The AM monsters (Anything Muppet monsters) are a group of faceless Sesame Street monster puppets whose identities can be changed by altering eyes, noses, tongues, horns or other features as required. The puppets are similar to Anything Muppets in their simple design and interchangeable identities. However, they are also like the Whatnots used on The Muppet Show in that there is usually only one puppet of each monster pattern, whereas there are more than one puppet of most Anything Muppet patterns.
During the early years of Sesame Street, monsters needed for brief appearances were usually created by draping fur over parts of the body and head of an Anything Muppet. One of the most prominent monsters created in this manner is Frazzle. Later they were replaced by the AM monsters, allowing for a larger variety of designs.
Some monsters also have features that are rarely removed, such as Kermit the Forg, or had a single identity for an extended period of time (such as Maurice Monster). While most remain background characters, several monsters have developed unique personalities and become main characters, including Humphrey, Natasha, and, most famously, Elmo.
The iPhone app "Elmo's Monster Maker" makes use of the durability of the AM monsters. The puppets make a rare featureless appearance before being given animated body parts and accessories by the player.
Designs
Maurice, aka Kermit the Gorf, Elmer Grouch, Max, Electrician, Zore, Last Emperor, Trumpeter, Stepbrother, Murray, "Monster Time" monster, Dennis Monster, Boso, Clem
Stuie, "Monster Time" monster
Monster Surgeon, Goody Grouch, Blecka
Richie, Sir Campbell McGrouch, Max, Sally Messy Yuckyael, Uncle Hank, Uncle Talbot
Deena's original design, Monster Surgeon, Elmo's Great Grandmother, The Silly Sorceress, Noah, "Monster Time" monster, Uncle Jack, Elmo's Grandmother, occasional Grouches
Deena, Granny Monster, Frieda's Mother, Jill, Herry's Granny, Radon, Cookie Monster's friend, Humphrey, Awilda, Potto, Monster Monster
Aristotle, Herry's Mother, Distinguished Monster, Spike, Grouch Audience Member, Herry's Father (We All Sing Together), Aunt Chloe, Chef John, Howard, Two-Nosed Queen
Max the Magnificent, MNN Logo Monster, The Cereal Girl, Twister Sister, Rico, Chester's Mom, Ex Ray, Kit, The Fairy Information Operator, "Elmo's Monster Maker" base model, Grandmama Furchester, Xochitl
Eugene, Leo the Party Monster, Jack, Ruby, Fur Jam lead singer, Maurice, Deliverymonster, "Monster Time" monster, Ollie, Mae
Imogene, Annette Monster, Rosita's Abuelo, Surprise Monster, Mr. Fuzzlebrush, Dalia
Teacher, Mr. Monster, The Cereal Girl's Dad, Andre, Rocky, Mrs. Frazzle, Zaftig, Brosh, Bono, Biggest Fan, Herry's Sister
Merry Monster
originally used for The Shagri-Las, Piño, Anyone's Nose singer, Party Monster, Norman, Paco, Pepe, Luis, Jesse
Anna, Day Care Monster, Phoebe, Tia Mercedes, Surprise Monster, "Elmo's Monster Maker" base model
Lila, Spalding Monster, Party Monster, Delly Monster, Lulu's original design, "Monster Time" monster
Brad, Two-Nosed King, Day Care Monster, Teenage Monster, Pino, Domby, Booboobian, Pebble Planet resident, Colonel Mustard
(later converted into Mel)
Curly
Grover's backup singer
originally used for Preston Rabbit, "Monster Time" monster
originally used for Grizzy, "Monster Time" monster
the original version of Gonger, Mousey, Squirrel, Smallest Fan
Stranger
"Elmo's Monster Maker" base model, Enormous Athlete, Beast, Freddy
Lulu Lemon
Ethel Bay Mertz
Sesame Street Presents the 80s
Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas, Episode 5420
Elmo & Abby's Monster Makeover theme