Connect with us


TV

Muppet Show, The (Syndicated 1976-1981, Jim Henson)

Published

on


Jim Henson, architect of the Muppet empire, coined the term “muppet” around the time he was working on Sam and Friends, a televised puppet show he created in 1955 with his wife, Jane Nebel. The term was a combination of the words ‘marionette’ and ‘puppet,’ an accurate description of Henson’s unique, life-like creations. Henson’s Muppets soon became television staples, popping up almost constantly on talk shows and variety programs like The Ed Sullivan Show, The Jimmy Dean Show, Perry Como, and The Tonight Show. The success of the Muppets became even more impressive when they got a regular showcase on the acclaimed PBS series Sesame Street.

Boosted by his TV success, Henson wanted his creations to cross over to a prime time audience, but the major networks had already given the Muppets a “for kiddies only” branding. Henson had the last laugh when he took his Muppet staff to England, where he had set up a deal with English entrepreneur Sir Lew Grade to finance The Muppet Show. Not only did it become the most popular first-run syndicated series in television history, it also became the most widely seen television show of the late seventies. It is estimated that The Muppet Show has been seen by over 235 million people in at least 100 countries.

The Muppet Show utilized a variety format as a vehicle for its inspired and often surreal comedy. Each week, a new guest star would appear, and host Kermit the Frog would try to keep his vast array of animal, monster and mutant co-stars in check as they proceeded to turn each production number on the show into a complete and utter shambles. The Muppet Show quickly became the hip place for a celeb to have a widely-seen cameo, and the diverse list of guest stars included Elton John, Peter Sellers, Rudolf Nureyev, Zero Mostel, Steve Martin and Alice Cooper.

By the end of the 70’s, there were over 400 different Muppets, but the perennial favorites included egotistical starlet Miss Piggy (“Moi?”), frustrated trumpet-player and avowed chicken lover Gonzo, would-be comedian Fozzie Bear (“Wocka Wocka!”), the incomprehensible Swedish Chef, and piano player Rowlf. Other favorites included the quietly insane Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, his perpetually terrorized assistant Beaker, fiercely patriotic Sam the Eagle, kindly stage manager Scooter, fish thrower Lew Zealand, mad bomber Crazy Harry, gargantuan monster Sweetums, the stars of the sci-fi show-within-a-show “Pigs in Space,” and the house band, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. Said band featured burnt-out guitarist Floyd and whacked-out drummer Animal. Watching (and heckling) the show from a nearby balcony were everybody’s favorite pair of old geezers, Statler and Waldorf.

Advertisement

The success of the show proved that Henson’s belief in the Muppets’ crossover potential was on the money. Adults appreciated the bizarre-but-intelligent gags, and children adored the show’s visually inventive slapstick. However, the unifying factor for viewers of every age was that the Muppets seemed genuinely real. The puppeteers and voice-artists not only made these felt and foam-rubber creations appear funny and entertaining, they also gave them a realistic, human-like warmth that helped the viewers identify with the Muppets and take them to heart.

By the time The Muppet Show ended its first run in 1981, Henson had already introduced movie viewers to his creations via The Muppet Movie. More films, such as The Great Muppet Caper and The Muppets Take Manhattan, would be produced in later years, as well as new Henson television series like Fraggle Rock and the animated Muppet Babies. Jim Henson died of pneumonia in 1990, but the Muppets and their Muppet masters are still active today, producing a wide array of television programming and feature films.

“It’s time to play the music,
It’s time to light the lights,
It’s time to meet the Muppets on The Muppet Show tonight…”

“It’s time to get things started,
On the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational,
This is what we call The Muppet Show!”

Advertisement

production details
USA / Syndicated – Henson Associates / 1976 – 1981

cast
Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Steve Whitmire, Louise Gold, Eren Ozker, John Lovelady,


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News3 hours ago

General Hospital, March 29, 2024, ABC,

Friday’s episode of General Hospital airing March 29, 2024 at 2.00pm on ABC, explores the fallout from Jason Morgan’s recent...

Good Morning America Good Morning America
News3 hours ago

Sheryl Crow, Good Morning America, March 29, 2024, ABC,

On Friday, March 29, Good Morning America presents a special celebration of the 10th year of the hit Broadway musical...

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News3 hours ago

Days of Our Lives, March 29, 2024, Peacock

On Friday, March 29, in the world of Days of Our Lives, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) has a change of...

The Drew Barrymore Show The Drew Barrymore Show
News3 hours ago

Eugene Levy, The Drew Barrymore Show, March 29, 2024, CBS,

In the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, airing on CBS on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM,...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News3 hours ago

Diarra Kilpatrick, CBS Mornings, March 29, 2024

On Friday, March 29th, CBS Mornings will feature a special guest: Diarra Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick is not only the executive producer...

The Jennifer Hudson Show The Jennifer Hudson Show
News3 hours ago

Jenna Dewan, The Jennifer Hudson Show, March 29, 2024,

On Friday, March 29, The Jennifer Hudson Show brings viewers a delightful Spring Celebration. One of the highlights of the...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News3 hours ago

Brittany Howard, Mayan Lopez, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 29, 2024, NBC Syndicated

On Friday, March 29, The Kelly Clarkson Show presents an episode filled with incredible segments One of the highlights is...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News3 hours ago

Andrea Riseborough, Jessica Capshaw, Live with Kelly and Mark, 29 March 2024, ABC

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos—the hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark—welcome actress Jessica Capshaw and Alice & Jack star...

James Martin's Saturday Morning James Martin's Saturday Morning
News1 hour ago

Michaela Strachan, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, 30 March 2024, ITV1

ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning is the perfect relaxed culinary companion to your weekend, airing every Saturday morning from the...

Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow
News1 hour ago

Alexandra Gardens, Cardiff 3, Antiques Roadshow, 31 March 2024, BBC One

The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow visits Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park, Cardiff, for an episode full of exciting discoveries and fascinating...

RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World
News1 hour ago

Grand Finale, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World, 29 March 2024, BBC Three

BBC Three’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World sees queens from the Drag Race franchise across the globe compete...

Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt
News1 hour ago

Natasha Raskin Sharp, Bargain Hunt, 29 March 2024, BBC One

BBC One’s Bargain Hunt sees two teams compete against each other to make the most profit from buying and selling...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News1 hour ago

Chernobyl: The Full Story, 29 March 2024, Channel 5,

Powerful documentary, Chernobyl: The Full Story, narrated by Ben Fogle, airs on Friday 29 March 2024 at 10.00pm on Channel...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News1 hour ago

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Rovaniemi, 29 March 2024, Channel 4,

Join Joe Lycett and a suited-up Desiree Burch for a new episode of Travel Man as they pack their bags...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News1 hour ago

The Sewer Map of Britain, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, Friday

Prepare for an enlightening journey into the underworld on Friday 29 March 2024 at 8.00pm on Channel 5 with The...

Bargain Loving Brits Bargain Loving Brits
News1 hour ago

Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, “Series 11, Episode 8”

This episode of Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun airing on Friday 29 March 2024 at 4.00pm on Channel 5,...

Popular