Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin's Favorite Muppets Revealed

It's truly amazing how the Muppets have been able to stand the test of time and become popular again with each passing generation. Most recently, Disney+ had a show called The Muppets Mayhem that ran for a season back in 2023. Prior to that, two solid movies were released in 2011 and 2014, respectively, which helped people of all ages rekindle their love for the ageless characters.

Personally speaking, I've always loved Kermit the Frog, but I've also loved some of the side characters who don't tend to get major roles in Muppet productions. Maybe that's part of why I'm amused by them. I love Beaker because he's adorable. I love the Swedish Chef and his proclivity for rhyming. The cynical commentary from Statler and Waldorf up in their balcony is always welcomed and unpredictable.

Apparently, the website Coventry Direct had Muppets on their mind, for they mined Google search trends to find out which characters are most popular throughout different regions of the country. Their research resulted in a comprehensive look at each state's favorite Muppet, including Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

As it turns out, the most popular Muppet across the United States is also the favorite of the entire Tri-States!

Cookie Monster was found to be the landslide winner in Coventry Direct's pursuit to find the most popular Muppet in the country. Cookie Monster was the most popular character in 23 states, including in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He's the top-searched in over 20 states likely because he's one of the most recognizable and the fact that he has a highly relatable trait: he loves cookies. He's single-minded in his pursuit for them. And he's been parodied on many shows, most notably Family Guy.

Trailing Cookie Monster, but still popular in seven different states is Kermit the Frog. He's the everyman of the Muppets, laidback, friendly, easy-going, and equipped with an instantly recognizable voice. He's the most popular Muppet in states such as Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, and others.

Photo Credit: Coventry Direct

Rounding out the top three is Miss Piggy, who was most popular in various southern states, including Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Tennessee. My guys Beaker and Swedish Chef each claimed one state too!

Surprisingly, despite being globally recognizable, Elmo was found to be the most popular Muppet in only two states, New Jersey and Washington D.C. That might be the most shocking find of the entire study. I thought for sure Elmo would crack the top three in popularity.