April Fools: Sprout's 5th Anniversary: Chica's Unhappy Birthday

UPDATE (4/2/2025): For my April Fools day prank yesterday, I decided to tell you about Sprout anniversary stunts that never existed for what would've been the network's 20th this year, inspired by ToughPigs' prank in 2019, where they reviewed forgotten Sesame Street anniversary specials for the show's 50th that year. This was going to be the 9th anniversary in 2014 and had Scott McClennen as the Chicateer, but I realized there was a Chica Show marathon that day, so I switched to 2010.

As you probably know, Sprout rebranded on September 21, 2009. Not only that, but the third season of The Good Night Show premiered with Nina appearing on The Sunny Side Up Show for New Adventures week, Rubbadubbers joining the nightly lineup, and on the day of the 2nd anniversary on the 26th of that month, a special programming block was held from 12PM to 3PM ET, called "Sprout Celebrates 2 Years of Fun!." It was supposed to teach Sproutlets about the number 2, counting up to it, and things we see two of, but after Sesame Street (this was the third link), Kevin reminded Kelly and Chica that this was supposed to be 4 years since the years 2005 and 2006 existed, so Sprout apologized for the inconvenience and this stunt was never seen or heard from again ... or until now, as I recently found out about it.

To celebrate Sprout's 5th anniversary on September 26th, 2010, not only did Noodle and Doodle premiere during the first weekend Sunny Side Up Show a day prior, but a celebration was held from 12PM to 3PM hosted by Chica and the Sunny Side Up Show hosts on the same set used for Chica's Big Birthday Surprise two years prior. It was live, so at one point, during a musical number, "Chicateer" Jenn Santee loses her voice from using Chica's squeaker too much and comes out of the nest begging for water. Of course, Kelly, Sean, and Dennisha are surprised to see this happen, knowing Sproutlets don't want to know their TV heroes aren't real, and it's even more surprising to see stage lights above the (clearly painted) set. During the next show, Jenn got her voice back and her or the stage lights weren't seen again. I know that the following anniversary, where the hosts were attacked by high school students, traumatized Sproutlets, but I wonder how many were traumatized by these happenings.