Wanted: BITBBH Original Pilot Episode

Actually, there never was a true pilot episode. Just a scene that took place in the living room with Pip (Pummel) and Pop, Bear, and a very different version of Ojo. The first actual episode to be shot was "Home is Where the Bear is," which was also the first episode to air.

The "pilot" was a 10 minute test to see if this whole concept of a bear owning a home would work.

It was shot in NY in the "Carriage House," the place on the Upper East Side owned by the Hensons (and used for other productions). There was the living room and kitchen but, due to the size it was very clever how both rooms were done.

There was a dutch door that bear opened and you "came in" similar to the show. After his bit with the otters and the song about water, he hears Tutter in the kitchen. The living room was the classic three wall set used on TV. The doorway/wall to the kitchen was camera right (on screen) and as Bear walked, the doorway/wall, which was hinged, moved past him. So Bear took two steps, faked (aka moon walked) two steps, then took the last steps in and to the sink. It then ends with him, Tutter, and the otters singing and the camera pulls back out the dutch door that closes.

And scene. ;-)

Welcome back...mysterious stranger.

Thanks for that NMac!

I would still love it see it, if that's ever possible.

Here is a picture of the Bear in the Big Blue House pilot..