Storm on Sesame Street ⛈️ | Full Special | Sesame Street
Elmo and his friends work together to get ready for a big storm, learning how to be prepared, have courage, and calm their bodies and minds when things feel scary. After the storm passes, Sesame Street looks different, and everyone pitches in to help their neighbors rebuild their homes. With the help of the neighborhood, including celebrity guests Post Malone and Michelle Buteau, Elmo and Abby set out to make a difference, and discover that small acts of kindness, and support from friends, can make the biggest difference of all.
Welcome to Sesame Street! A colorful community of monsters, birds, grouches, and humans—a place where everyone counts. With a signature mix of laughter and learning, Sesame Street has been enriching minds and bringing families closer for five decades. Rigorously researched and deeply inclusive, Sesame Street has become the most-watched children’s program in history. For more fun games and videos for your preschooler in a safe, child-friendly environment, visit Sesame Street at http://www.sesamestreet.org
Support the Soundtrack of Childhood | Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop has brought songs and smiles to families around the world since 1969. If Elmo’s duet with Ray Charles made you smile, show Sesame some love.
Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts. With a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, we reach families in more than 190 countries with playful early learning so we can empower each generation to build a better world.
Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more are rooted in deep expertise and designed to meet children’s most pressing needs. From building school readiness and social problem-solving skills, to nurturing children’s appreciation for nature and encouraging emotional well-being, Sesame Workshop is here for children and families — as every caregiver's valued partner and every child's trusted friend.
BET UNVEILS "GET YOUR MIND RIGHT," A MULTI-PLATFORM MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE DESIGNED TO INFORM, INSPIRE, AND CONNECT BLACK COMMUNITIES
The Year-Round Initiative Invites Communities to Nominate the People and Places Creating Hope, Healing, and Black Joy
BET
NEW YORK, NY – August 20, 2026 – BET today announced “Get Your Mind Right,” a new year-round mental health initiative designed to normalize conversations around mental wellness, connect Black communities to culturally relevant resources, and inspire meaningful action through the power of storytelling, community engagement, and culture.
Rooted in BET's longstanding commitment to uplifting and serving Black audiences, Get Your Mind Right reflects the urgency of advancing conversations around mental wellness while encouraging communities to seek support and connecting audiences to culturally relevant support.
As part of the initiative, BET today launched a national call for nominations inviting audiences to help identify and celebrate the voices and spaces creating hope, healing, and Black joy across the Black community. From therapists and creators to educators, athletes, faith leaders, community organizations, bookstores, wellness spaces, and other trusted places of belonging, nominated individuals and organizations will have the opportunity to be featured across BET's platforms as part of the ongoing Black Joy Is Healing Spotlight series.
"Mental health is one of the most urgent and under-addressed issues impacting the Black community today, and we have a responsibility to help change that," said Louis Carr, President of BET. "For more than four decades, BET has earned the trust of our audiences by reflecting the realities of Black life and celebrating the richness of Black culture. That responsibility extends beyond entertainment. Through Get Your Mind Right, we're creating space for honest conversations, connecting our communities to trusted support and resources, and reminding people that seeking help is a sign of strength."
“Get Your Mind Right reflects BET’s commitment to culture, community and connection and our belief that stronger minds build stronger communities,” said Tiyale Hayes, EVP, Marketing, Audience Development and Social Impact at BET. “By elevating trusted voices and expanding access to resources, we’re helping move mental health from honest conversations to action, reinforcing BET’s promise to be Something You Can Believe In.”
The initiative began during May for Mental Health Awareness Month with We Got You, Mom, a multi-city activation honoring 15 mothers through moments of care, restoration, and financial support.
BET also brought Get Your Mind Right to Culture's Biggest Night during BET Awards 2026. During the broadcast, comedian and host Druski introduced the initiative by speaking to the importance of mental health before cueing a powerful two-minute campaign spot featuring spoken word by acclaimed poet and activist Aja Monet. Blending evocative visuals with Aja's moving narration, the spot encouraged audiences to prioritize their mental well-being while reinforcing BET's commitment to reducing stigma.
As a strategic partner of Get Your Mind Right, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will help extend the initiative's impact by providing trusted mental health resources, educational tools, and advocacy that empower individuals and families to prioritize their mental well-being. Together, BET and NAMI will work to reduce stigma, expand access to trusted support, and connect more individuals and families with culturally relevant mental health resources.
