Grover, Cookie Monster, Elmo, and other Sesame Street friends are going to Italy for the Winter Olympic Games Milan Cortina 2026. They’re once again teaming up with NBCUniversal to bring you coverage of the games. Elmo and friends first joined NBCUniversal’s Olympic coverage in Paris in 2024.
“Sesame Street has long been a source of joy and learning for families across the country. Bringing Elmo, Cookie Monster, and their friends to the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina after the success in Paris adds a playful and heartwarming touch to our Olympic storytelling. Their universal charm fits perfectly with the global spirit of the Olympics. And Cookie Monster — we’ve got a fresh batch of biscotti waiting for you!”
— Lyndsay Signor, SVP, Sports Marketing, Universal Television Entertainment Group
You’ll find your favorite characters in activations across Sesame Street’s social media platforms leading into and during the Games.
Following their arrival in Italy, NBCU will incorporate the Sesame Street team into its social and broadcast coverage surrounding the Games.
Said Grover, “And I, your cute, adorable, and enthusiastic friend Grover am available if Team USA needs any help on the ice. I have been trying to work on my camel spin, but it is difficult to find a camel on Sesame Street. Maybe I can drive the Zamboni!”
Cookie Monster added: “Me been practicing curling with a giant chocolate chippie! Me can’t wait to try all the delicious Italian treats. Cannoli, me got me eye on you!”
“Elmo is very excited to come to Milan – that’s in Italy! Elmo can’t wait to cheer on all the athletes at the Olympics. Elmo’s mommy is knitting him a special red, white, and blue hat. Yeah baby!” said Elmo.
During the Paris Olympics, the Sesame Street characters made appearances on TODAY, Access Hollywood, NBC Nightly News for Kids, NBC Sports’ daytime Olympics coverage, met with Team USA athletes, and extensively shared their Paris experience via Sesame Street and NBC Olympics social accounts. We can look forward to their special brand of coverage in Italy.
“We are excited that Sesame Street will once again be featured as part of NBC Sports’ superb coverage of the Olympics, bringing cultural touchstones together. By providing light-hearted content with athletes and NBC talent, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, and their friends will connect with audiences of all ages, promoting kindness and respect—and providing lots of laughter along the way.”
— Samantha Kennedy, Vice President Marketing and Brand Strategy for Sesame Workshop
I’m most excited to see and hear what Grover will be a part of! Which Sesame Street character are you going to have an eye on?
Theme Park MoJu 