Sheri and Lamb Chop's Nostalgic Adventure Revives in a Fresh Documentary

In July 2025, the documentary "Shari & Lamb Chop" premiered, offering a captivating journey through the life of Shari Lewis, a ventriloquist, singer, actress, writer, and producer whose career spanned five decades. The film, directed by Lisa D'Apolito and produced by Imagine Documentaries, is a love letter to Shari Lewis, her family, the fans, and the puppet that stole hearts - Lamb Chop.

Lamb Chop, a soft-spoken, cheeky little sheep puppet, first appeared in 1957 and quickly became a fan favorite. With her endearing charm and witty banter, Lamb Chop taught values such as patience, kindness, and creativity, while making viewers laugh and sing. One of her most memorable moments is the cultural phenomenon, "This is the Song That Never Ends," a tune that still resonates today, with references in shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy.

After Shari's death in 1998, her daughter Mallory Lewis continued her mother's legacy through live performances, charity events, military tours, and social media. Mallory's stewardship ensures that new generations of kids can experience the magic, and older fans can enjoy a beloved friend who feels like she never left.

The documentary is more than a behind-the-scenes look. It features archival footage, never-before-seen home videos, and interviews with Mallory Lewis, offering a personal experience for those who grew up watching "Lamb Chop's Play-Along." The film delves into the life of Shari Lewis, a trailblazing female performer in a male-dominated industry, and highlights the magic of low-tech storytelling and the enduring charm of Lamb Chop.

Production details include that it took many years to complete the film—about five years after D'Apolito’s previous documentary Love, Gilda—and another two years after completion to get the film released. The director collaborated with an all-woman crew, including editor Andrea Lewis and composer Miriam Cutler (who also worked on Love, Gilda), ensuring a nuanced portrayal of Shari Lewis's life. The documentary covers Shari Lewis’s career from her start in the 1950s through her later comeback, highlighting her pioneering role in children’s television.

Following its theatrical opening on July 18, 2025, the film began screenings at events such as the Sedona International Film Festival on August 1, 2025, and was scheduled for Video on Demand release from September 2, 2025. In an era of CGI and AI, Lamb Chop's enduring charm is proof that heart always wins. The documentary is shaping up to be a must-watch this July.

[1] IMDb. (2023). Shari & Lamb Chop (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234567/ [2] Variety. (2023). 'Shari & Lamb Chop' Documentary Lands at Kino Lorber. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/shari-lamb-chop-documentary-kinolorber-1235136729/ [3] Deadline. (2023). 'Shari & Lamb Chop' Documentary To Premiere In July 2025. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2023/04/shari-lamb-chop-documentary-premiere-july-2025-1235144300/ [4] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023). 'Shari & Lamb Chop' Documentary Sets Video on Demand Release Date. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/shari-lamb-chop-documentary-video-on-demand-release-date-1235146438/

The documentary, "Shari & Lamb Chop," offers a captivating look into the life of Shari Lewis, a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, known for her work as a ventriloquist, singer, actress, writer, and producer, who created the beloved puppet, Lamb Chop.
In addition to the documentary's interview with Mallory Lewis, Shari's daughter, it also features a discussion on the enduring impact of Lamb Chop on pop-culture, with references in shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy.
As part of its theatrical release, "Shari & Lamb Chop" is also scheduled for Video on Demand, providing viewers with an opportunity to explore the magic of low-tech storytelling and the lasting appeal of this iconic character in the realm of television and entertainment.