Back in the ’90s, it was often the most envelope-pushing and controversial shows, like The Simpsons or NYPD Blue, that would face the wrath of watchdog groups with little interest in actually experiencing the show’s contents firsthand. Now, in a weird reversal, the beloved children’s institution Sesame Street may be among the most-scrutinized shows not actually watched by anyone doing the scrutinizing.

In part because practically everyone knows the enduring Muppets-and-lessons classic, any perceived change to Sesame Street comes with alarmist chatter about violation of the show’s precious sanctity, whether it’s the durable and incorrect rumors that Cookie Monster would become “Veggie Monster,” skepticism over the show’s various new homes and incarnations, or just generalized grumbling fr

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