The Muppets Are Back

The Muppets have been missed for quite some time. Kermit and friends have shared a rocky couple of decades since the passing of their creator, Jim Henson. Now with a new feature film that looks to bring back the spirit and joy of the golden days, The Muppets are poised for a comeback.

It has been 12 years since the release of the lackluster “Muppets in Space” which marked the last time we saw the beloved characters on the big screen. Since then there have been a couple of under performing television movies (“The Muppet’s Wizard of Oz” and “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie”) but it is safe to say that an entire generation of children have yet to be properly introduced to the zany world of Miss Piggy, Gonzo and Fozzie Bear. So, moving right along, here is a brief history that will get you ready for the November 23rd release of their aptly titled film “The Muppets”.

Believe it or not, Kermit is over 55 years old! While he looks good for his age, this is Hollywood and don’t be surprised if word get leaked on TMZ that he had some work done. I’m almost positive that Miss Piggy had a snout job (woka woka!). Kermit was part of the cast of Henson’s first television show called “Sam and Friends” that ran from 1955 to 1961. Nearly a decade later, “Sesame Street” arrived on your local public broadcast station in 1969 where it can still be found today.

Then came “The Muppets Show” in 1976. This is where much of the wacky, and sometimes irreverent humor, that The Muppets came to be known for was born. Henson was afraid that the “Sesame Street” was too focused on children so he made the material for “The Muppet Show” accessible to both the young and old. The show ran until 1981 and featured guest hosts that ranged from Bob Hope to Sylvester Stallone. A revival show called “Muppets Tonight” debuted in the late 90s but never really captured the essence of the original show.

Throughout the years The Muppets have grown an impressive catalogue of hit songs as well. From “The Rainbow Connection” to “Bein’ Green,” Kermit can croak a beautiful song and “Mahna Mahna” is a classic. Earlier this year saw the release of “The Green Album” that features some of today’s biggest pop stars (OK Go,Weezer and My Morning Jacket etc.) covering Muppet songs from the television show and films.

The films are the category in which The Muppets have been hurting the most. The first three movies that Jim Henson was involved are all fantastic kids’ films that offer plenty for the parents as well. “The Muppet Movie” is the best of the bunch and was followed by “The Great Muppet Caper” and “The Muppets take Manhattan”. Then Henson focused on pushing the limits of what a “Puppet Movie” could be and released the fantasy films “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” the latter of which was collaboration with George Lucas hot off the original Star Wars Trilogy.

Once Henson tragically died at the age of 53 in 1990, The Muppets sort of lost their way. The Henson Studio spent the 90s retelling literary classics such as “Treasure Island” and “A Christmas Carol” with varying success. Now we shall see if the latest Muppets adventure can revitalize the franchise. The fact that Disney (who now owns the rights to the characters) allowed Jason Segal to write and star in the film after penning the cutting-edge comedies “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek” is a promising sign. It’s a creative move that Jim would have signed off on, perhaps.


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