Sesame Street’s #ShareTheLaughter Challenge Gets Some Very Famous Help

Sesame Street may be an excellent educational show. But it’s so much more. It’s a staple of childhood, and we pretty much all know and absolutely love each and every character. For decades, the beloved children’s show has taught kiddos about kindness. And now they’re launching Elmo’s (yes, it’s Elmo’s) #ShareTheLaughter challenge to spread the kindness that they teach. Oh, and they’re getting some help from some very famous friends.

So apparently Elmo made a super-special resolution last New Year. The furry red monster resolved to spread kindness. He then embarked on a year-long campaign to do this very thing. Along with kindness-themed Sesame Street episodes throughout the year, Elmo kicked off his official #ShareTheLaughter challenge on August 16.

The goal here is to spread kindness through laughter. And that’s why Elmo wants everyone to use the challenge’s hashtag and tell a joke. Not only is Elmo sharing the laughter, but some famous faces are as well. Sesame Street recently posted several videos of their own cast taking Elmo’s challenge. Oh, but that’s not all. These clips also include Game of Thrones stars Kit Harington and Gwendoline Christie.

Other celebs who have also participated in the challenge include Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi, crooner Josh Groban, funny girl Kate McKinnon and comedian Ilana Glazer.

If you’re wondering why Sesame Street is focusing on kindness (aside from the obvious), take a look at what they found out when they conducted a national survey. Senior Vice President/General Manager, North America Media and Licensing for Sesame Workshop, Scott Chambers, said, “Sesame Workshop recently conducted a national survey that found parents and teachers are worried that children are living in an unkind words and that people don’t go out of their way to help others.” Well, it looks like Elmo’s challenge will do something to change that!

What do you think of Elmo’s challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments below.