Looking ahead, Get Your Mind Right will continue to grow through original storytelling, community activations, strategic partnerships, and culturally relevant experiences designed to reduce stigma, expand awareness, and celebrate healing across the Black community.
Inspired by the belief that joy itself can be a pathway to healing, BET invites audiences nationwide to nominate the people and spaces making a meaningful difference in their communities. To nominate someone making a difference, visit here. Help us discover the voices and spaces spreading hope, healing, and Black joy by submitting a nomination and joining the conversation using #BETGetYourMindRight.
For more resources, visit our partners at NAMI.org.
ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP
The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), is the world’s largest media company rooted in community, culture, and connection for the Black community. For over four decades, BET has served as a trusted home for Black audiences, amplifying authentic stories, elevating Black voices, and creating spaces where culture thrives and community comes together.
Through a powerful portfolio of brands—including BET, BET Her, BET Studios, and VH1—along with FAST channels such as BET Tyler Perry Comedy, BET Tyler Perry Drama, BET Comedy Movies, BET Cinema, BET Classics, BET Visionaries, BET Throwbacks, and BET Pluto, BET connects audiences across cable, digital, live events, studios, and global platforms. Together, these platforms deliver culturally resonant content that reflects the depth, creativity, and impact of the Black experience.
For more information, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For additional announcements, visit paramountpressexpress.com/bet/.
Sesame Workshop Launches New Initiative to Help Children and Families Prepare for and Recover from Extreme Weather, Beginning with Storm on Sesame Street Special
New Special Features Celebrities Post Malone and Michelle Buteau
Courtesy of Sesame Workshop
(New York, NY, July 30, 2026) As extreme weather events grow more frequent and intense, Sesame Workshop today announced the launch of its new initiative to help children, families, and communities prepare for, cope with, and recover from extreme weather like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. With funding from long-time partner PSEG Foundation, the initiative debuts with a new storm‑themed Sesame Street special premiering on Netflix and PBS KIDS on Monday, August 3, and on YouTube in September, along with View-and-Do activities and trusted educational resources to help families navigate whatever weather comes their way.
A Brand New Special with Celebrity Guests
In the Storm on Sesame Street special, Elmo and his friends work together to get ready for a big storm, learning how to be prepared, have courage, and calm their bodies and minds when things feel scary. After the storm passes, Sesame Street looks different, and everyone pitches in to help their neighbors rebuild their homes. With the help of the neighborhood, including celebrity guests Post Malone and Michelle Buteau, Elmo and Abby set out to make a difference, and discover that small acts of kindness, and support from friends, can make the biggest difference of all.
Storm on Sesame Street builds on the legacy and impact of the iconic Sesame Street Gets Through a Storm, which premiered in 2001 on PBS KIDS and re-aired in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (2005) and Superstorm Sandy (2012). In this special episode, Big Bird’s nest was destroyed in a hurricane, and the community came together to help rebuild it.
Addressing a Growing Need
Extreme weather is affecting more families than ever. Children born in 2020 are projected to experience up to seven times more extreme weather events than those born in 1960, and one in five Americans has had to evacuate their home due to these events. In a national survey, two in three parents (64%) reported experiencing one or more extreme weather events in the past two years. Such weather events can lead to displacement, home damage, increased utility bills, negative health impacts, and less time outside. It often leads to disruptions in school and childcare. Among parents who experienced extreme weather, the majority (78%) worried about the impact on their children.
“Extreme weather is now a reality for many families, and young children need support they can understand and trust,” said Joseph Giraldi, Chief Operating Officer, Sesame Workshop. “With our Extreme Weather response initiative, we’re using the power of Sesame Street to help children prepare for what’s ahead, cope with big emotions during moments of disruption, and begin to recover afterward. From our new storm special to year‑round resources and community outreach, this initiative reflects our commitment to showing up for children and families when they need it most.”
Sesame Workshop’s Extreme Weather response initiative builds on the lessons in the special and will provide research-based resources to support families before, during, and after extreme weather events. The content, featuring Sesame Street friends, will help children understand what’s happening around them, manage big feelings, and take simple, empowering steps to stay safe like noticing helpers and being one, too.
