About The Muppet Show

The Muppet Show, originally released between 1976 and 1981, is a beloved sketch-comedy television series created by puppeteer and film director Jim Henson. It features the Muppets, a group of zany, colorful, puppet characters that inhabit a surreal, bizarre, vaudeville-style theatre house. The show's motley group of characters puts up a variety of sketches, musical numbers, and comedy routines in every episode, often featuring high-profile guests of the era.

Making / Production

The Muppet Show was produced by Jim Henson and his creative team. The script was known for its wit and humor, balancing adult themes with child-friendly content perfectly. The show was filmed in Elstree Studios, a large television studio located just north of London, England. The ingenious puppetry techniques and character designs were the highlight of the show's production.

Actors

• Jim Henson: Creator Jim Henson also performed multiple characters on the show, including Kermit the Frog, the show's friendly and harried leading man, and Rowlf the Dog.
• Frank Oz: The talented puppeteer provided the voice and movements for multiple characters, including the eccentric and narcoleptic Fozzie Bear and the diva-like Miss Piggy.
• Richard Hunt: Hunt voiced characters like Scooter, the stage manager and gofer, and Statler, one half of a duo of hecklers in the theater balcony.
• Jerry Nelson: Nelson played a host of characters including the outlandish and unforgettable Gonzo.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Muppet Show was initially turned down by US networks, prompting Jim Henson to eventually broker a deal with British media impresario Lew Grade to produce it in the UK.
• Kermit the Frog was not originally intended to be the show's main character.
• The orchestra pit in front of the stage holds an actual band that plays the music for the show, conducted by Muppet Nigel.

Awards

The Muppet Show was highly acclaimed, winning several prestigious awards. It won a BAFTA in 1977 for Most Original Programme/Series and was awarded the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Program in 1978 and a Golden Globe for Best TV Series - Comedy or Musical in 1978 and 1981.

Quotes

• "It's the Muppet Show! Yaaay!" - Kermit the Frog
• "I don’t care what you think about me unless you think I’m awesome. In which case – you’re right." - Miss Piggy
• "Wocka Wocka!" - Fozzie Bear

Music, Soundtrack

• The opening theme "The Muppet Show Theme" was a staple of every episode.
• Original songs like "Rainbow Connection" and "Bein' Green" were featured in the show.
• Various popular songs of the era were also performed by the Muppet cast and their guests.