Tuesday, May 12, 2026

When CNN Called a Puppet Maker: The Story Behind "Lil AC & Andy"

What happens when one of America's most iconic New Year's Eve broadcasts needs a little extra magic? CNN turned to the talented team at Furry Puppet Studio — and the result was nothing short of spectacular.

To celebrate nine years of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen co-hosting CNN's New Year's Eve Live, the network commissioned strikingly lifelike custom puppets of both hosts. Dubbed "Lil AC and Andy," these miniature doppelgängers captured every detail — from Cooper's silver hair to Cohen's signature smirk.

The project is a masterclass in character design, proving that great puppet maker craftsmanship goes far beyond foam and fabric. It's about personality, expression, and storytelling.

Whether it's a major broadcast campaign or a passion project, custom puppets have a unique power to captivate audiences in ways no other medium can. And that's exactly what makes this art form so endlessly exciting.


Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper were given puppets of each other on NYE, source: Page Six