If you are around my age (forty-something) you might recall The Muppet Show which first aired in 1976. Back then it was done in a variety show format where the Muppet characters would put on skits and there were plenty of guest stars to enjoy watching too.
After the television series ended the Muppets went on to make many movies, then they just fell silent. It wasn’t until 2011 when the film, The Muppets, brought these lovable characters back to life. They since went on to make the film Muppets Most Wanted (loved that film – especially the soundtrack).
Both films did well in theaters. I think that helped to bring the Muppets back to the life. People want more Muppets!
There is a new series airing on Tuesday nights (8 PM EST / 7 PM CST) on ABC that stars the lovable Muppets. The series is appropriately named The Muppets.
The new series stars all of the Muppet characters including lesser known characters like Pepe the King Pawn and Rizzo the Rat. Of course all the main characters are in the show too – Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzi Bear, Rowlf, Scooter, Dr. Bunson Honeydew, Beaker and so many more.
I had the opportunity to check out the first few episodes of the series.
The new series is nothing like the original series. The new series is filmed in a documentary-type style and features all the Muppets and a behind the scenes look at their new late night program Up Late With Miss Piggy. Miss Piggy has entered the world of male dominated late night programming. Just like other late night shows, Miss Piggy will have plenty of celebrity guest stars featured on her show. You can expect to see a lot of celebrities and celebrity cameos.
Shockingly, Miss Piggy and Kermit have broken up. Kermit is the executive producer of her show and the other Muppets all have a role in Miss Piggy’s late night show. Fozzi serves as her comedic side kick and Gonzo is the head writer.
Can you imagine Miss Piggy NOT fawning all over Kermit. In fact, Kermit has moved on. He’s now dating Denise who works in marketing for the show. It comes to no surprise that Denise is a pig.
Kermit is not the only one who has found love – Fozzi Bear is dating a human and her parents are not exactly thrilled by the “inter-species” dating.
Throughout the series you not only see what goes on behind the scenes at Miss Piggy’s late night show, but you also get to see what the Muppets do when they are not working. You also get to see some of them with legs, which is odd to see.
The series challenges viewers to see the Muppets as real “people,” not just cute animal puppets. They have jobs, they fall in love, they get stressed out at work – they are a lot like us.
I personally enjoyed the episodes that I saw. I thought they were creativity done and funny. Even my hard to impress teenagers chuckled a few times. They didn’t want to watch initially, but after the first episode they were hooked. If a show can impress my teenagers then I consider that a great show. LOL!
This is NOT the same show that we grew up with. This is a fresher, more creative take on the Muppets. I am very impressed and I’m looking forward to seeing many more episodes.
I also like that this new series will make Muppet fans out of a whole new generation.
The Muppets is family friendly and can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old.
To learn more about the show, watch clips and more visit ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Muppets. You can also check out the show on Facebook and Twitter.
Are you a fan of The Muppets? Will you be watching the show?
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this for the enjoyment of my site readers.