[steveo]

Why don't they just use Bert or Ernie?

[contessa machiaveli]

why not a cancer muppet? a heart disease muppet? unfortunately, many more families must deal with them. the folks at PBS are as dumb as walls.

[Hawkeye's Girl]

Because in the U.S. version, they really are just roommates and best friends. PBS even issued a press release to that effect a couple of years ago.

I've heard that they're gay in the Canadian version, but I haven't seen that show, so I don't know for sure.

[Nebullis]

Why don't they just use Bert or Ernie?

Don't be silly! It'll be a female character who contracted AIDS via a blood transfusion. She'll be considerate, open-minded, thoughtful, uneducated, and accepting of all diversity, particularly in animals.