It's an old cartoon gag when the lights go out, to show only the whites of a character's eyes in the dark. In Muppet productions, special techniques are used to achieve the effect. Speaking in the audio commentary for the Muppet Treasure Island DVD, Brian Henson explains that the eyes are painted with tiny balls of glass that reflect a small source of light placed under the lens of the camera. Other methods have been used, including the use of CGI (for a scene from a 2008 episode of Sesame Street).

Ernie and BertSesame Street sketch in episode 0003

Cookie Monster"If Moon Was Cookie"

Forgetful Jones, Clementine and BusterSesame Street sketch

Telly and OscarBig Bird in China

The MuppetsMuppets Studios Presents: You're the Director

Smollett, Rizzo, Gonzo and pigsMuppet Treasure Island

Kermit the Frog and GroverSesame Street sketch

ElmoThe Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland

Elmo, Oscar and his goatElmo's World: Farms

The Three Bears and GoldilocksSesame Street episode 3977

Abby Cadabby and OscarSesame Street episode 4173

TingoSesame English

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