The Big Comfy Couch’s Biggest Secrets: 7 Shocking Facts About Molly, Loonette, And The 30th Anniversary

For a generation of '90s kids, the image of Loonette the Clown and her dolly Molly atop a massive, overstuffed couch is pure, unadulterated nostalgia. But while the show, The Big Comfy Couch, ended its original run years ago, the world of the Clock Rug and Granny Garbanzo is far from forgotten. As of December 2025, the show is experiencing a massive resurgence in pop culture, fueled by a major anniversary celebration and new revelations from the star herself, Alyson Court, about the reality of life as Loonette.

The show, which first aired in 1993, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, bringing with it a wave of fresh merchandise and renewed interest in the cast. From the iconic "Ten Second Tidy" to the surprising current career of the actress who played Loonette, the secrets of the beloved Canadian children's series are finally being spilled. Here are the most up-to-date and fascinating facts about Molly, Loonette, and the massive, fluffy world they inhabited.

Alyson Court: The Woman Behind Loonette the Clown

The character of Loonette the Clown was brought to life by Canadian actress Alyson Court for the majority of the show's run (1993–2002). Her career, however, extends far beyond the Big Comfy Couch, encompassing a diverse and globally recognized body of work in voice acting, a domain where she is an absolute legend.

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Alyson Court: Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Alyson Stephanie Court
• Born: November 9, 1973
• Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Primary Role: Loonette the Clown on The Big Comfy Couch (1993–2002)
• Iconic Voice Roles:
  • Claire Redfield in the Resident Evil video game series (starting in 1998)
  • Jubilee in the X-Men animated series (1992–1997)
  • Lydia Deetz in the Beetlejuice animated series (1989–1991)
  • Malani the Ewok in the Star Wars: Ewoks animated series
• Other Notable TV Roles: Appeared in Murdoch Mysteries (2016) and made a cameo as Loonette on This Hour Has 22 Minutes (2016).

The Big Comfy Couch’s Current Status: 30th Anniversary and New Merch

While the final episode aired over two decades ago, the show’s legacy is stronger than ever. The 2024 celebration of the show's 30th anniversary reignited fan passion, proving that the simple, gentle world of Loonette and Molly still holds significant cultural weight.

The 30th Anniversary Merchandise Boom

The biggest recent update is the successful launch of 30th-anniversary merchandise in 2024. The company Retrokid partnered with the show's creators to release a line of nostalgia-driven items that sold out quickly, demonstrating the enduring demand for the show.

• The New Molly Doll: A highly sought-after item was the special 30th-anniversary edition Molly doll, which included her iconic bucket hat and star blanket.
• Apparel: The merchandise line also featured signature Retrokid apparel, including tees and hoodies featuring Loonette, Molly, and the Big Comfy Couch logo.
• Mini Molly Charms: For collectors, Mini Molly and Mini Couch bag charms were also released.

This merchandise wave confirms that The Big Comfy Couch has transitioned from a children's program into a powerful piece of '90s nostalgia and pop culture, with new items selling for high prices on the collector's market.

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Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: The Couch, The Tidy, and The "Oppressive" Role

The show was built on simple, repeatable segments that became the foundations of its topical authority. However, the actress at the center of it all has recently shed light on some of the less-than-comfy realities of the production.

The Iconic Rituals: Ten Second Tidy and Clock Rug Stretch

Every episode featured two core, ritualistic segments that are instantly recognizable to any fan:

• The Ten Second Tidy: Loonette’s self-proclaimed "very unusual skill" was her ability to clean up any mess in just ten seconds. This segment was a fun way to teach children about cleaning up after themselves, with Loonette racing against a fast-ticking clock sound effect.
• The Clock Rug Stretch: This was the show's signature exercise segment. Loonette would place the hands of the large, circular Clock Rug to a specific time, and then she and Molly would perform a corresponding stretch. This became a beloved meme in later years, often referenced by fans.

Who Owns the Original Big Comfy Couch?

In a surprising revelation that delighted fans, Alyson Court confirmed in recent interviews that she actually owns the original Big Comfy Couch. The massive, fluffy, and slightly lumpy piece of furniture that served as the centerpiece of the entire show is now in her possession, a personal piece of television history.

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Loonette's "Oppressive" Experience

While the show was outwardly cheerful, Alyson Court has provided a candid look at the challenges of the role. She once described her experience on The Big Comfy Couch as "oppressive." This was not a reflection of the content or her co-stars—such as Major Bedhead or Granny Garbanzo—but rather the intense demands of being a lead on a children's show. The pressure of maintaining the character, the long hours, and the constant need for upbeat energy took a toll.

Despite the challenges, Court remains deeply proud of the character and the show's positive impact on children's literacy and development. The enduring popularity, especially with the 30th-anniversary celebration, is a testament to the show's gentle, educational, and timeless charm. The legacy of Loonette, Molly, and the Big Comfy Couch will continue to be a warm, comforting memory for generations to come.