It was groundbreaking because it was funny and educational and approached modern topics in a way that was accessible to children, yet it wasn't offending anyone. It was one of the first show whose educational effects on children were studied and it is considered to be a very positive show and a good thing to watch. The long term impact is that it created a legacy of a hundred million people watching the show in their lifetime, usually when children.
I'm fairly certain it's the National Committee. Sorry if that's wrong
