Big Bag

Last updated

Big Bag
Big Bag title.jpeg
Title card
Genre Puppetry
Educational
Sketch comedy
Created byNina Elias-Bamberger
Developed by Lou Berger
Allan Neuwirth
Gary Cooper
Directed by Emily Squires
Yoram Gross
StarringSelena Nelson
Cullen Douglas
Clare Sera
Tessa Ludwick
John Mountford
Ashley Jones
James Ryan
Puppeteers:
Joey Mazzarino
Rickey Boyd
Alice Dinnean
Jeff Conover
James Stone
Matt Vogel
Voices of María Conchita Alonso
Fran Brill
Kevin Clash
Allen Enlow
James Spector
Kimberly Brooks (uncredited)
Narrated by Andrew Sachs ("William's Wish Wellingtons" segment)
Theme music composerMichael Abbott
Sarah Weeks
Opening theme"Big Bag!"
Ending theme"Big Bag!"
Country of origin United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes39
Production
Executive producersNina Elias-Bamberger
Buzz Potamkin
Khaki Jones
ProducersNina Shelton
Marie Poe (animation)
Production locations Disney-MGM Studios
Bay Lake, Florida
EditorsScott P. Doniger
Julie Sanker
Running time54 minutes (season 1)
24 minutes (season 2)
Production company Children's Television Workshop
Original release
Network Cartoon Network
ReleaseJune 2, 1996 (1996-06-02) 
May 11, 1998 (1998-05-11)

Big Bag is an American live-action/animated children's television series created by Nina Elias-Bamberger for Cartoon Network and Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop). It was targeted at preschool viewers. The show was co-produced by Cartoon Network and CTW, with Muppet characters created by the Jim Henson Company. [1] It aired from 1996 to 1998, with reruns airing through 2001, alongside another program titled Small World . Localized versions of Big Bag aired on Canal J in France and Yorkshire Television in the UK.

Contents

Plot

The principal Muppet character is Chelli, a puppet dog who is joined by his best friend Bag. Chelli and Bag run a general store. They live on Main Street in an unidentified town with their human friend Molly and a variety of other animals named for their species. Two sock puppets named Lyle the Sock and Argyle McSock work as stockroom boys and often interact with the main cast. In season 2, a humanoid Muppet character called Sofie was introduced. The first season features frequent interaction with a large cast of human regulars, including an assortment of child friends and colorful locals.

Cast and characters

Muppets

Additional puppets were performed by Jeff Conover, Andy Stone, and Matt Vogel. [2]

Humans

Voice cast

Animated segments

The scenes with Chelli and friends served as frames for a variety of individual animated segments, which were also rotated between seasons. As opposed to the shorter clips on Sesame Street, the seven animated segments ran approximately 3 to 8 minutes each and were produced by various studios in New York City, Australia, and Europe, often with consultation from Sesame Workshop and Cartoon Network (Big Bag aired back to back with Small World, another preschool series which showcased different international cartoons). The shorts included:

In the second season, every segment except Troubles the Cat and Koki was removed. A new segment was added:

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesAir date
First airedLast aired
113June 2, 1996August 25, 1996
226April 6, 1998May 11, 1998

