Big Bag
Encyclopedia
Big Bag was a live action television puppet program for preschoolers that was produced by The Jim Henson Company
and aired from 1996
to 1998
on the Cartoon Network
. There were also localized versions for Canal J
in France and Yorkshire Television
in the UK.
The first season also featured frequent interaction with a large cast of human regulars, including an assortment of child friends (notably Kim), and colorful locals, including the shy Martha, Bernard the Crossing Guard (who would ask the kids at home if they had their telescope or hat), exercise instructor Trudy, Josie the mail lady, kindly old veterinarian Doc Furrball, and egotistical inventor Waldo.
, the animated segments ran approximately 3 to 8 minutes each, and were produced by various studios in New York, Australia, and Europe, often with consultation from CTW and Cartoon Network. (Big Bag aired back to back with Small World, another preschool series which showcased different international cartoons). The shorts included:
Additional Muppets performed by Jeff Conover, James Andrew Stone, and Matt Vogel
The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company, an American entertainment organization, traces its origins to the founding of Muppets, Inc. in 1958 by puppeteer Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets. The Muppets helped the company gain worldwide acclaim in family entertainment for more than four decades...
and aired from 1996
1996 in television
The year 1996 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1996.For the American TV schedule, see: 1996-97 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:-1950s:...
to 1998
1998 in television
The year 1998 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1998.For the American TV schedule, see: 1998–99 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:-1950s:...
on the Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network is a name of television channels worldwide created by Turner Broadcasting which used to primarily show animated programming. The channel began broadcasting on October 1, 1992 in the United States....
. There were also localized versions for Canal J
Canal J
Canal J is a French television network dedicated to children's programming. It is available through digital terrestrial television service 'TNT' and is aimed at children aged between 4 and 16 years old.-History:...
in France and Yorkshire Television
Yorkshire Television
Yorkshire Television, now officially known as ITV Yorkshire and sometimes unofficially abbreviated to YTV, is a British television broadcaster and the contractor for the Yorkshire franchise area on the ITV network...
in the UK.
Plot
The principle Muppet character was Chelli, a puppet dog who is joined by his best friend Bag. They live with their human friend Molly. Also on the show was Lyle the Sock and Argyle McSock who often interact with the characters. In 1998, a humanoid puppet character called Sofie joined the cast.The first season also featured frequent interaction with a large cast of human regulars, including an assortment of child friends (notably Kim), and colorful locals, including the shy Martha, Bernard the Crossing Guard (who would ask the kids at home if they had their telescope or hat), exercise instructor Trudy, Josie the mail lady, kindly old veterinarian Doc Furrball, and egotistical inventor Waldo.
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 StreetSesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
, the animated segments ran approximately 3 to 8 minutes each, and were produced by various studios in New York, Australia, and Europe, often with consultation from CTW and Cartoon Network. (Big Bag aired back to back with Small World, another preschool series which showcased different international cartoons). The shorts included:
- Troubles the Cat - This is the first totally original cartoon based on Latino characters to air in the United States. The group of kids includes Marina, a six-year-old Latina, and her multicultural friends. Marina's cat Troubles (voiced by María Conchita AlonsoMaria Conchita AlonsoMaría Conchita Alonso , better known as María Conchita, is a Venezuelan Grammy Award-nominated singer and actress.- Early life :...
) uses a "troublescope" to sniff out problems that develop in the group's relationships. Troubles invites home viewers to do the same, using their cardboard tubes as troublescopes "to see what the kids are really thinking and feeling". 24 episodes were made. - William's Wish Wellingtons - William's magic boots—Wellingtons—make any wish come true. They're a wonderful tool to solve problems with if he can only figure out the right thing to wish for. Each story, whether it's about looking for buried treasure or William wishing himself invisible at his sister's wedding, sparks the imagination of viewers. 13 out of 26 episodes made were aired.
- Slim Pig - A two-dimensional pig who lives in a three-dimensional world named Slim Pig (voiced by James Spector), is a uniquely proportioned animal who can slide between the barriers that surround his farm. Slim Pig demonstrates that it can be fun to explore and discover new things. Fellow animals admire Slim for his ability and desire to venture beyond their world. 13 episodes were made.
- Koki - In this claymation segment, a four-year-old chick named Koki has a life similar to that of a preschool child. Koki is learning new responsibilities while adapting to relationships with her family and friends. Koki's younger sibling, an egg, represents a new challenge for her. 13 episodes were made.
