20th Anniversary of The Erica Crooks Show (satirical sketch comedy puppetry independent films by Erica Crooks)

20 years ago, I made my first independent films. The half-hour satirical puppet sketch comedy series "The Erica Crooks Show". I was 18 at the time.

Though I have experimented with video before as well as putting on live sketch comedy puppet shows in childhood, especially at my local public library for teens and adults (due to my sense of humor, even back then), 20 years ago is when I made my indie films and figured out how to edited them with a video editor.

Celebrating 25+ years of puppetry, cartoons, animation and indie film.

For more from Erica Crooks, visit: https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks (Websites, Socials, Patreon, and Shop)

Screenshots from the satirical dark comedy parody short puppet film "Out With The Great, In With The Horrible (2026) by Erica Crooks"

 Screenshots from the satirical dark comedy parody short puppet film "Out With The Great, In With The Horrible (2026) by Erica Crooks"

Watch the film right here: https://youtu.be/w8VbxaYn-Ws

Plot:

The rich ruling class have an evil plan to control the masses by adding in status quo propaganda through culture. And they know exactly how to do it, through reboots and banning pop culture, fandom and entertainment industry workers.

Meanwhile a group of pop culture fans have been spying on them and trying to figure out their counterculture plan. But are they being spied on too?

(As seen at the Handmade Puppet Dreams: 48hr Puppet Film Project 2026.)

For more satirical puppetry by Erica Crooks, visit: https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks (Websites, Social Media, Patreon & Shop)

Puppetry: The performance art of moving an inanimate object, creating the animated illusion of life. (e.g. A modeled doll of a human or animal. )

 Dolls + Performance Art = Puppetry.

Puppetry: The performance art of moving an inanimate object, creating the animated illusion of life. (e.g. A modeled doll of a human or animal. )

- Some puppeteers wear all black.

- Some puppets need more than one puppeteer.

_ Some puppeteers hide in view and some don't.

- Some are moved with hands, others with rods or strings. Some with several methods.

- It's acting with a sculpture.

- ADULT PUPPETRY EXISTS!

By the way, I not only draw but I'm a puppeteer and puppet builder too as well as an independent filmmaker.

For more of my art ( Erica Crooks ), visit: https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

The Mysterious Flower That Shook The World ( 2025 ) by Erica Crooks

The Mysterious Flower That Shook The World ( 2025 ) Erica Crooks

A satirical puppet short film by Erica Crooks.

As seen at the Handmade Puppet Dreams : 48hr Puppet Film Project 2025 : Ode To Spring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_rgIIGEJBk

And for more short satirical puppet films and videos as well as cartoon animation and more content from Erica Crooks,

check out the following.

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@Officialericcrooks

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/officialericcrooks/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/officialericcrooks/

Links ( website, Patreon, etc ) : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

The Greatest Story Ever Chocolate Covered and Pretzeled ( 2025 ) by Erica Crooks

The Greatest Story Ever Chocolate Covered and Pretzeled by Erica Crooks ( 2025 )

( as seen at the SModcastle 37 Hour Challenge ( 2025 ) screening ( 3/22/2025 ) )

( Parody film based on Kevin Smith's film "Dogma ( 1999 )". ) 

( Contains mild language and satirical humor throughout. )

And for more content from Erica Crooks

( Including puppet comedy videos and animated comedy, satire / parody cartoons & short films )

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

#smodcastle37hourchallenge #kevinsmith #ericacrooks #parody #georgecarlin #dogma #cardinalglick #parodyfilm #puppets #adultpuppetry #satire #puppetry #parodies #slapstick #comedy #film #indiefilm #filmfestival #shortfilm #darkcomedy #darkhumor

Images from the puppet satirical comedy short film " Nut ( 2023) " by Erica Crooks

 Images from the puppet satirical comedy short film " Nut ( 2023) " by Erica Crooks.

Watch the puppet comedy short film right here :

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeOk9Pw96T0

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzAogMVL2ur/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/officialericcrooks/videos/857830772650894/

For more puppetry from Erica Crooks,

check out the link in the bio : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

#puppetcomedy #shortfilm #ericacrooks #puppetry #satire #parody

puppet comedy short film parody | 25 second internet game show challenge ( 2025 ) by Erica Crooks

 

25 second internet game show challenge ( 2025 ) by Erica Crooks | puppet comedy short film parody

Puppet comedy short film parody entry for the "25 Puppet Film Challenge"

( The British Puppet Guild / Puppet Place )

And for more content from Erica Crooks ( especially puppet comedy )

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

#puppetcomedy #60secondfilm #parodycomedy

#puppet #puppetfilm #puppetry #puppeteer #filmchallenge #ericacrooks #parody #satire #comedy #funny #humor #slapstick #slapstickcomedy #puppetparody #shortfilm #puppets

Tales of forgotten legends for your consideration ( 2024 ) by Erica Crooks

Tales of forgotten legends for your consideration ( 2024 ) by Erica Crooks

Runner-up film of the Handmade Puppet Dreams : 48hr Halloween Puppet Film Project 2024.

