Noggin will premiere the two special episodes back to back on Thursday, May 16, beginning at 3 a.m. (ET) and continuing through 6 a.m. (ET). These two episodes will repeat, as a pair, at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (ET).

"The opening of the new Star Wars film is a huge event, and we have a
hunch that not every family will be able to see the film that day," said Tom Ascheim, General Manager, Noggin. "We are glad to offer these rare episodes of 'Sesame Street' featuring two of the film's most beloved characters, which were shot more than two decades ago. And just to make sure all our viewers can get in on the action, we'll be showing the classic shows throughout the day, with two musical segments featuring the droids and Big Bird."

Shot in November 1979 and aired in early 1980, the two classic Sesame Street episodes featured the memorable visits of Star Wars droids C-3P0 and R2-D2 via spaceship to Sesame Street. Says Mr. Ascheim, "I jumped at the chance to show these amazing episodes to a whole new generation of kids. It's a great example of how Noggin's unique access to the rich Sesame Street library sets us apart from other programmers."

Highlights of the episodes contain:

• The arrival of C-3P0 and R2-D2 by spaceship on Sesame Street;
• R2-D2's secret mission to deliver a message to Oscar the Grouch, who calls the diminutive droid "Shorty" and his metallic mate "Shiny Pants";
• The droids' musical counting lesson for Big Bird;
• A game of "Blind Man's Bluff" in which Big Bird mistakes a mailbox for R2 and a lamppost for 3P0;
• R2-D2'S secret message from a grumpy alien named Lothar, to whom Oscar sends a return gift of exploding peanuts;
• Big Bird, C-3P0 and R2-D2 doing the cha cha;
• A segment in which R2-D2 falls in love ... with a Sesame Street fire hydrant.