- Tobias Totz and his Lion - Centered around the relationship between two friends: a man named Tobias and a not-so-ferocious lion. These shorts explores alternative solutions to difficult situations. Tobias is a retired zookeeper who is frequently asked to return to the zoo and solve problems. 13 out of 25 episodes made were aired.
- Samuel and Nina - A canine alter-ego of Charlie ChaplinCharlie ChaplinSir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, KBE was an English comic actor, film director and composer best known for his work during the silent film era. He became the most famous film star in the world before the end of World War I...
named Samuel (voiced by Allen Enlow) and a prudent, down-to-earth squirrel named Nina (voiced by Fran BrillFran BrillFrances Joan "Fran" Brill , is an American actress and puppeteer, best known for her roles on Sesame Street.Brill was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Linette and Joseph M. Brill. Her father was a physician...
) embark on adventures and help humans and creatures in distress by using their imagination. Samuel shapes his hat into a creative piece of apparel, appropriate for his role in each crisis, and prompts viewers to do the same. This was replaced by Ace and Avery in Season Two. 13 episodes were made. - Ace and Avery - This segment focused on a bespectacled boy Ace and his raccoon sidekick, Avery (voiced by Kevin ClashKevin ClashKevin Jeffrey Clash is an American puppeteer and voice actor whose characters include Elmo, Baby Sinclair, Clifford, Splinter and Hoots the Owl...
). This segment was the most likely to incorporate craft elements from the main storyline. 14 episodes were made.
Season 1: 1996
| Ep # | Title | Airdate |
|---|
Season 2: 1998
| Ep # | Title | Airdate |
|---|
VHS tapes
- Explore with Us! (Key, Key, Where Can You Be?) - 1996
- Share With Us! (My Crayons, My Crayons) - 1996
- Imagine With Us! (The Imaginary Treasure) - 1997
- Dance with Us! (Sock Hop and The Birthday Blah) - 1998
- Sing with Us! - 1998
Cast
- Selena Nelson - Molly
- Cullen DouglasCullen DouglasCullen Douglas is an American film and television actor.He is best known for his television guest appearances on shows such as Prison Break, Kenan & Kel, CSI, Private Practice, and, most notably, as Mr. Arnold, "The Birdman," on Grey's Anatomy...
- Bernard the Crossing Guard, Doc Hairrball, Waldo Muckle - Clare Sera - Josie the Mail Lady, Martha, Trudy the Exercise Instructor
- Tessa Ludwick - Kim
- John Mountford - Joey
- Ashley Jones - Neighborhood Kid
- Jamie Ryan - Neighborhood Kid
Muppet Performers
- Rickey Boyd - Bag, Argyle McSock
- Alice DinneanAlice DinneanAlice Dinnean-Vernon is a puppeteer and creative writer who works at The Jim Henson Company. Dinnean-Vernon has performed on many children's television shows such as Sesame Street, Bear in the Big Blue House, Cousin Skeeter, and Jack's Big Music Show...
- Sofie - Joey Mazzarino - Chelli, Lyle the Sock
Additional Muppets performed by Jeff Conover, James Andrew Stone, and Matt Vogel
Voice Cast
- María Conchita AlonsoMaria Conchita AlonsoMaría Conchita Alonso , better known as María Conchita, is a Venezuelan Grammy Award-nominated singer and actress.- Early life :...
- Troubles the Cat - Fran BrillFran BrillFrances Joan "Fran" Brill , is an American actress and puppeteer, best known for her roles on Sesame Street.Brill was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Linette and Joseph M. Brill. Her father was a physician...
- Nina - Ashley Carin - Sarah ("Troubles the Cat" segments)
- Kevin ClashKevin ClashKevin Jeffrey Clash is an American puppeteer and voice actor whose characters include Elmo, Baby Sinclair, Clifford, Splinter and Hoots the Owl...
- Avery - Allen Enlow - Samuel
- Pam LewisPam LewisPam Lewis is a Democratic Unionist Party politician in Northern Ireland who was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly for the South Antrim constituency in 2011....
- Little Chick ("Slim Pig" segments) - Andrew SachsAndrew SachsAndrew Sachs is a German-born British actor. He made his name on British television and is best known for his portrayals of Manuel in Fawlty Towers, a role for which he was BAFTA-nominated, and Ramsay Clegg in Coronation Street.-Early life:Sachs was born in Berlin, Germany, the son of Katharina , a...
- Narrator ("William's Wish Wellingtons" segments) - James Spector - Slim Pig