( Mention from judge "Amanda Maddock" as well as "runner-up film" mention. )

https://youtu.be/5NtsYu2Sebc?si=cYdJXZmRON-QLTVB&t=8938

And for more content from Erica Crooks

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

AND MORE

visit

The Official Erica Crooks Websites :

Personal Website : ericacrooks.weebly.com

Official Website for The Erica Crooks Show : officialericcrooks.weebly.com

#ericacrooks #puppetry #halloween #puppets #parody

#shortfilm #shortfilms #filmfestival #satire #puppeteer #puppetbuilder #comedy #funny #slapstick #slapstickcomedy #indiefilm

The Modern Dystopian Future of Technology ( 2024 ) by Erica Crooks

The Modern Dystopian Future of Technology ( 2024 ) by Erica Crooks

Will the latest technology be the next greatest dream or a dystopian nightmare ?

One lucky winner who has a ticket for a free device will soon find out.

As seen at the The 2024 Bristol 48 Hour Puppet Film Challenge.

And for more content from Erica Crooks

( Especially puppetry related. )

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

AND MORE

visit

The Official Erica Crooks Websites :

Personal Website : ericacrooks.weebly.com

Official Website for The Erica Crooks Show : officialericcrooks.weebly.com

#puppetry #puppet #puppets #ericacrooks #puppeteer #puppetbuilder #shortfilm #shortfilms #filmfestival #filmfestivals #satire #darkcomedy #parody #politicalsatire #adultpuppetry #puppetfilm #puppetfilms #puppetvideo #puppetvideos #indiefilm #independentfilm

Easter | funny puppet satire comedy | Erica Crooks ( 2016 )

Easter | funny puppet satire comedy | Erica Crooks ( 2016 )

Check out more YouTube Shorts on the YouTube Shorts playlist right here.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJLbzpbdP5rm-Sq5aYXCbbD8bNXbMWsJ-

Also check out The Erica Crooks Show seasons playlist !

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJLbzpbdP5rmrcndtbNjNUwfXfaUyvWzD

And for more content from Erica Crooks

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

AND MORE

visit

The Official Erica Crooks Websites :

Personal Website : ericacrooks.weebly.com

Official Website for The Erica Crooks Show : officialericcrooks.weebly.com

#puppet #puppets #puppetry #satire #ericacrooks #funnypuppetshow #comedypuppetshow #adultpuppetry #puppetvideo #puppetvideos #puppetsatire #comedysketch #comedyskit #comedyskits #funny #skitcomedy #adultpuppetshow #sketchccomedy #comedy #humor #slapstick #parody #improv #improvcomedy #standup #darkcomedy #darkhumor #slapstickcomedy #standupcomedy #puppetcomedy

Dr. LeBrick eats Zombies - The Erica Crooks Show ( 2006 )

Dr. LeBrick EATS ZOMBIES ! - The Erica Crooks Show ( 2006 )

#theericacrooksshow #ericacrooksshow #ericacrooks #drlebrick #zombies #indiefilm #puppetry #comedy #humor #halloween #puppets #zombie

Yep, that's Debbie Hoswell alright. ( The Erica Crooks Show )

Yep, that's Debbie Hoswell alright. Not only an early character from the early seasons of The Erica Crooks Show but a character from the early 2000s making her one of the first women characters performed by Erica Crooks. She started off as a parody of annoying teenage feminine girly girls that liked annoying music but eventually matured into an intelligent feminist.

And for more content from Erica Crooks

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

AND MORE

visit

The Official Erica Crooks Websites :

Personal Website : ericacrooks.weebly.com

Official Website for The Erica Crooks Show : officialericcrooks.weebly.com

#theericacrooksshow #ericacrooksshow #ericacrooks #debbiehoswell #theericcrooksshow #ericcrooksshow #ericcrooks #characterdesign #feminist #feminism #translivesmatter #ericacrookspuppeteer #ericacrookspuppets #puppet #puppets #puppetry #puppeteer #character #characters

Count / Vampire " shaking his groove thing. - ( The Erica Crooks Show ( 2006 ) )

 Count / Vampire " shaking his groove thing.

