Filming began for Orange is the New Black: Season 2 two weeks ago. What you may not have known, however, is that the show is filming just one floor below Sesame Street at Kauffman Astoria Studios in Queens.
Interestingly enough, Sesame Street is starting to deal with the subject of prison. Earlier this summer, Sesame Street introduced a muppet named Alex, who has a parent in jail.
As far as we know, there is no connection between the filming of OITNB at this location and the introduction of this particular muppet to Sesame Street, but coincidentally, both are aimed at spreading awareness of prison-related issues.
While OITNB author Piper Kerman has been rigorously advocating for improvements to the justice system, Sesame Street skits featuring Alex are part of an online set of resources for those looking to help children deal with loved ones who are incarcerated.
Given the serious nature of the prison system and Sesame Street’s new character, I don’t expect we’ll be seeing any Sesame Street Orange is the New Black parodies like the new Sons of Anarchy one anytime soon.
Other notable titles to have been filmed at Kauffman Astoria Studios include: The Warriors, The Cosby Show, Glengarry/Glen Ross, MTV Unplugged, Carlito’s Way and Nurse Jackie, among many others. In fact, OITNB is said to be shot on the same soundstage as The Cosby Show.
Orange is the New Black: Season 2 is due out in 2014. Sesame Street’s new season (featuring the SoA bit) will debut September 16th.
[h/t: Glamour]