With over half a million followers on X, Sesame Street’s Elmo gets noticed when posting something.
But a simple question from the iconic furry red monster recently set social media on fire with views nearing 200 million as of this writing, including from the White House.
Elmo may not have been prepared for the avalanche of angst that poured out on X after he asked, “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?”
Thousands of responses came in, leading one user to remark, “Elmo was just checking in. He didn’t ask for all this.”
Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?
— Elmo (@elmo) January 29, 2024
“Elmo’s viral tweet sparks an existential crisis among his followers,” read the headline for Today.com’s story on the phenomenon.
“Elmo I’m depressed and broke,” wrote one X user.
Elmo, my man, you been to the grocery store lately?
I don’t know if you drive, but you filled up a gas tank?
Stop gas lighting us.
You know it’s real out here.— Tyhre (The “H” is Silent) (@Tyhre_) January 30, 2024
“Elmo I’m gonna be real I am at my f***ing limit,” added another.
Even well-known names chimed in, from T-Pain, Dionne Warwick, and Garfield to President Joe Biden.
Companies and celebrities responded along with countless others.
The world is burning, Elmo. No amount of tickles can fix this.
— Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) January 30, 2024
I’m kind of a crossroads and frankly could use a little support.
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) January 31, 2024
Some of these replies could benefit from a sweet treat
— SHAKE SHACK (@shakeshack) January 29, 2024
The viral post prompted a response from the official Sesame Street account which pointed people to mental health resources.
Thank you, @Elmo, for checking in with a reminder for us to pause and take a mindful moment to focus on how we’re feeling. For #EmotionalWellbeing resources and more, visit @SesameWorkshop:https://t.co/sNuUmq73i5 https://t.co/CkooNXI11L
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) January 29, 2024
Even Elmo’s follow-up post triggered a wave of replies on X.
“Wow! Elmo is glad he asked! Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing. Elmo will check in again soon, friends! Elmo loves you. #EmotionalWellBeing” the account posted, drawing a response from President Joe Biden.
I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days.
Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it.
Even though it’s hard, you’re never alone. https://t.co/ffMJekbowo
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 31, 2024
Elmo’s Sesame Street friends also reached out.
“Me here to talk it out whenever you want. Me will also supply cookies,” wrote the Cookie Monster.
“I’m not great at listening to others share their big feelings, but my worm Slimey is. You should talk with him if you ever need to chat, ” Oscar the Grouch responded.
“This is certainly a unique moment,” Aaron Bisman, vice president of Audience Development at Sesame Workshop, told NBC’s Today. “Elmo has connected with audiences in big ways,” over the years he noted, but not on this scale.
And while Elmo generated lots of love and fuzzy vibes with his caring post, Biden’s seemed to do the opposite.
U.S. service members are being killed overseas.
There’s an invasion at our border.
Americans are struggling to make ends meet.
And our president is tweeting at Elmo….you really can’t make this up. https://t.co/nZj51q1CXv
— Courtney Holland (@hollandcourtney) January 31, 2024
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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