Episodes

Season 1 (1996)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal air date
11"Let's Work Together"June 2, 1996 (1996-06-02)
Molly, Chelli, and Bag unpack and get the store ready for opening day. Chelli cannot wait to make new friends, but Bag misses the choo-choo train that was near their old home. Throughout the day the neighborhood adults and children stop by to meet their new neighbors. Chelli makes friends, but the neighborhood kids get into an argument about what to make out of some cardboard boxes. The kids leave in a huff but soon return and apologize. Chelli and the kids then decide to cooperate and make something that really makes Bag happy – a cardboard choo-choo train!
22"One Little Lie"June 9, 1996 (1996-06-09)
Molly obtains an old music box that has a dancing clown on it. Before she leaves the store, she tells Chelli to wait until she returns before playing it again. Chelli cannot wait and plays with it. But he breaks the music box. He then hides it. Josie comes by the store and mentions that Molly told her about her new music box. Josie asks Chelli to see it and Chelli lies and says Kim has it. Josie and Kim come back to the store to say that Kim does not have it. Then Chelli claims that the music box is with "Him" meaning Doc Furball. Chelli's lie gets bigger and bigger as the whole cast is trying to figure out who has the music box. This lasts until Molly returns upon Chelli's claims that Waldo took it for a swim. In the end, Chelli tells the truth and apologizes. Waldo ends up fixing the music box.
33"Bag O' Tricks"June 16, 1996 (1996-06-16)
Chelli is having fun dressing up in disguises. Bag decides that she would like to have a disguise as well to see if she can fool people into thinking she's something she's really not. Chelli and the neighborhood kids work together to come up with a disguise for Bag. However, the disguise does not work—no one is fooled. Later that day, Molly and Kim work with Chelli to make a new disguise for Bag. This time, Bag dresses up as a chicken. Bag (a.k.a. the chicken) tries to fool Doc, but it does not work. However, Doc just happened to bring some baby chicks with him to the store and they cluster around Bag, convinced that she is their mother. Bag is happy that her disguise finally fooled someone.
44"Good-Bye to Feeling Shy"June 23, 1996 (1996-06-23)
Chelli needs to bring something for show-and-tell day at school. He decides he wants to take Bag. However, Bag is too shy to stand in front of Chelli's class. Molly and Chelli try different methods to cure Bag out of his shyness. They finally succeed with a big finale that the townspeople watch.
55"Birthday Bash"June 30, 1996 (1996-06-30)
It's Kim's birthday and Chelli has painted her a special painting. Kim comes by the store to show everyone her new birthday overalls. She also tries to take a peek at Chelli's painting. Chelli tries to prevent her from seeing the painting and Kim accidentally gets paint on her overalls. She blames Chelli, and Chelli says it was her fault. Kim uninvites Chelli to the birthday party that she is going to have that day. They both realize that it was an accident and decide to apologize to each other. The day ends with a big birthday party at the store.
66"Key, Key, Where Can You Be?"July 7, 1996 (1996-07-07)
Molly discovers a locked wooden chest in her store, but she does not have the key. Josie comes by and tells her that the chest is filled with old toys from the previous store owner. She also mentions that the previous owner would hide keys under objects that remind her of the things she's locking up. Molly, Chelli, and the neighborhood kids set out to search for the key. They decide that the key must be hidden under a toy. They find the key with the help of Bag and the audience at home.
77"The Apple Corps"July 14, 1996 (1996-07-14)
Chelli wants to spend the day telling jokes to Kim. Kim has made other plans. She is going to spend the day with the Apple Corps, a Girl/Boy Scout-type group. Feeling a bit jealous when Molly goes with the Apple Corps, Chelli decides the Apple Corps are not cool and he creates his own group called the "Supercool Incredibly Groovy Joke Squad" where they accidentally cause a mess. The Apple Corps returns to invite Chelli to help them pass out cookies to sick kids. They also help Chelli clean up the mess he and Bag had caused before he can go. Chelli decides that the Apple Corps are cool because they help people. The Apple Corps invite Chelli to join their group.
88"Win, Lose or Draw"July 21, 1996 (1996-07-21)
After cleaning the store, Chelli complains that it's hard to find things, so Molly decides to decorate the store by having her friends each draw a picture of something special to them. Chelli decides to draw a picture of Bag. However, as he shows his picture to everyone, each person thinks it's a wonderful picture of something it is not. Chelli is embarrassed by his drawing. Molly teaches Chelli how to draw a better picture. After much practice, he does. At the end of the day, everyone compliments Chelli on his second picture. Molly points out that his first picture was a wonderful work of art because it allowed everyone to see what they want to see.
99"The Imaginary Treasure"July 28, 1996 (1996-07-28)
Molly reads a book to Chelli, Bag, Kim, and Jamie about pirates who find a buried treasure. As Molly finishes, she discovers the last pages are missing. Everyone is disappointed because they want to find out what happens to the pirates. So Molly suggests that the kids pretend that they are the pirates. The cast spends the rest of the day looking for make-believe buried treasure and discovers that using their imagination can be very rewarding.
1010"My Crayons, My Crayons"August 4, 1996 (1996-08-04)
Chelli receives a new box of crayons and decides the only way to keep them new and pointy is not to share them. However, that day everyone needs to use one of Chelli's crayons. He reluctantly shares with each person but is not happy about it. At the end of the day, Chelli's new crayons are no longer fresh and pointy. Chelli, however, discovers how wonderful it is to be shared with his friends....before Bag has a new box of crayons.
1111"Practice, Practice"August 11, 1996 (1996-08-11)
Chelli and Kim are scheduled to learn a song on the recorder for a homework assignment. Molly shows them how to play the recorder and reminds them that they need to practice to learn how to play the song. Kim practices with the recorder, but Chelli decides he does not need to practice with the actual recorder. He thinks he can learn to play by other methods. After his way of learning fails, he discovers that practicing is the only way to master a skill.
1212"Piano Roll Blues"August 18, 1996 (1996-08-18)
Molly receives music rolls for her player piano. Chelli and Kim are supposed to take turns playing their favorite roll. However, when Kim puts her roll in, she forgets to take turns. She plays her song over and over again and never gives Chelli a chance to play. Chelli is very upset but is afraid to confront Kim. Instead, he tries various methods to prevent Kim from playing her song. After accidentally breaking the player piano and being talked to by Molly, Chelli finally decides to confront Kim and she apologizes. Waldo is called in to repair the player piano.
1313"Bringing Up Puppy"August 25, 1996 (1996-08-25) [3]
Doc needs a dog sitter for the afternoon and Chelli volunteers for the job. After the puppy falls asleep, Chelli decides that dog sitting can be really boring. Kim and Joey come by to ask Chelli if he would like to rollerblade. Chelli knows he should not because he is supposed to be watching the puppy, but he and Bag leave anyway. When they return they discover the puppy made a mess of the store. Soon after, Doc and Molly return and express their disappointment in Chelli. Chelli apologizes and agrees to clean up the mess the puppy made.