( The Erica Crooks Show ( 2006 ) )

#theericacrooksshow #ericacrooksshow #ericacrooks #halloween #parody #parodies #puppetry #comedy #humor #slapstickcomedy #sketchcomedy #halloweencomedy #halloweenparody #halloweenparodies #satire 

Even they don't get it ! lol ( From The Erica Crooks Show - 2015 )

 Even they don't get it ! lol

( From The Erica Crooks Show - 2015 )

#halloween #theericacrooksshow #ericacrooksshow #ericacrooks #puppetry #slapstick #darkcomedy #darkhumor #halloweencomedy #funnyhalloween #puppet #puppets

What would THEY think of Fraggle Rock : Back To The Rock ?

There's people who enjoyed Fraggle Rock : Back To The Rock. Also all the creative / artistic hard work & effort of any production like this ( especially during the times of the pandemic ) is something to admire & appreciate as well as the advancement in puppetry filmmaking.

It's a reboot ( of a show that already had a general closure ) , " updated for modern times ". What does that exactly mean ? 

Is the original problematic ?

We live in an age of streaming services where sometimes the original & reboot / remakes are beside each other ironically. 

It's not mean to point out the facts that there's clearly differences between the two. It's called " artistic critique " ( probably more common among nostalgic fans who are the minority of fandom ).

The original had a strong political pacifism aspect to it as well as Jerry Juhl's humor. Back To The Rock is more gentle & the Fraggles talk in teenager slang ( among other things ).

Was the many changes necessary ? A change in modern times ( modern Democrat / Liberal ideology / Millennial & Generation Z " wokeness " )  or was it simply conforming to current demographic market research so it can " SELL " to modern audiences ( commodification ) or BOTH ?

In general, nostalgic fans prefer the quality of the originals ( & sometimes, other times ) which isn't present in the other stuff.

Even though Dave Goelz & Karen Prell returned as well as an episode written by Jocelyn Stevenson, still,

what would Jim Henson, Jerry Juhl, Richard Hunt & Jerry Nelson think ? Even though Frank Oz wasn't apart of Fraggle Rock, he has been outspoken about the changes of The Muppets ( & Sesame Street ) for 10 years now.

During the original 1989 - 1990 Henson / Disney deal , Jim Henson wanted them to understand the uniqueness of how he ran everything. 

Would Jim, Richard & the two Jerrys be as outspoken about current times today ?

#FraggleRock #FraggleRockBackToTheRock #JimHensonLegacy #JimHenson #JimHensonsMuppets #tributeart #popculture #puppetry #Muppets #art #artists #reboot #reboots #remake #remakes #RichardHunt #JerryNelson #JerryJuhl

The Erica Crooks Show ( 2016 ) Educating the Homophobic bigot ( satire )

A gay cisgender man tries to educate a bigot on the fact that even though there's differences between LGBTQ+ people and CisHet people, they are actually equal. Unfortunately the bigot's own ignorance ignores being aware due to fears caused by Authoritarianism, Capitalism, Toxic Masculinity, etc. He has now lost a possible friend and find himself reflecting , reflecting on the consequences of his actions and the error of his ways. Will he learn a valuable lesson about life and be aware about the importance of equality and diversity ? Or will he cave in and distracted by Authoritarianism once again ?

From The Erica Crooks Show - Season 9 ( 2016 )

And for more content from Erica Crooks

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

AND MORE

visit

The Official Erica Crooks Websites :

Personal Website : ericacrooks.weebly.com

Official Website for The Erica Crooks Show : officialericcrooks.weebly.com

#theericacrooksshow #ericacrooksshow #ericacrooks #officialericcrooks #theericcrooksshow #ericcrooksshow #ericcrooks #ericacrookspuppets #ericacrookspuppeteer #puppetry #lgbtq #pride #pridemonth #antiauthoritarian #antiauthoritarianism #anticapitalism #puppets #puppeteer #translivesmatter #queerlivesmatter #philosophy #toxicmasculinity #darkcomedy #darkhumor #satire #politicalsatire #sketchcomedy #indiefilm #independentfilm #sketchcomedies

The Erica Crooks Show Proudly Celebrates 15 Years of LGBTQ+ Pride !

The Erica Crooks Show Proudly Celebrates 15 Years of LGBTQ+ Pride !

The satirical puppet / animated cartoon sketch comedy indie film show created by Nonbinary Androgynous Femme Transgender Lesbian Woman " Erica Crooks " has both spread LGBTQ+ awareness especially Nonbinary as well as satirize the bigotry of Transphobia, Homophobia, etc through out the show's history. The show even mirrored back fears of coming out of the closet and helped Erica Crooks come out of the closet first through " artistic expression ". Nonbinary characters have appeared on the show during the second season in 2007. And in 2008, a character who identified as Androgyne / Nonbinary debuted struggling to get people to understand them.

