The name is a pun based on the magic words "Open sesame" which are used in the legend of Ali Baba.
The first Open Sesame packages debuted in 1975 and 1976, in Spain, Sweden, France, and Montreal, Canada.
The Greek version of Open Sesame entitled aired on ERT2 1985-1987; ERT1 1993-2000; Star Channel 2002-2004 The Filipino version of Open Sesame entitled "(Tagalized)" aired on ABS-CBN 1990-1991; GMA Network 2000-2001 (Weekends only) The earliest seasons of Sesamstrasse, while not officially part of the format, used a variation, but incorporated a greater amount of local film and cartoon inserts.
Approximately 50 episodes of the American show were cut to a half hour, and translated into Italian.
Ernesto (Ernie): Dario Mazzoli Berto (Bert): Loris Gizzi Bob: Pierluigi Zollo Maria: Pina Cei Luis: Guido Celano Linda: Emy Eco Susan: Rita Baldini Kermit: Leonardo Severini, Willy Moser Pasticcino (Cookie Monster): Franco Latini Ghiottoncello (?