5 Iconic Bert & Ernie Images That Defined A Generation (And The 2025 Updates You Missed)

Bert and Ernie, the iconic duo from *Sesame Street*, remain one of the most recognizable and beloved pairings in children's television history, and as of late 2025, their image continues to evolve in surprising new ways. Their simple, often-clashing dynamic—Bert's grumpy, meticulous nature versus Ernie's carefree, playful spirit—has generated an endless supply of memorable images, from classic bathtub scenes to their recent high-profile appearances in new media and collectibles. This in-depth look explores the enduring visual legacy of the Muppets, the persistent questions surrounding their relationship, and the exciting new content and merchandise that keeps them relevant today. Their cohabitation and contrasting personalities have fueled curiosity for decades, leading to some of the most discussed images in pop culture. From the simple, striped-shirt visuals to complex animated shorts, the visual representation of Bert and Ernie is a masterclass in character design and storytelling that transcends generations.

Bert and Ernie: A Character Profile and Muppet History

Bert and Ernie are two of the original Muppet characters on *Sesame Street*, first appearing in the show's debut episode in 1969. They are famously roommates, living together in an apartment on the fictional street.

• Character Origin: Created by Jim Henson.
• First Appearance: November 10, 1969 (Season 1, Episode 0001 of *Sesame Street*).
• Original Performers (Voices): Jim Henson (Ernie) and Frank Oz (Bert).
• Current Performers: Matt Vogel (Bert) and Peter Linz (Ernie).
• Relationship Status (Official): Best Friends/Roommates, as stated by Sesame Workshop.
• Key Dynamic: Ernie is the fun-loving, optimistic prankster, often annoying the more serious, pigeon-loving Bert.
• Iconic Visuals: Ernie’s horizontal striped shirt and rubber duckie; Bert’s vertical striped shirt and unibrow.
• Muppet Type: Hand-and-rod puppets.

The characters were never intended to be an exact representation of any specific human relationship, but rather to showcase the concept of friendship and how two people with wildly different personalities can live together harmoniously. This foundational idea is what makes their images so powerful and relatable.

The Enduring Debate: Bert and Ernie's Relationship and Iconic Images

The question of whether Bert and Ernie are a couple has been a consistent source of public fascination and one of the most significant controversies in *Sesame Street*'s history, leading to some of their most iconic and politically charged images.

The "New Yorker" Cover and Cultural Symbolism

Perhaps the most famous image related to the debate is the July 2013 cover of *The New Yorker* magazine, titled "Moment of Joy." The image, which depicted the two Muppets snuggling on a couch watching the news, was created in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Though not an official *Sesame Workshop* image, it cemented Bert and Ernie's status as cultural symbols for same-sex relationships in the eyes of many.

The Former Writer’s Assertion and Sesame Workshop’s Stance

The debate was reignited in 2018 when former *Sesame Street* writer Mark Saltzman stated that he had always written Bert and Ernie as a gay couple, modeling their cohabiting relationship after his own with film editor Arnold Glassman. This assertion immediately went viral, generating a new wave of discussions and images celebrating the characters. However, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind the show, quickly issued a definitive statement: "As we have always said, Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves." The organization emphasized that the characters are puppets and do not have a specific sexual orientation. This official clarification, while intended to settle the matter, only further solidified the duo’s image as a complex cultural touchstone—a pair whose visual representation means different things to different people.

Fresh Bert & Ernie Images and Collectibles: The 2025 Update

The visual world of Bert and Ernie is constantly being refreshed through new media and high-profile collaborations, ensuring their images remain current and appeal to new generations. The latest updates for 2025 show that the Muppets are branching out into new artistic forms and collector markets.

1. KAWS Collaboration Vinyl Figures (2025 Release)

One of the most anticipated visual updates is the limited-edition KAWS x *Sesame Street* collaboration. Scheduled for a 2025 release, the collection includes a vinyl sculpture of "Bert & Ernie." KAWS, the contemporary artist known for his distinctive *Companion* figures, reimagines the classic Muppet design with his signature X-ed out eyes. These highly sought-after collectible images bridge the gap between children's television and high-end street art, introducing the characters to a new audience of collectors.

2. New Stop-Motion Clay Animation

Adding a unique texture to the Bert and Ernie image catalog are the new stop-motion clay adventures. Sesame Workshop has teamed up with Misseri Animations to bring the beloved duo into a "brand-new world of clay stop-motion." These animated shorts offer a visually distinct, tactile look at the characters, moving away from the traditional felt-and-foam Muppet aesthetic while maintaining their classic, playful dynamic. This new content proves the adaptability of their core design.

3. Global Appearances and Live Events (2025)

The classic images of Bert and Ernie are also being featured in major global events. For example, the duo is scheduled to delight children in a performance at the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2025, alongside Kika host Singa Gägtens. These live appearances and accompanying photography reinforce their image as international ambassadors of friendship and learning, demonstrating their continued relevance outside of the television screen.

4. The Classic Bathtub Scene

While not a 2025 update, no discussion of Bert and Ernie images is complete without mentioning the iconic bathtub scene. Images of Ernie floating happily in the tub with his rubber duckie, while Bert attempts to take a quiet bath, perfectly capture their contrasting personalities. These classic images, often repeated and referenced, are the visual shorthand for their dynamic: a study in how to navigate the challenges of cohabitation with humor and patience.

5. The "Opposite Day" Dynamic

Recent *Sesame Street* content continues to explore the core of their relationship. In skits like "Bert and Ernie's Opposite Day," the images focus on the humor of their differences. Bert and Ernie notice they like opposite things, celebrating the idea that differences are what make their friendship work. This visual theme of contrast—yellow Ernie versus orange Bert, the happy-go-lucky versus the serious—is the fundamental image that has sustained the characters for over fifty years. The enduring popularity of Bert and Ernie's images, from controversial magazine covers to new KAWS collectibles, is a testament to the simple, powerful idea they represent: the beauty of a friendship that embraces difference. Whether you see them as best friends, roommates, or cultural symbols, their visual legacy continues to shape and reflect cultural conversations in 2025.