Checking In On Sesame Street

"Sesame Street" had tons of references that went over my head as a child, and the show continues to embrace popular culture -- especially what the older kids are talking about.

In August, producer Miranda Barry joined Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, who creates the show's curriculum, at the TCA conference to discuss the new season and some changes in the format leading up to the show's 40th anniversary.

Firstly, the show will get a host and his name is Murray Muppet. Murray will take kids through the show by introducing segments. Also, they will continue to parody shows that are aimed at adults, giving them a G-rated twist

The most hyped parody of the summer was their anticipated "Mad Men" skit. Just how do you spin a show known for its racy content ... for children? "You may have seen our parody called 'Desperate Houseplants.' It was about a houseplant not getting its needs met by the gardener," Barry told the panel attendees. "So it always works on two levels." (Psst, the houseplant just needed to be watered. Phew.)

Meanwhile, as the show continues to keep up with the times (cause they are a-changin') the Muppets' first couple, Kermit and Miss Piggy, had a busy summer. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy appeared alongside Bob Iger, Teri Hatcher and James Denton to announce Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day."

Kermit The Frog has recently hung out with Lady Gaga; they arrived arm in arm to the VMAs. Kermy was quick to diffuse suggestions that he was two-timing his beloved Miss Piggy. He told People.com "Y'see, I just gave Lady Gaga a ride to the VMAs, and when Lady Gaga left her credentials in the limo, I had to bring them to her." Meanwhile, Miss Piggy collaborated with Marc Jacobs as he outfitted Queen P for New York's Fashion Week.

That's how these things always start. Nice save, Kerm!

Check out the "Mad Men" parody below: