Connecticut Families: Locally produced children’s show is garnering millions of views on YouTube

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) – She's funny, charming, and full of imagination. This is Poppi from Poppi's Planet , a character created years ago by Erin Shea of Pawcatuck.

"I was a huge fan of Mr. Rogers, Pee Wee's Playhouse, and my number one idol of my life, Lucille Ball," she said.

She's the mom of a cute little guy and the star of this cute show.

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This is the result of a collaboration between the theater buff and Justin Tucker, a TV veteran from the West Coast.

They were introduced by a mutual friend and got together to see what could transpire.

"We went to a playground and he followed me around and I did this whole imagination segment on the playground pretending the ground was lava," Shea remembered.

"I knew right then, this girl's got it, for sure," Tucker said.

Now, Poppi's Planet is getting millions of views on YouTube .

The character goes out in the world to beloved local places like the Mystic Aquarium .

Then, she returns to the studio to teach lessons to her puppet friends including Earl.

"I'm the sandwich on Poppi's Planet," actor Joseph Fenton laughed as he showed off his funny puppet.

The small cast and crew, working out of an old mill building in Norwich, is having a blast, sharing messages of mindfulness, hoping their content eases kids' anxiety while promoting creativity.

"I think Poppi's Planet is successful because she resonates with kids. Not only does she resonate with kids but mothers trust her," Tucker said.

There are big plans for this growing show. Tucker hopes to build a brand and migrate Poppi's Planet onto other platforms, helping more kids learn and smile.

"I'm so excited, there's no limit to this," he said. "With Erin or Poppi, in front of the camera, there's no stopping this movement we're doing."

The Thanksgiving episode of Poppi's Planet will be posted to YouTube on Nov. 16.