Season 2 (1998)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal air date
141"Join the Club!"April 6, 1998 (1998-04-06) [4]

Chelli and Sofie disagree about club rules.

Segments: Troubles the Cat: The Best Pie In Town, Koki: A Day At The Movies, Ace and Avery: The Rainy Day
152"The Sock Hop"April 7, 1998 (1998-04-07)

The gang throws a sock hop to cheer homesick Argyle.

Segments: Troubles the Cat: Daniel City, Koki: Papa's New Piano, Ace and Avery: Follow the Leader
163"Birthday Blahs"April 8, 1998 (1998-04-08)

Chelli needs help with Sofie's last-minute birthday party when he realizes he can't do it on his own.

Segments: Troubles the Cat: The Case of the Missing Coin, Koki: Crazy for Cleanin', Ace and Avery: It's My Party
174"Zoom to the Zoo"April 9, 1998 (1998-04-09)
The pals use pets and imagination to create a zoo when they cannot go to a real zoo due to Molly injuring herself.
185"The Showdown"April 10, 1998 (1998-04-10)
Buckaroos Sofie and Chelli have a drawing contest after Sofie gets something in the mail from her cowboy cousin.
196"Elmo's Visit"April 13, 1998 (1998-04-13)
Elmo (from Sesame Street ) visits Chelli, realizing they are pen-pals.
207"Afraid of the Dark"April 14, 1998 (1998-04-14)
Chelli and Sofie overcome their fear of the dark after Bag accidentally causes a blackout in the store.
218"Presto Change-O"April 15, 1998 (1998-04-15)
Sofie and Chelli disobey Argyle and play with his magic kit making Bag invisible by mistake.
229"To See or Not to See"April 16, 1998 (1998-04-16)
Sofie dislikes her glasses.
2310"Giggle Cookies"April 17, 1998 (1998-04-17)
Chelli tries to get some cookies without asking, but thanks to a mishap from Bag, the "choco-lock cookies" cause whoever eats them to laugh uncontrollably.
2411"Royal Bag"April 20, 1998 (1998-04-20)
Sharing is discussed in this episode.
2512"It's Showtime"April 21, 1998 (1998-04-21)
Chelli and Sofie want to produce a play of "The Three Little Pigs", but Bag would rather pretend he is a robot. They compromise and put on a play of "The Three Evil Space Pigs", starring Sofie and the socks as the pigs, and Bag as "Robo-Wolf".
2613"Case of the Missing Sock"April 22, 1998 (1998-04-22)
Chelli (pretending to be Sherlock Holmes) and Bag (playing Dr. Watson) search for missing socks.
2714"Chelli's in Charge"April 23, 1998 (1998-04-23)
Chelli is put in charge of the store while Molly is busy. Chelli creates a new song and dance.
2815"Fair Play at the Country Fair"April 24, 1998 (1998-04-24)
Chelli does not like Sofie's new game.
2916"Bathtub Blues"April 27, 1998 (1998-04-27)
Lyle does not want to take a bath.
3017"Parrot Patrol"April 28, 1998 (1998-04-28)
Sofie and Chelli lose Molly's bird.
3118"Where's Harriet?"April 29, 1998 (1998-04-29)
Chelli plays along when Sofie introduces him to her imaginary friend, Harriet.
3219"Oatmeal Man"April 30, 1998 (1998-04-30)
Chelli and Sofie learn to be more careful with their words when they accidentally hurt Bag's feelings.
3320"You Don't Look Bluish"May 1, 1998 (1998-05-01)
Chelli, Bag, and Sofie confess after disobeying Molly's orders.
3421"Mrs. Everard Returns"May 4, 1998 (1998-05-04)
3522"Attention Shoppers"May 5, 1998 (1998-05-05)
Bag is upset that he can't be understood over the store's new P.A. system.
3623"Sofie the Champ"May 6, 1998 (1998-05-06)
3724"Dr. Bag"May 7, 1998 (1998-05-07)
3825"Doing My Share"May 8, 1998 (1998-05-08)
3926"I Ought to be in Pictures"May 11, 1998 (1998-05-11)
Chelli, Bag and Sofie make their own movie with a camcorder.

Home media

The American Spanish VHS release of Big Bag: Share With Us. Big Bag VHS cover.jpg
The American Spanish VHS release of Big Bag: Share With Us.

Five Big Bag VHS tapes were released by Warner Home Video: "Share With Us", "Explore With Us" and "Imagine With Us" in 1997, and "Dance With Us" and "Sing With Us" in 1998. However, there were no DVD releases for the show, and currently, the show is not available on HBO Max. The VHS releases of show got Spanish dubbed counterparts alongside the English ones.

See also

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References

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