Elmo set for his not-so-late talk show

NEW YORK — There was a time not too long ago when Broadway star Ben Platt was interviewed by a monster. A perfectly nice monster, of course. It was Elmo.

Elmo asked Platt what was his favorite music to sing. Cookie Monster interrupted to ask what was Platt’s favorite cookie. “Oatmeal chocolate chip,” replied Platt in one exchange.

“Good answer,” said Cookie Monster. “But, then again, there’s no such thing as bad cookie.”

This meeting of furry monsters and human singer is part of a new Sesame Workshop family friendly talk show on HBO Max called “The Not Too Late Show with Elmo.” It begins streaming May 27.

Other guests during the initial 13-week episode run include Kacey Musgraves, the Jonas Brothers, John Mulaney, Lil Nas X, Miles Brown, Blake Lively, Dan + Shay, Andy Cohen, Hoda Kotb, Josh Groban, Olivia Wilde, Sara Bareilles, Jason Sudeikis, Sofia Carson and Ciara.

The show is the brainchild of Elmo — don’t tell him differently — and employs his Muppet friends: Cookie Monster is the sidekick, Rosita is the stage manager, Abby Cadabby is the writer and various monsters are the directors, riffing on the idea that everyone wants to direct.

The team putting the show together was able to keep on schedule despite the virus pandemic. Equipment was moved to staffers’ homes so post-production, editing and sound effects could be done remotely.

The show’s emphasis on children’s nighttime routines comes exactly at a time when parents are looking for stable schedules.