Resources That Extend Beyond the Screen
New free resources in English and Spanish—available to parents, caregivers, and providers at sesame.org/emergencies—will include:
New Digital Content:Sesame Street videos with beloved characters offering timely advice and comfort.
Refreshed Family Guides: Updated Let’s Get Ready and Here for Each Other guides to reflect changes in extreme weather intensity and frequency.
Shareable Activities: New printables and articles that support children and families’ overall well-being connected to environmental stressors, such as heat or air quality.
A New Storybook: A printed and digital storybook, available later this fall, to help children find words for goodbye and healing when the things they love are lost.
Sesame Care Kits: Child‑friendly “go‑bags” with familiar friends like Elmo and Abby that include comfort items and everyday essentials such as backpacks, blankets, and toothbrushes to support families during evacuations and periods of displacement.
With generous support from Ford Motor Company and Amazon, Sesame Workshop is further extending the resources and care kits through community outreach activities with partner networks.
Sesame Workshop will collaborate with PBS stations and national implementation partners including Catholic Charities USA, Project:Camp, Team Rubicon and others, to engage with families through community preparedness and relief events at libraries, community centers, recovery shelters, or rebuilding sites. Featuring costumed character appearances and the distribution of preparedness materials and care kits, the events will bring reassurance and support to children and caregivers.
The Extreme Weather response initiative is part of Sesame Workshop’s broader mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
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About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 190 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, and X.
About PSEG Foundation
The PSEG Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3), that is supported and fully funded by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), prioritizes investments in promoting community well-being, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
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Elmo & Abby Sing "A Little Help" with Post Malone | Storm on Sesame Street Special | Sesame Street
Kindness shines through even on the stormiest days. Storm on Sesame Street, a new special, is coming to Netflix and PBS KIDS on Monday, August 3
Welcome to Sesame Street! A colorful community of monsters, birds, grouches, and humans—a place where everyone counts. With a signature mix of laughter and learning, Sesame Street has been enriching minds and bringing families closer for five decades. Rigorously researched and deeply inclusive, Sesame Street has become the most-watched children’s program in history. For more fun games and videos for your preschooler in a safe, child-friendly environment, visit us at http://www.sesamestreet.org
Grouchy Weather Report with Oscar and Cookie Monster | Sesame Street | Netflix Jr.
It's time for the Sesame Street weather report! Oscar The Grouch and Cookie Monster each have their own predictions of the weather. STORM ON SESAME STREET is now playing on Netflix.
Sing Together Through the Storm! 🎶🌧️ Storm on Sesame Street | Netflix Jr.
Elmo feels scared during a big storm, but his family and friends help him find courage by singing a song together. Storm on Sesame Street is now playing on Netflix!
Six children from different parts of the country and diverse communities, including Petah Tikva, Jaffa, Ashdod, and smaller towns, take part in the special program.
‘I’VE GOT ME’ host Kim Ben Shimon (left) with first lady Michal Herzog as they speak to a boy traumatized by the war. (photo credit: Ananey Studios Paramount and Nickelodeon)
Nickelodeon Israel and NATAL, the Israeli Trauma and Resilience Center, have launched a special program for children, featuring Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog, to help them cope with the horrors of war.
The special is part of the I’ve Got Me campaign, which is aimed at providing children with tools to help them cope with anxiety and stress brought on by the war.
The program is hosted by popular kids’ star Kim Ben Shimon (Full Speed), alongside NATAL therapist Liat Barnea.
For this special, they were joined by the First Lady, who is known for her deep commitment to social causes, particularly those concerning children.
Together, they respond to the difficult questions children are facing right now and offer simple, practical tools to help them deal with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty – all with the goal of strengthening their inner resilience and emotional well-being during these challenging times.
Six children from different parts of the country and diverse communities, including Petah Tikva, Jaffa, Ashdod, and smaller towns, take part in the program.
Herzog said, “I believe children need to know that they are not alone. Sometimes, especially when we’re scared, saying it out loud is the first step toward feeling a little safer.
The complicated life of growing up in the complex reality of today's world
It’s not easy being a child – growing up in a complex reality, facing difficult questions, and sometimes even fear.
“Yet, time and again, I am amazed by the strength, wisdom, and joy that lives within our children. In the midst of all the challenges, they continue to remind us what true resilience looks like.”
