curmudgeon? I reckon he’s just a fella with a strong opinion and a love for order. Ain’t nothing wrong with that, as long as you got a heart in the right place.

The Legacy of Bert

Looking back, I’d say Bert’s legacy is one of the most important in children’s television. He wasn’t just a character on a show – he was a teacher in his own right. He taught kids about friendship, patience, and that it’s okay to be different. And even though Bert might grumble about it, deep down he’s always there for his friends, making sure they learn the lessons that matter.

So, next time you watch Sesame Street or hear someone talk about Bert, remember: he may be the curmudgeon of children’s TV, but he’s also a cornerstone of a show that’s brought joy and education to generations of kids. And that’s a legacy worth celebrating, grumpy or not.

Tags: [Bert, Sesame Street, Children’s TV, Curmudgeon, Classic TV, Grumpy Characters, TV History]