Ernie and Bert Special This project was announced in a 2004 Sesame Workshop press release . It was set to air in late 2005 , but never went into production . Given the timing and similar concept , it ' s possible that the idea for the special evolved into the series of shorts , " Bert and Ernie ' s Great Adventures " . Press Release . Sesame Workshop and National Geographic Kids ' Programming and Production to Create One - Hour , Prime - time Family Special Two Globally Respected Powerhouses to Send Bert and Ernie on Globe - trotting Adventure LOS ANGELES ( Aug . 18 , 2004 ) — Sesame Street residents Bert and Ernie are about to embark on one of their most important missions ever , in a one - hour , prime - time , comedy - adventure special to be co - produced by Sesame Workshop , the nonprofit educational organization , and National Geographic Television & Film ’ s Kids ’ Programming and Production unit . Designed to excite kids and families about their world , the project was announced today by Donna Friedman Meir , president , Kids ’ Programming and Production for NGT & F , and Karen Gruenberg , executive vice president , content , for Sesame Workshop . Developed for a family audience , the special will star Bert and Ernie in a rollicking on - the - road adventure that finds the pair on several continents , celebrating the unique cultures they experience along the way . The special will build on the popular Sesame Street segment “ Global Grover , ” which supports Sesame Workshop ’ s cultural diversity initiative , and will capitalize on both organizations ’ amazing resources and global reach . The special will include on - location shoots in South America and South Africa , with a targeted premiere date during the fourth quarter of 2005 and a home video to follow . NGT & F ’ s Kids ’ Group and Sesame Workshop are currently exploring broadcast outlets for the one - hour program in the U . S . and abroad . “ National Geographic has an unequaled history of introducing people of all ages to the world beyond their door , ” said Gruenberg . “ We look forward to collaborating on a unique program that will invite children and families on a global adventure that celebrates cultural diversity and builds geographic literacy . Sesame Workshop has a long history of providing content towards creating a global community . ” “ We are thrilled to be working with two of the most beloved characters in children ’ s entertainment and one of the most respected producers of quality children ’ s programming , ” said Friedman Meir . “ This special marks the first collaboration between two complimentary creative entities and two of the most trusted brands in family media and entertainment . ” Based in Los Angeles , Kids ’ Programming and Production is an independent production entity of NGT & F . Established in 2003 , NGT & F ’ s Kids ’ group brings the renowned National Geographic brand to children ’ s entertainment through the development and production of quality animated and live - action , entertainment - driven programming that excites kids to explore their world . NGT & F ’ s Kids ’ group will work with all major broadcast outlets in the United States and abroad . Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in children ' s lives around the world . Founded in 1968 , the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street . Today , the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries , using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching . Sesame Workshop is behind award - winning programs like Dragon Tales and Sagwa , The Chinese Siamese Cat and groundbreaking multimedia productions in South Africa , Egypt and Russia . As a nonprofit , Sesame Workshop puts the proceeds it receives from sales of Sesame Street , Dragon Tales and Sagwa products right back into its educational projects for children around the world . Find the Workshop online at www . sesameworkshop . org .