She added, “I’ve Got Me is much more than just a program. Thanks to the collaboration with NATAL and Nickelodeon, it’s a real opportunity to give children a sense of safety, meaningful tools to cope, and most of all – to show them that we are listening. In moments like these, full of uncertainty and fear, we must remember: It’s okay to be afraid – but you don’t have to face it alone.”
“At Nickelodeon, it’s more important than ever for us to be there for children – especially in these moments,” Orly Atlas-Katz, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paramount’s Ananey, told The Jerusalem Post.
“Given the complex reality we’re all facing, we felt a responsibility to act quickly. Within just a few days, we produced this special program to give kids a sense of safety, empowerment, and reassurance that they’re not alone. We’re proud to collaborate with NATAL and deeply grateful to the First Lady, Michal Herzog, for taking part in this vital initiative – one that gives children real tools to cope with the fears and emotions brought on by these difficult times. We hope for calmer, brighter days ahead.”
The special is now available on HOT, Yes, and the digital platforms of Nickelodeon and TeenNick in Israel.
ערוץ ניקלודיאון ועמותת נט"ל מארחים את רעיית הנשיא, הגב' מיכל הרצוג, בתוכנית מיוחדת לילדי ישראל בעקבות המלחמה.
הספיישל הוא חלק מפרויקט "יש לי אותי" של ערוץ ניקלודיאון ועמותת נט"ל, שנועד להעניק לכם כלים להתמודדות עם לחץ וחרדה בעקבות המלחמה.
את הספיישל מנחה כוכבת הילדים והנוער קים בן שמעון, ולצדה ליאת ברנע, מטפלת רגשית מטעם עמותת נט"ל. יחד עם רעיית הנשיא, הגב' מיכל הרצוג, שמתארחת בתוכנית, הן עונות לשאלות המטרידות ילדים וילדות ומעניקות להם כלים פשוטים ופרקטיים שיסייעו להם להתמודד עם תחושות הפחד, החרדה וחוסר הוודאות שהם מרגישים בימים אלה, במטרה לחזק את תחושת החוסן והביטחון הפנימי שלהם בתקופה הנוכחית.
בספיישל משתתפים שישה ילדים וילדות מכל רחבי הארץ:
ליאל, בת 12 מפתח תקווה; מאור, בן 9 מראשון לציון; ג'מאל, בן 9.5 מיפו; ליה, בת 8.5 ממושב אמץ; נויה, בת 14 מאשדוד; ואורי, בן 9 ממושב חוגלה.
Last month, ASIFA-Hollywood, in collaboration with animation industry artists, professionals and studios, announced the launch of AnimAID, a fundraising campaign to support those impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The initiative aims to provide critical funds to artists and professionals working within the animation industry, many of whom have lost their homes or faced major displacement due to the crisis.
The campaign kicked off at the 2025 ASIFA-Hollywood 52nd Annual Annie Awards. Now, AnimAID will begin its next chapter, culminating in an online auction in partnership with Sotheby’s, set to take place April 23-30, 2025. Titled The Art of Animation, the online auction can be accessed at https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/animaid-the-art-of-animation
The auction will feature a treasure trove of rare and one-of-a-kind pieces of animation history tied to some of the most beloved films and television classics, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Simpsons, Inside Out, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Wild Robot, Beauty and the Beast, and more. The lots will include original drawings, paintings, animation cels, signed posters, maquette figures and unique experiences — all donated by leading studios including Nickelodeon, Paramount, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., DreamWorks Animation, and Sony Pictures Animation, among others — who, inspired by this remarkable cause, have come together to curate an exceptional selection of prized artworks and exclusive experiences from the world of animation.
Highlights of the exhibition will span 90 years of animation history, including a black-and-white story sketch from Tortoise and the Hare (1935) alongside a color pencil drawing of Woody and Buzz Lightyear (2025), created specifically to benefit AnimAID, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story release.
"To infinity and beyond!" | Original Drawing of Woody and Buzz by John Lasseter (Toy Story, Pixar Animation Studios)
“AnimAID is a powerful reminder of the unity and compassion that define our animation community,” said Aubry Mintz, AnimAID & ASIFA-Hollywood Executive Director. “As we face the devastating aftermath of the wildfires, this initiative allows us to come together not only to provide essential relief, but also to honor the artists and professionals who have given so much to the world of animation. We are deeply grateful for the generous support from all our collaborators, and we are thrilled to share these iconic pieces of animation history with the public.”
