Cousin Skeeter (partially lost Nickelodeon live-action/puppet series; 1998-2001)

Screenshot of the titular character from the episode The Not So Great Outdoors

Status: Partially Lost

Cousin Skeeter was a live action television series that aired on Nickelodeon between 1998 and 2001. The show had a unique hook of using a puppet as its main protagonist while the rest of the cast used traditional actors. The fact that Cousin Skeeter is played by a puppet is never addressed in the series, however a second puppet-based character was added to the show at the start of season two. Cousin Skeeter premiered on September 1, 1998 at 8:30PM (EST) on Nickelodeon's SNICK programming block, where further new episodes of the series would premiere. Re-runs of the series would air on Nickelodeon's Nickel-O-Zone programming block on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30PM (EST). The series recieved a lukewarm reception, with many dismissing the use of the puppet. Variety magazine found the titular character to be a stereotype.

The show begins after Bobby, the new kid at school, recieves word that his cousin will be living with his family to tutor him through summer school. Once Skeeter arrives, he begins to assist Bobby in his daily life and the problems that arise. However, his attitude and carelessness tend to only make the situation worse. Skeeter is portrayed as a popular guy with connections to big name celebrities such as Shaquille O'Neal, resulting in cameos and shoutouts. Bordering on the fact that Skeeter is played by a puppet, the show uses his height as a running gag.

Since Cousin Skeeter's cancellation in 2001, the series has not be re-aired on television. Few episodes can be found on Youtube and Dailymotion, but these are few in number. The show has never had any home media releases. Nickelodeon has shown no interest in releasing Cousin Skeeter in any format for the moment.