The episode deemed too scary left a lasting cultural mark
A moment that crossed the line
February 12, 2026: In 1976, an episode of Sesame Street featuring the Wicked Witch of the West aired once — and was never shown again. The appearance, portrayed by Margaret Hamilton, was intended as a lesson about facing fear, but instead sparked backlash from parents who said it terrified young viewers.
Too intense.
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Image Credit: Getty
Why it was pulled
In the episode, the Witch roams Sesame Street threatening beloved characters and attempting to steal Big Bird’s feathers. While the storyline aimed to empower children by showing the Witch ultimately defeated, producers underestimated how real and frightening the character felt to preschool audiences. Complaints poured in almost immediately.
Fear factor.
Image Credit: Youtube
A rare ban in children’s TV
Sesame Workshop made the unusual decision to ban the episode from reruns, marking one of the few times content was permanently pulled from the show’s archive. Unlike most controversial episodes, this one wasn’t quietly edited — it was effectively erased from rotation.
Pulled plug.
Image Credit: Youtube
A legend that grew with time
Over the decades, the banned episode has taken on near-mythical status among fans and media historians. Bootleg recordings and retrospectives turned it into a symbol of how even well-meaning children’s programming can misjudge emotional impact.
Cult memory.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Final thoughts
Fifty years later, the Wicked Witch episode remains a reminder that children’s television walks a fine line between teaching bravery and unintentionally creating fear.
FAQs
Q1: When did the episode originally air?
It aired once in 1976.
Q2: Why was it banned?
Parents complained it frightened young children.
Q3: Who played the Wicked Witch?
Margaret Hamilton reprised her iconic role.
Q4: Was it ever re-aired?
No, it was permanently removed from reruns.
Q5: Why is it remembered today?
Its ban made it one of Sesame Street’s most infamous episodes.
Published by HOLR Magazine