Many of these rare, original pieces have never been seen by the public. They were displayed at Sotheby’s New York galleries from April 11–15, with the auction opening for bidding online from April 23–30. Proceeds will directly benefit over 70 animation families who have been affected by the disaster. In addition, ASIFA-Hollywood will host a series of events aimed at raising funds and fostering community support for animation artists and professionals in need. More information can be found here.
“We are honored to partner with ASIFA-Hollywood and numerous animation studios in support of AnimAID,” said Ian Ferreyra de Bone, Sotheby’s Luxury Division Managing Director. “This auction is not only an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of animation but also to contribute to a cause that’s incredibly impactful for the animation community. The pieces we are offering — many of which have never been seen by the public before — capture the artistry and creativity that have shaped animation for generations and created cherished childhood memories for so many of us. We are excited to share these extraordinary works with collectors and fans, knowing that every bid will directly support animation artists”
Cel from 'Here’s to You, Mickey Mouse!' (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Offering a glimpse into the creative process behind some of the most beloved films and television shows, highlights of the auction cover many eras, techniques and aesthetics from the world of animation. All items will be offered with no reserve, with estimates ranging from $500 to over $25,000.
Anticipated top lots include the original drawing of Toy Story stars Woody and Buzz by John Lasseter, and a Mickey Mouse animation cel from the 1988 television special Here’s to You, Mickey Mouse!
3D printed Pinocchio Replacement Faces (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Netflix)
Each of the 3D-printed Pinocchio faces featured in this piece was directly used in the creation of the Academy Award-winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022). The animation team meticulously stored each replacement face in humble pizza boxes, ensuring they were delivered to the right stage for specific scenes. As part of the Pinocchio exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art, several of these boxes — complete with their iconic Pinocchio faces — were encased in sleek acrylic displays, preserving a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of stop-motion animation.
Storyboard sketches from 'Beauty and the Beast' (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Storyboards were actually invented by animators. Highlights from this collection include a storyboard from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Pixar’s Academy Award-winning Brave, Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer spinoff Go, Diego, Go!, and panels from directors Chris Williams (Disney’s Frozen) and Chris Sanders (DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot). Also featured are storyboard drawings from Disney legends Burny Mattinson and Lorna Cook for The Lion King (1994). Additionally, signed storyboards from Avatar: The Last Airbender capture a key moment of Katara mastering her waterbending skills, drawn by director Lauren Montgomery and signed by creators Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino.
Norman maqueet by Kent Melton and memorabilia from 'ParaNorman' (LAIKA)
Maquettes, small sculptures of animated characters, have been used since the early days for both stop-motion and traditional animation. A captivating example is the Original Norman Maquette from comedy-horror film ParaNorman. An extraordinary piece that seamlessly bridges the gap between initial character design and the final puppet. Maquettes are more than just models; they serve as essential reference points for both character and design, providing a rare, tactile preview of what the character will ultimately look and feel like. This particular maquette, meticulously hand-sculpted by one of the greatest character designers Kent Melton and donated by the LAIKA Archives, offers a glimpse into the artistry behind one of stop-motion’s most iconic characters.
Emily character design by Tim Burton and Carlos Grangel for 'Corpse Bride' (Tim Burton Productions / LAIKA / Warner Bros.)
This original character design of Emily from Corpse Bride, co-created by Tim Burton and character designer Carlos Grangel, provides an intimate look into the development of one of the most unforgettable characters in animated cinema. Corpse Bride is the first stop-motion feature film directed by Burton after previously producing The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and James and the Giant Peach (1996). Emily was voiced by Helena Bonham Carter.
'Exhausted SpongeBob' cel from 'SpongeBob SquarePants' – 'Nature Pants' (Nickelodeon)
An original animation cel from the iconic SpongeBob SquarePants episode “Nature Pants” captures one of the most viral moments from the show. Depicting SpongeBob, exhausted, out of breath and pantless, after being chased by his best friend Patrick through the treacherous Jellyfish Fields, this cel perfectly encapsulates the humor and lighthearted fun of Stephen Hillenburg’s magnificent underwater universe.
LEGO Figurines of Dan Lin, Phil Lord, and Chris Miller ('The LEGO Movie', Warner Bros.)
