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Zero: Penguins At The Movies

Zero: Penguins At The Movies
DebutOctober 8, 2010
SeriesSesame Street
Episode4220
Length1:13
Technique2D Animation
DirectorJoey Ahlbum
ComposerHans Zimmer
StarringJim Conroy
NarratorMatt Vogel

Zero: Penguins At The Movies (2010 – 2021) is a celebrated cartoon segment that originally debuted on Sesame Street Episode 4220.

The segment features a family of penguins visiting a light blue movie theater in Antarctica. The narrative focuses on the concept of the number Zero, specifically regarding the absence of snacks for the Father Penguin.

Plot Synopsis

A family of four penguins enters a theater. While the Mother, Brother, and Sister enjoy their snacks, the Father is repeatedly disappointed to find "Zero Sardine Duuds" and "Zero Sardine Pops." His loud cries are constantly shushed by the other Antarctica animals. In a humorous climax, Father moves into Mother's seat and finally jumps toward the viewers to deliver the iconic brainy line: "Zero Sardine Booty!"

Character Registry

Father Penguin
SpeciesBlue/White Penguin
RoleFamily Patriarch
VoiceJim Conroy
StatusDetermined

Father Penguin

Father is a talking blue and white penguin distinguished by his round purple glasses. He possesses a deep, sudden brainy voice that contrasts with his highly emotional outbursts. Throughout the movie experience, he acts as the emotional core, expressing extreme despair at the absence of snacks.

"NNNOOOOO!!! Zero Sardine Booty!"

Mother Penguin
SpeciesBlue/White Penguin
FeaturesRed Hair, Mask
JewelryPink Necklace
BeakLong Open Beak

Mother Penguin

Mother Penguin is the most stylized member of the family, sporting a shock of red hair and a distinct facial mask. She wears a light pink necklace. Unlike Father, she manages to eat her snacks but eventually feels stressed by Father's dramatic behavior in the theater.

Sister Penguin
AccessoryPink Bow
Beak TypeChicken Beak

Sister Penguin

Sister Penguin is identified by the light pink bow on her head. Her most notable anatomical feature is her "Chicken Beak," which remains open during the movie. She is a quiet participant in the family outing, focused primarily on her theater snacks.

Brother Penguin
Beak TypeShort Beak
FavoriteSardine Duuds

Brother Penguin

Brother Penguin shares the short beak trait with Father. He is an enthusiastic snack eater and is the first to finish his treats, leaving "zero" for Father Penguin. He walks alongside the family during the opening sequence.

Episode Guide

Episode 4220
Air DateOct 8, 2010
SegmentZero at Movies

Sesame Street: Episode 4220

The segment "Zero: Penguins at the Movies" served as a core educational piece for the 41st season of Sesame Street. It specifically teaches the concept of the number zero through subtraction and lack of availability.

  • Scene 1: The Family Arrival at the blue theater.
  • Scene 2: The "Zero Sardine Duuds" cry.
  • Scene 3: The "Zero Sardine Pops" cry (Fast Motion).
  • Scene 4: The Laughing Flight into Mother's seat.
  • Scene 5: The final "Zero Sardine Booty" address.

Extended Trivia Vault

Visual & Character Design

Mother Penguin is the only character with red hair and a visible mask.
Sister Penguin's "Chicken Beak" is a unique anatomical variation in the family.
Father and Brother Penguin both possess short beaks, while Mother has a long beak.
During the "Zero Sardine Booty" line, Father's glasses are notably positioned in front on the right view.
All family members have mouths colored light pink internally.
Father Penguin's eyebrows only appear during his most intense emotional moments (The Cries & The Final Jump).
In the final shot, Father's left eyebrow is bended and his beak appears physically longer.

Animation & Technique

The entire segment is animated in 2D by Joey Ahlbum, known for his distinct fluid style.
A "Fast Motion" effect is applied during the second segment when Father discovers the lack of Sardine Pops.
The "Iris Close" at the end is a classic cartoon technique used to focus on Father's face.
The theater crowd consists of light purple Antarctica animals chattering.
The theater itself is a specific shade of light blue.

Audio & Voice Cast

The opening fanfare is a parody of cinematic scores, composed in the style of Hans Zimmer.
Jim Conroy provided the voice for Father Penguin, using a "Deep Sudden Brainy" tone for the conclusion.
Matt Vogel, a veteran Muppet performer, voices the Narrator.
The crowd "Shushing" noise is synchronized across multiple theater animals to create a layered effect.
The Squid character jumping and cheering "There are?" is a notable non-penguin appearance.

Soundboard Samples

"NNNOOOOO!!!"
Father's first cry
"OOOOOOOHNN!!!"
Father's second cry
"Ha Haaaa Ha Haaa!!"
The Laughing Flight
"Zero Sardine Booty!"
The Iconic Brainy Conclusion