Big Bag Big Bag was a puppet / animated series produced as a co - production between Children ' s Television Workshop and Cartoon Network from 1996 to 1998 . Created and executive produced by former " Sesame Street " producer Nina Elias Bamberger , the program was an early morning weekend series aimed at preschoolers and intended to satisfy the network ' s educational quota . The series was unique for Cartoon Network not only in its extensive use of live actors and puppets , but also due to the fact that it aired in an hour block sans commercial interruptions ( the series was later divided into two consecutive half - hours , but still without commercials ) . In addition to Bamberger , the series was developed by fellow " Sesame " vet Lou Berger , along with writer Gary Cooper and animation veteran Allan Neuwirth . Kevin Clash served as creative consultant , and his own character Elmo made a guest appearance in the second season episode " Elmo ' s Visit , " where it ' s revealed that Elmo and Chelli were pen pals . The series was originally taped in Orlando , Florida , at the Disney MGM Studios Theme Park , using several local child actors . The series featured several new Muppet characters built by the Henson Company ' s Muppet Workshop , who interacted with human regulars . The star was Chelli , a cheerful patchwork dog who , with his human friend Molly , had just moved to a neighborhood , generically titled Main Street USA , and opened up a small general store . Chelli helped out on occasion , but most often explored the world with his Muppet friend Bag . Other puppet regulars included Lyle and Argyle McSock , the mismatched socks who served ostensibly as stockroom boys , and beginning in 1998 , Sofie , a new humanoid neighbor . 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 ) , exercise instructor Trudy , Josie the mail lady , kindly old veterinarian Doc Furrball , and egotistical inventor Waldo . All of the adult villagers were played by Cullen Douglas and Clare Sera , but along with the kids , they were all dropped as regulars for the second season ( which began in spring of 1998 ) . Human cast members continued to appear on an episodic basis , however , with actress Nell Carter guest starring as Molly ' s mother . Interactive Elements . As part of the show ' s educational agenda , in addition to the lessons about friendship , how things work , and other such values learned by Chelli and Bag , the series was framed in such a way as to encourage kids to actively participate . Bag helped Chelli carry his equipment , which almost invariably included a pair of socks , two spoons , an explorer ' s hat , and his " magic telescope , " a decorated cardboard tube . These items were part of the educational / interactive element , as children at home were encouraged to be creative at home , and to use their own hand made telescopes while watching the show ( at different times , a cue would be given to use the telescope , or other item ) . In a 1996 interview with " The Washington Post , " Nina Elias Bamberger stated the following : " We wanted to create a series that every child could participate in . We wanted to make sure that every single thing they needed , they did not have to buy , " said executive producer Nina Elias Bamberger , noting the creative team ' s fondness for the 1950s weekend kids show " Winky - Dink and You . " " In addition , occasional " dance break " moments , and the character of Trudy , encouraged kids to get up and jump around . Animated Portions . 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 animated segments ran approximately 5 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 first season segments consisted of the following : When new episodes were produced in 1998 , and the format reduced to two half - hours with the same three segments each , all save " Troubles the Cat " and " Koki " were dropped . A new segment was added : When the original episodes were cut down to a half - hour length , reruns would alternate in showing either " Troubles the Cat " , " Samuel & Nina " and a musical " Big Bag Beat " segment , or showing " William ' s Wish Wellingtons , " " Slim Pig " and " Koki . " " Tobias Totz and His Lion " was dropped from the reruns altogether . Cast . Muppet Performers : Human Cast : Animated Voices :