These large LEGO figurines, modeled after the filmmakers of The LEGO Movie, were crafted by the studio and presented as a gift to Dan Lin, Phil Lord and Chris Miller following the film’s release. Each figurine is signed by the respective filmmaker, making them a unique and personal memento from the production.
'The Simpsons' original production cel (20th Television / Gracie Films)
An extraordinary and highly collectible piece of The Simpsons history. This vibrant original production cel captures Homer Simpson in the act of breaking up a mischievous altercation between his children, Bart and Lisa. It’s a snapshot of the family dynamics that have made The Simpsons a pop culture phenomenon for decades.
'Removing the quills' original sketch for 'The Wild Robot' by Chris Sanders (DreamWorks Animation)
An original sketch by the renowned filmmaker Chris Sanders captures a poignant moment from his beloved film The Wild Robot, in which Roz tenderly removes quills from Fink. The film, acclaimed for its emotional depth and storytelling, received numerous accolades, including nine Annie Awards, the Critics’ Choice and Producers Guild of America Award, as well as three Academy Award nominations, making it the most Oscar nominated film by DreamWorks Animation.
At the heart of the auction are exclusive, personalized, and experiential offerings, providing once-in- a-lifetime opportunities for animation fans and collectors. These include a custom character design and original drawing by Nico Marlet, the Annie Award winning character designer behind DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda and The Prince of Egypt. Sony Pictures Animation is offering the winning bidder a unique chance to voice a minor character in the highly anticipated upcoming theatrical feature, GOAT. Personal, behind-the-scenes tours of iconic animation studios such as Disney, Sony Pictures Animation, DreamWorks and Lucasfilm will be available, along with meet-and- greets with artists and filmmakers.
Also on offer is a VIP experience on the Santa Rosa, California grounds where Charles “Sparky” Schulz, creator of the beloved Peanuts, gang worked and played for more than 30 years. This includes a Director’s Tour of the Charles M. Schulz Museum, a tour of Sparky’s office, a one-of-a-kind hands-on demo by Creative Director Emeritus Paige Braddock, and exclusive access to Sparky’s private studio — normally off-limits to the public. The day will also include ice-skating, followed by lunch and hot cocoa at the Warm Puppy Café, making it a truly unforgettable journey through the legacy of an animation legend. These exclusive experiences provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind some of the greatest animated films of our time.
CBS PRESENTS “RINGO & FRIENDS AT THE RYMAN,” A TWO-HOUR SPECIAL FEATURING RINGO STARR AND SOME OF COUNTRY MUSIC’S BIGGEST NAMES, AIRING MONDAY, MARCH 10
Featuring Performances and Duets of Songs Spanning Starr’s Legendary Career, Including Beatles Classics and Songs from His New Country Album Look Up
Guest Stars Include Music Icons Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Mickey Guyton, Emmylou Harris, Sarah Jarosz, Jamey Johnson, Brenda Lee, Larkin Poe, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, The War And Treaty and Jack White
Proceeds from a One-Time, All-Star Performance at The Ryman of “With a Little Help from My Friends” Will Support the American Red Cross and Those Impacted by the California Wildfires
Taped Jan. 14 and 15 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, the Special Is Produced by Ringo Starr, T Bone Burnett and Gunpowder & Sky’s Van Toffler
Photo courtesy of CBS
CBS presents RINGO & FRIENDS AT THE RYMAN, a two-hour special celebrating the music and legacy of Ringo Starr through the lens of country music, airing Monday, March 10 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S*. For a free trial of Paramount+, visit ParamountPlus.com.
Photo courtesy of CBS
Taped on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 at the historic Ryman Auditorium – the “Mother Church of Country Music” – this once-in-a-lifetime event features exclusive performances of Ringo’s solo hits, Beatles classics and tracks from his recently released country album Look Up, produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett.
Proceeds from a one-time, all-star performance at The Ryman of “With a Little Help from My Friends” will support the American Red Cross and those impacted by the California wildfires.
Photo courtesy of CBS
An all-star lineup of some of music’s hottest names join Ringo onstage, including Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Mickey Guyton, Emmylou Harris, Sarah Jarosz, Jamey Johnson, Brenda Lee, Larkin Poe, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, The War And Treaty, Jack White and more. Together, they reimagine some of music’s most iconic songs, such as “Boys,” “Act Naturally,” “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Don’t Pass Me By” and “It Don’t Come Easy,” blending classic rock with a country twist.
Photo courtesy of CBS
“It is always a thrill to play the Ryman and this time we are going country!” said Ringo. “T Bone has put together a great show. It was two nights of peace, love and country music.”
“There is not a single person in the world who has generated more goodwill than Ringo Starr, and I write this without hyperbole,” said Burnett. “On Jan. 14 and 15, an extraordinary group of artists came together to help demonstrate that at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. Ringo has been singing and playing country music since before he joined The Beatles, and many, if not most, of his recordings with that band were country songs – “Matchbox,” “Honey Don’t,” “Act Naturally,” “What Goes On?,” “Don’t Pass Me By” and even “Octopus’s Garden” is a country song. We don’t know which country, but a country song, nevertheless. Nashville is a town full of extraordinary musicians, and a killer band of some of Nashville’s most extraordinary musicians accompanied Ringo and the rest of the artists.”
Photo courtesy of CBS
“Ringo and his bandmates introduced me and countless others to timeless American rockabilly classics, reimagined with their unique Liverpudlian twist on Carl Perkins and many more,” said Toffler. “It’s an honor to produce this special with Ringo and T Bone, bringing together some of music’s finest who played the hell out of Ringo’s songs, including some Beatles classics. It feels especially poetic to be airing on the same network that introduced the Beatles to America 61 years ago.”
In addition to the performances, the special features Ringo reflecting on country music’s influence on his life, The Beatles and his solo career. Guest artists share their personal stories of Ringo’s impact on their music, offering fans a unique look at his legacy. Inspired by T Bone Burnett to explore a new musical chapter, Ringo showcases his extraordinary journey through a country music lens.
Photo courtesy of CBS
RINGO & FRIENDS AT THE RYMAN is produced by T Bone Burnett in collaboration with Van Toffler of Gunpowder & Sky. Michael Lohmann (Nashville, Boston Legal and Patsy & Loretta) directs.
About Ringo Starr
Throughout his career he has received nine GRAMMY® Awards and has twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – first as a Beatle and then as solo artist. Between 1970 and 2023, Ringo has released 20 solo studio records and 4 consecutive EP’s in 2020, 2021 and 2023. He has acted in over 15 films, received an Academy Award®, and has been nominated as an actor for an Emmy®. Ringo has published 8 books; had a stint as a male fashion model, and that same year went behind the lens as the photographer for some Foo Fighters PR photos. Ringo is also a visual artist and has had numerous exhibitions of his work and his “Peace Sculpture” is on permanent display in the Beverly Hills Park. In 2008 Ringo began dedicating his July 7 birthday to promoting Peace and Love and the movement has grown to include events all over the planet and into the stars with support from NASA. In 2018, Ringo was knighted and in 2019 he celebrated 35 years of touring with his All Starr Bands. In 2022 Ringo received an honorary degree as a Doctor of Music from Berklee College of Music and earlier he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame with the Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award.
Ringo Starr also had the honor of being the first narrator of the British dub of the iconic Thomas the Tank Engine children's television series.
About T Bone Burnett
Throughout more than 50 years in music and entertainment, T Bone Burnett has earned an unparalleled reputation as an innovative artist, songwriter, producer, performer, film and concert producer, record company owner and artists’ advocate. He’s worked and collaborated with musicians spanning many genres, such as the aforementioned Bob Dylan, Elton John, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Ringo Starr, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, k.d. lang, Elvis Costello, Taylor Swift, Ryan Bingham, Steve Earle and Leon Russell. Burnett’s highly successful and acclaimed work in film throughout the past 30 years includes his collaborations with the Coen Brothers on The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Cold Mountain, The Hunger Games, Walk The Line, Inside Llewyn Davis and Crazy Heart, for which he also served as one of the film’s producers. He has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and 13 Grammy Awards.
About Gunpowder & Sky
Gunpowder & Sky is an independent studio that develops and produces award-winning film, television and audio projects, as well as live and experiential events.
Founded by Van Toffler and Floris Bauer in 2016, Gunpowder & Sky has released more than 60 feature films and series in theaters and in partnership with leading services such as Apple, HBO, Netflix, Max, Paramount+, MTV, Hulu, Peacock, Sky, Showtime, Spotify, Amazon, Meta, YouTube, Audible, Roku, CBS, Discovery, BBC and Sky.
