National Geographic’s kids programming and production unit has scored a co-production coup by joining forces with Sesame Workshop on a new prime-time special. Starring Bert and Ernie, the family-targeted one-off will build on the ‘Global Grover’ segment that debuted on Sesame Street last year.

At press time, NGT&F kids programming and production president Donna Friedman Meir and Sesame Workshop executive VP of content Karen Gruenberg were hammering out a name for the family-targeted special, as well as mapping out Bert and Ernie’s worldwide adventures. The eternal roommates will hit the road to celebrate and discover global traditions and customs, and both organizations will use their international clout to shoot on-location segments in South America and South Africa. Sesame and Nat Geo Kids will be trolling the Palais at MIPCOM to secure broadcast deals, and the special is targeted for delivery in Q4 2005. Bert and Ernie’s treks will also reach video store shelves in 2006.