As an OG from the Street, I definitely remember and long for the pre-Elmo times. TeamGrover

I don’t recall Elmo being on Sesame Street when I watched in the 70’s. If it was, I don’t have any recollection.

It’s new. I feel it used to be big bird growing up as an elder millennial. But “new” as in probably the last 20 years.

Fun fact. Hoots the Owl was voiced by the same guy that now does Elmo. Ill take ' Put Down The Ducky' 100000% over Elmo!

Since the mid 90's

Elmo came out in the 1990s, so 30+ years. Sesame Street researches how toddlers and preschoolers best learn. Shorter bursts, repetition, songs and movement. That's why Elmo segments are scheduled like they are.