Produced by the USO, the show started in the United States in 2008. Since then it has had performances across the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) as well as bases around the world. The Sesame Street Experience for Military Families is the first-ever traveling USO tour designed specifically for military families, and has become the longest-running tour in USO history. Children and parents receive support material (including the DVD) and a stuffed toy or "swinging Elmo light" after the production. In some locations, over 1,000 people have attended each show.