The Erica Crooks Show is much more than a sketch comedy show. It's a show that expresses true human emotions through the art of puppetry & cartoon animation. It's a show that always encouraged anyone to follow their heart, non-conform, and be their true selves. As well as have a satirical laugh at those negative authoritarian brainwashed serious people conformists who disagree because they don't matter !

In 2021, Erica Crooks directed the puppet short film ( featuring the cast of The Erica Crooks Show ) " Let The Show Go On... ( Regardless ) " which featured The Erica Crooks Show's known " Hand " characters who symbolized human like creatures who felt different from the world around them but always wanted to be accepted for who they are. They have been the earliest creation of the show as well as the artwork of Erica Crooks and reflects the heart, meaning & message of it all. YOU ARE NOT ALONE !

And for more content from Erica Crooks

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

AND MORE

visit

The Official Erica Crooks Websites :

Personal Website : ericacrooks.weebly.com

Official Website for The Erica Crooks Show : officialericcrooks.weebly.com

#ericacrooks #theericacrooksshow #ericacrooksshow #officialericcrooks #theericcrooksshow #ericcrooksshow #ericcrooks #ericacrookspuppeteer #ericacrookspuppets #ericacrookscartoons #LGBTQ+ #pride #pride2022 #trans #transgender #translivesmatter #transgenderartist #butchlesbian #butchlesbians #androgyne #nonbinary #genderqueer #puppetry #animation #loveislove #queerlivesmatter #transwomen #transgenderwomen #indiefilm #independentfilm

THE ERICA CROOKS SHOW CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF LGBTQ+ PRIDE 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️💕🌎☮️

 

THE ERICA CROOKS SHOW CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF LGBTQ+ PRIDE 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️💕🌎☮️

#ericacrooks #theericacrooksshow #ericacrooksshow #LGBTQ #pride #pride2022 #trans #transgender #translivesmatter #butchlesbian #androgyne #nonbinary #genderqueer #puppetry #animation #indiefilm #independentfilm

The Erica Crooks Show ( 2016 ) : Unfunny standup comedian / party venue hack ( clip )

These unfunny transphobic / homophobic standup comedians probably got their start as party venue hacks for evil Hollywood Executives / Media Capitalists.

( From The Erica Crooks Show - Season 9 ( 2016 ) )

#TransLivesMatter #ericacrooksshow #theericacrooksshow #satire #puppetry #politicalsatire #puppeteer #wontbeerased #LGBTQ #Pride #politicalcartoon #politicalcartoons #stoptransphobia #endtransphobia #stophomophobia #endhomophobia #antiauthoritarian #antiauthoritarianism #anticapitalism #puppets #puppet #adultpuppetry #adultpuppetshow #sketchcomedy #darkcomedy #darkhumor #toxicmasculinity #antiestablishment #indiefilm #independentfilm

And for more content from Erica Crooks

Check out : https://linktr.ee/officialericcrooks

AND MORE

visit

The Official Erica Crooks Websites :

Personal Website : ericacrooks.weebly.com

Official Website for The Erica Crooks Show : officialericcrooks.weebly.com

Women's History in the legacy of Jim Henson's Muppets

When it comes to International Woman’s Day,

Muppet fans already know the major contributions there has been through out the history and legacy.

https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Feminism

From Muppet Performers

( Including but not limited to )

Jane Henson ( Jim’s first performing partner )

Fran Brill ( The first main Woman Muppet Performer after Jane's retirement )

Karen Prell ( Red on Fraggle Rock )

Kathryn Mullen ( Mokey on Fraggle Rock )

Louise Gold ( The Muppet Show , also Spitting Image )

&

Camille Bonora ( 1980s Sesame Street , The Jim Henson Hour ) ( I wish she didn’t retire to that Catholic Kari’s Journal. )

As well as the many Muppet Builders from the original Muppet Workshops

( Including but not limited to )

Amy Van Gilder

Jane Gootnick

Carol Wilcox

Bonnie Erickson

Polly Smith

&

Lauren Attinello

( Who built the BEST version of Kermit for Muppets Take Manhattan ( aka 1980s Kermit ) )

Also

Karen Falk the archivist and historian of The Jim Henson Legacy

As well as Jim Henson had 3 daughters who continue to carry on his legacy :

Lisa, Cheryl & Heather .

And of course many, many, many more. :)

#InternationalWomansDay #InternationalWomansDay2022 #WomansDay #WomansDay2022 #JimHenson #JimHensonsMuppets #Muppets #Puppetry #PuppetBuilding #Puppeteer #Puppeteers #PuppetBulding #PuppetBuilders #JimHensonLegacy #Art #Arts #PerformingArts #PopCulture #Feminism #Feminist #WomenInHistory