With its robust slate of documentaries and unscripted content, Gunpowder & Sky is currently in production on numerous projects including two larger-than-life audio music stories, “Lighters in the Sky” and “Shelved”; and multiple VR projects.
Other notable projects include the CBS variety show hosted by Dolly Parton, “Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala”; Sheryl, the intimate documentary of song and sacrifice of musical icon Sheryl Crow; the Emmy-nominated The Notorious B.I.G. Sky’s The Limit: A VR Concert Experience, a state-of-the-art immersive concert and narrative experience; 69: The Saga of Danny Hernandez; Lil Peep – Everybody’s Everything; the action thriller inspired by one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history, Heist 88; the Sam Raimi horror anthology series 50 States of Fright; Jeff Baena’s medieval dark comedy, The Little Hours starring Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci, Aubrey Plaza, John C. Reilly and Molly Shannon; the three-part hair metal documentary series I Wanna Rock: The ‘80s Metal Dream; the three-part documentary exploring the history of soft rock, Sometimes When We Touch; Last Exit: Space, a documentary executive produced and narrated by Werner Herzog; Call Me Miss Cleo, an eye-opening film chronicling the rise, fall, and reinvention of controversial and revered ‘90s television psychic Miss Cleo; Gaming Wall Street, a two-part documentary narrated by Kieran Culkin exploring the historic 2021 short squeeze of GameStop; Brett Haley’s father-daughter live act music dramedy, Hearts Beat Loud starring Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons; Her Smell, Alex Ross Perry’s film about a self-destructive musician starring Elisabeth Moss; the hit podcast series, “DUST”, starring and executive produced by Corey Hawkins and co-stars Toni Collette; the audio original, “Lighters in the Sky” that reveals iconic, often undercover, music stories about the best live performances ever including Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Daft Punk, Led Zepplin, Nirvana, Selena, and more; and “Words + Music'' that shines a light on today's most influential artists with original audio productions from artists including Beck, Eddie Vedder, Pete Townshend, Billie Joe Armstrong, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, Smokey Robinson, Alanis Morissette and Gary Clark Jr. to name a few.
Gunpowder & Sky has offices in Los Angeles and New York.
*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.
SteamRocket Launches Smart Clicks with Nickelodeon and ChangeX
SteamRocket launches a community-driven digital safety program with Nickelodeon. | Photo by SteamRocket Inc
SteamRocket announces the launch of Smart Clicks, an innovative digital safety and kindness program for Coachella Valley youth, made possible through ChangeX and Nickelodeon Our World US Community Fund funding. This support aligns with Nickelodeon's belief in the power of kids to create change in themselves, their communities, and the world. The program addresses critical needs in youth online safety through interactive education focused on internet safety, social media awareness, gaming habits, and digital kindness.
Through this initiative, youth can actively participate in shaping their communities for the better, working alongside adult co-leaders on projects focused on important issues like mental health, empathy, and civic engagement.
"We don't want to assume what kids are going through online—we want to hear it directly from them," says Elle Decker, Co-founder of SteamRocket. "They're the ones living in this digital world every day, and their voices are critical in shaping a program that makes a difference."
SteamRocket collects valuable input from local youth and parents through anonymous surveys. Parents can share their perspectives and concerns at bit.ly/smartclicks1, while youth 17 and under are encouraged to contribute their experiences through a separate survey at bit.ly/smartclicks. This anonymous community input will help shape a program that directly addresses local needs and challenges.
Once launched, through interactive games, real-life scenarios, and open discussions, Smart Clicks will teach Valley youth to:
📌 Recognize and respond to cyberbullying
📌 Develop healthy relationships with gaming and social media
📌 Protect personal information and avoid online scams
📌 Use digital platforms to promote kindness and positive interaction
This initiative is vital as screen time and digital interactions reach historic highs among young people. Through Smart Clicks, SteamRocket seeks to provide Coachella Valley youth with practical tools and knowledge for making safer, smarter online choices.
Parents and youth are encouraged to take part in shaping this important program by completing the anonymous surveys. Schools and community organizations looking to bring Smart Clicks to their students can find more information at steamrocket.co.
About SteamRocket
SteamRocket is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing engaging STEAM-based education to children in the Coachella Valley. Through innovative workshops, clubs, and events, SteamRocket inspires curiosity and builds skills that prepare children for the future.
