10 Iconic Puppets That Took Over Television

Puppets have always held a special spot in TV history. Many early television programs featured ventriloquist dummies, hand puppets, and marionettes. While animation has replaced many of these shows, the Muppets and others continue to uphold the puppet tradition.

Flip to the next page to begin exploring our countdown of the top 10 puppets that became television legends.

1: Kukla, Fran, and Ollie

Kukla, Fran, and Ollie was a beloved children's television program that first aired in 1947. Kukla, the group's leader, had the appearance of a clown, though he wasn't one. Ollie, a spirited dragon with a single tooth, was Oliver J. Dragon, and Fran, unlike the others, was a big sister figure who kept the characters in check. The show also featured other memorable puppets, such as Madame Ooglepuss, a retired opera star; Beulah Witch; and Fletcher Rabbit. Initially aimed at children, the show quickly gained a loyal adult following thanks to its strong character development and humor.

2: Charlie McCarthy

Charlie McCarthy is forever etched in history as the most famous ventriloquist's dummy in radio. Purchased by Edgar Bergen in the late 1910s as a teenager, Charlie became Bergen's long-time partner, and together they became stars until Bergen's passing in 1978. After their big break on Rudy Vallee's radio show in 1936, the duo landed their own program, which ran until 1956. Fans, unable to see Charlie's top hat, cape, and monocle, or the times Bergen's lips moved when Charlie spoke, still loved the duo's witty and often risqué (for the time) banter with celebrities like Mae West and W.C. Fields. In 1938, Bergen was awarded an honorary Oscar for creating Charlie, a wooden statuette to commemorate the achievement.

3. Farfel and Danny O'Day

Farfel, a shaggy dog with long ears, and Danny O'Day were the stars of numerous TV ads for Nestle's Quik. Danny would sing "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestle's makes the very best . . ." while Farfel would chime in with "Chawk-lit!" The duo, along with ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson, rose to fame in the 1950s when they appeared on the Texaco Star Theater hosted by Milton Berle.

4: Topo Gigio

Created in 1958 by artist Maria Perego, Topo Gigio was a charming mouse with oversized ears. He became the star of a children's television show in Italy during the early 1960s. Hugely popular in Italy, Topo Gigio achieved worldwide fame after his appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1963. Still a beloved figure in Italy, Topo Gigio continues to entertain audiences at festivals across the country.

5: Howdy Doody

The Howdy Doody Show, hosted by "Buffalo Bob" Smith, was a pioneering children's TV show that aired from 1947 to 1960. Howdy Doody was a marionette with blue eyes, red hair, and freckles, named after the expression "howdy do," which is a variation of the greeting "How do you do?" Each episode began with Buffalo Bob asking, "What time is it?" and the audience would joyously reply, "It's Howdy Doody time!" Today, Howdy Doody is part of the collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

6: Andy Pandy

Andy Pandy, a marionette living in a picnic basket, was the star of the British children's show of the same name, which premiered in 1950. His trusty sidekick was a teddy bear named Teddy, and rag doll Looby Loo only made appearances when the two weren't around. In 2002, the show was revived using stop-motion animation instead of puppets, with new characters such as Missy Hissy, a snake; Tiffo, a dog; and Orbie, a vibrant yellow and blue ball.

7: Lamb Chop

Lamb Chop is an adorable sock puppet sheep brought to life by comedian and ventriloquist Shari Lewis in 1957. During the 1960s, Lamb Chop was featured on Lewis's musical-comedy TV show. In 1992, Lewis launched Lamb Chop's Play-Along, a beloved children's program on PBS that won five Emmy Awards. Though Shari Lewis passed away in 1998, her daughter Mallory continues to keep Lamb Chop's legacy alive for generations of fans.

8: Bert and Ernie

Bert and Ernie, two iconic Muppets created by the legendary Jim Henson, have been featured on the popular PBS children's show Sesame Street since its launch in 1969. These two are often described as an "odd couple," with the mischievous and carefree Ernie often getting under the skin of the more serious and sensible Bert. While rumors about their relationship have circulated over the years, Sesame Street creators clarify that Bert and Ernie are not a couple, just roommates. Despite this, the duo remains beloved by fans, with Ernie even charting a hit song, 'Rubber Duckie,' in the top 40 of the Billboard charts in 1970.

9: Triumph the Insult Comic Dog

Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, resembling a rottweiler, is a sarcastic and crude hand puppet introduced on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Triumph speaks with a comically exaggerated Eastern European accent, frequently smoking a cigar. His famous catchphrase, '... for me to poop on!' is his signature insult, often following a compliment like 'You're the best... for me to poop on!' Since his first appearance in a 1997 skit at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Triumph has been throwing playful insults in the style of comedian Don Rickles.

10: Kermit the Frog

Kermit the Frog's journey began in 1955 as a lizard-like creature. Created by the iconic Muppeteer Jim Henson, Kermit was crafted from two ping-pong balls for eyes and a discarded green coat. By 1969, Kermit had evolved into the frog we know today, landing a recurring role on Sesame Street that would solidify his fame. Over the years, Kermit has become one of the most beloved puppets of all time, starring in various TV shows like The Muppet Show, movies such as The Muppets Take Manhattan, recording timeless songs like 'Bein' Green' and 'The Rainbow Connection,' and even guest-hosting The Tonight Show. Kermit's rise to stardom is a testament to his journey from the swamp to global fame.

For another fantastic list, check out the 10 Longest Running TV Shows.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen