{{Short description|American sitcom}} {{About|the 2015 TV series|the 1976 TV series|The Muppet Show{{!}}''The Muppet Show''.|the ensemble of puppets |The Muppets|the 2011 film|The Muppets (2011 film)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2015}} {{Infobox television | image = The Muppets title logo.png | image_class = skin-invert | caption = | genre = {{Plain list| * Sitcom * Mockumentary * Slice of life * Puppetry }} | developer = {{Plain list| * Bill Prady * Bob Kushell }} | showrunner = {{Plain list| * Bob Kushell {{small|(episodes 1–10)}} * Kristin Newman {{small|(episodes 11–16)}} }} | based_on = {{Based on|Characters|Jim Henson}}<!--ACCORDING TO CREDITS--> | executive_producer = {{Plain list| * Bill Prady * Bob Kushell * Kristin Newman * Randall Einhorn * Bill Barretta * Kyle Laughlin * Debbie McClellan }} | director = {{Plainlist| * Randall Einhorn * Matt Sohn }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Margee Magee * Angeli Millan * Kris Eber * Emily Wilson }} | presenter = | starring = {{Plainlist| * Steve Whitmire * Eric Jacobson * Dave Goelz * Bill Barretta * David Rudman * Matt Vogel * Peter Linz }} | num_seasons = 1 | num_episodes = 16 | runtime = 22 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * ABC Studios * The Muppets Studio * Bill Prady Productions }} | open_theme = "Opening Theme"<br />by Dave Thomas Jr. (includes "The Muppet Show Theme" by Jim Henson and Sam Pottle)<ref name=VultureRecap2/> | composer = {{Plainlist| * Ed Mitchell * Steve Morrell }} | channel = ABC | location = | country = United States | language = English | first_aired = {{Start date|2015|9|22}} | last_aired = {{End date|2016|3|1}} }} '''''The Muppets''''' (stylized as '''''the muppets.''''') is an American sitcom that originally aired on ABC from September 22, 2015, to March 1, 2016. Co-created by Bill Prady and Bob Kushell,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Hibbard |first1=James |title=The Muppets Revival Greenlit as First Photo Released |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/05/07/muppets-abc-greenlit |access-date=May 9, 2015 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> the series was produced by ABC Studios and the Muppets Studio, with Randall Einhorn and Muppet performer Bill Barretta serving as executive producers alongside Prady and Kushell.<ref name="Muppets Revival">{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/abc-orders-794296/ |title=ABC Orders Shondaland and Jenna Bans Dramas, 'Muppets' Revival, More |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref> On May 12, 2016, ABC cancelled the series after one season.
This was the first Muppets production to be produced by ABC Studios (later ABC Signature).
The series is set in Los Angeles and depicts the everyday personal and professional lives of the Muppets during production of ''Up Late with Miss Piggy'', a fictional late-night talk show starring Miss Piggy''.''<ref name="VarietyComicCon">{{cite news |last1=Wagmeister |first1=Elizabeth |title='The Muppets' Woo Over Comic-Con; Kermit & Miss Piggy Reveal ABC Series Details |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/the-muppets-abc-comic-con-panel-1201538499/ |access-date=July 12, 2015 |work=Variety |date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> ''The Muppets'' serves as a parody of other mockumentary-style series, such as ''The Office'', ''Modern Family'', and ''Parks and Recreation'' by employing the same single-camera setup filming style with the implication of a documentary crew filming everyone.<ref name=NYTProd/> The series stars Muppet performers Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, and Peter Linz in multiple roles.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Zeitchik|first1=Steven|title=ABC's 'Muppets' takes Kermit and Co. out into the real world -- will they remain subtly subversive?|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-fall-tv-muppets-20150913-story.html|access-date=September 11, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 10, 2015}}</ref>
==Background== The series marks the characters' first ongoing prime-time network television series since ''Muppets Tonight'' (1996–1998). ''The Muppets'' was picked up by ABC, the same network that aired ''Muppets Tonight''—as the characters, the network, and the production companies are all owned by The Walt Disney Company—on the ABC network schedule.
This marks the second time Bill Prady worked on a revival of the Muppets. Before co-creating CBS' ''The Big Bang Theory'' (2007–2019), the writer-producer had previously shot test footage on which ABC ultimately passed. Prady's history with the Muppets dates back to his work on ''Fraggle Rock: The Animated Series'' in 1987.<ref>{{Cite web |title=America's Favorite Felt Heroes Return to TV in ABC's The Muppets {{!}} The official site of TV Guide Magazine |url=https://www.tvguidemagazine.com/americas-favorite-felt-heroes-return-to-tv-in-abcs-the-muppets/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=www.tvguidemagazine.com}}</ref> His previous writing credits for Muppet productions include the ''Muppet*Vision 3D'' attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the tribute special ''The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson'', which earned Prady an Emmy Award nomination in 1991.<ref name="Muppets Revival"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Jim Henson Remembered: 'Muppets' Producer Bill Prady Pays Tribute to His Legendary Mentor|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/jim-henson-muppets-big-bang-theory-bill-prady-1201496535/|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=Variety|date=May 15, 2015}}</ref>
Executive producer Bob Kushell explained the intention behind the series; "We have the opportunity to explore these characters as individuals with their own emotional lives that are separate from each other and aren't shadowed by each other's presence, as I think they have been for the last 20 years... it's not just a behind-the-scenes look at a show, but it's the relationship-driven, emotional stories that people go through in their personal lives. Everyone in this version of the Muppets wants to push them further in a way they've never been before."<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Snetiker|first1=Marc|title=A day on set with Piggy, Kermit, and the brand-new Muppets|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/09/11/muppets-behind-the-scenes-kermit-miss-piggy|access-date=September 11, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 11, 2015}}</ref> Kushell added, "Rightfully or wrongfully, The Muppets became more of a kids' product over the years. We want to bring them all the way back to what they were intended to be and then some. But never so much that anyone has to explain anything uncomfortable to their kids."<ref name=NYTProd/>
==Cast and characters== {{Main|List of Muppets}}
===Main cast=== * Steve Whitmire as: ** Kermit the Frog, the show's executive producer and Denise's boyfriend. ** Rizzo the Rat, one of Gonzo's staff writers.<ref name=THRAug15>{{cite news|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|title=ABC's 'Muppets' Will Feature Music, But Not Politics|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/abcs-muppets-will-feature-music-813059/|access-date=August 4, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 4, 2015}}</ref> ** Beaker, Bunsen's frazzled assistant.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Statler, a heckler and audience member of ''Up Late with Miss Piggy''.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Lips, the trumpet player of the Electric Mayhem, the show's house band.<ref name="HouseBandEW">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/09/14/muppets-season-1-study-guide|title=Everything we know about the Muppets revival (so far)|last=Zhu|first=Danielle|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=September 14, 2015}}</ref> ** The Muppet Newsman, a local news presenter who operates in a nearby studio.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Dornbush|first1=Jonathan|title=TV Recaps <nowiki>|</nowiki> The Muppets: 'Hostile Makeover'|url=https://ew.com/recap/the-muppets-season-1-episode-2/|access-date=September 30, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 29, 2015}}</ref> ** Foo-Foo, Miss Piggy's pet Bichon Frise.<ref name="THRNewman" /> ** Link Hogthrob * Eric Jacobson as: ** Miss Piggy, the eponymous host of ''Up Late with Miss Piggy'' and Kermit's former significant other.<ref name="VarietyComicCon" /><ref name=DeadlineComicCon>{{cite news|last1=D'Alessandro|first1=Anthony|title=Gonzo On 'The Muppets' New Show: "We Don't Have Deals Yet!" – Comic Con|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/the-muppets-comic-con-abc-1201474386/|access-date=July 12, 2015|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> ** Fozzie Bear, a struggling comedian and Piggy's on-air announcer, sidekick and warm-up comic.<ref name=DeadlineComicCon /> ** Animal, the crazed drummer of The Electric Mayhem.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Sam the Eagle, the head executive of broadcast standards and practices for ABC.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Marvin Suggs * Dave Goelz as: ** Gonzo the Great, the head writer of the show.<ref name="EWComicCon" /> ** Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, a freelance scientist in charge of the show's special effects and the prop department.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Waldorf, a heckler and audience member of ''Up Late with Miss Piggy''.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Zoot, the reserved saxophone player of The Electric Mayhem.<ref name="HouseBandEW" /> ** Chip, an IT technician.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Suddath|first1=Claire|title=Can the man behind television's biggest sitcom—and his puppet twin—help the Muppets take prime time?|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-17/new-muppets-sitcom-looks-to-take-prime-time|access-date=September 21, 2015|work=Bloomberg Business|date=September 17, 2015}}</ref> ** Beauregard, the studio janitor.<ref name=AV /> * Bill Barretta as: ** Pepe the King Prawn, one of Gonzo's staff writers.<ref name=THRAug15 /><ref name="EWComicCon" /> ** Rowlf the Dog, the owner of Rowlf's Tavern, a night bar across the street from the studio.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Bobo the Bear, the show's stage manager.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Dr. Teeth, keyboard player and lead vocalist of The Electric Mayhem.<ref name="HouseBandEW" /> ** The Swedish Chef, a chef who is in charge of the show's craft services.<ref name=THRAug15 /> ** Big Mean Carl, the receptionist for ''Up Late with Miss Piggy''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/the-muppets-series-premiere/|title='Pig Girls Don't Cry'|last=Dornbush|first=Jonathon|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 22, 2015|access-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> ** Bubba the Rat ** Howard Tubman * David Rudman as: ** Scooter, the show's talent coordinator and associate producer.<ref name="EWComicCon">{{cite magazine|last1=Snetiker|first1=Marc|title=The most genius moments from Kermit and Piggy's magical first Muppets panel at Comic-Con|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/07/11/comic-con-muppets-panel|access-date=July 12, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 11, 2015|quote=We have a cast of seven performers,...}}</ref> **Janice, the lead guitar player of The Electric Mayhem.<ref name="HouseBandEW" /> * Matt Vogel as: ** Uncle Deadly, Miss Piggy's wardrobe supervisor.<ref name="TVGuideSep2015" /> ** Floyd Pepper, the bass player for The Electric Mayhem.<ref name="HouseBandEW" /> ** Sweetums, the show's cue card operator.<ref name="TVGuideSep2015">{{cite news|last1=Nguyen|first1=Hanh|title=The Muppets: Where Are They Now?|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-muppets-where-are-they-now/|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=TV Guide|date=September 16, 2015}}</ref> ** Lew Zealand<ref name="THRNewman" /><ref name=AV>{{cite news|last1=Caffrey|first1=Dan|title=The Muppets' flaws are justified, if still slightly jarring|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-muppets-flaws-are-justified-if-still-slightly-jar-1798185040|access-date=September 30, 2015|work=The A.V. Club|date=September 30, 2015}}</ref> ** Crazy Harry ** Camilla the Chicken, Gonzo's reunited girlfriend <ref name="THRNewman" /> ** Robin the Frog, Kermit's nephew. ** Pops * Peter Linz as: ** Walter, a fan of the Muppets who appears in the First Look Presentation. ** Gloria Estefan, a Magellanic penguin chick. He was adopted by Miss Piggy during her trip to Argentina and quickly forms a bond with Uncle Deadly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/peterlinzpuppeteer/photos/a.132768816867698.38560.131416453669601/780152985462608|title=Just learned the real Gloria Estefan is now aware of my penguin Gloria Estefan.|last=Linz|first=Peter|publisher=Facebook|date=February 3, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2016}}</ref>
===Recurring cast=== * Julianne Buescher as: ** Denise, a pig who works as a network marketer and is Kermit's girlfriend.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Seitz|first1=Matt|title=The New Muppet Show Recaptures Some of the Original's Glory|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/09/the-muppets-tv-review.html|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=New York|date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> ** Yolanda Rat, Kermit's assistant who is good friends with Rizzo.<ref name=VultureRecap2>{{cite news|last1=Jaffe|first1=Jenny|title=The Muppets Recap: Josh Groban Is a Douche|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/09/muppets-recap-season-1-episode-2.html#|access-date=September 30, 2015|work=New York|date=September 30, 2015}}</ref> ** Debbie, Gonzo's online girlfriend * Riki Lindhome as Becky, Fozzie's human girlfriend. She was previously played by Margo Harshman in the First Look Presentation. * Layla Alizada as Betty, the Hair and Makeup Specialist at ''Up Late with Miss Piggy''. * Nilla Watkins as Kim, the production assistant at ''Up Late with Miss Piggy''. * June Diane Raphael as Lucy Royce, the president of ABC. * Utkarsh Ambudkar as Pizza (pronounced "Pache"), a "branding guru" who is appointed by the network to re-brand ''Up Late with Miss Piggy''. He previously branded Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Katy Perry, some warlord, and others. He is constantly trying to get the Muppets to do what he wants for the show, and will go as far as to sabotage them if they don't.<ref name="THRNewman">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/muppets-midseason-reboot-changes-853752/|title=Classic Sketches, Returning Favorites: Inside 'The Muppets' Midseason Reboot|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 10, 2016|access-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref> In episode 15, however, Sweetums, Rizzo, Pepe, and a few others reform him.
==Episodes== {{Episode table |background=#90EE90 |overall=6 |title=24 |director=15 |writer=20 |airdate=13 |airdateR={{ref label|Canada Airdate|b|b}} |viewers=9 |country=US |episodes= {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 0 |RTitle = First Look Presentation |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = Bill Prady & Bob Kushell |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|7|21}} |Viewers = -- |ShortSummary = The Muppets find out ABC is interested in filming a documentary series about them but Miss Piggy is not on board, forcing Kermit to break the bad news that the show will not air. Meanwhile, Fozzie has to meet his girlfriend Becky's parents, who do not approve of her dating a bear.
'''Note''': The 10-minute episode was shown at the ABC upfront at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2015. It was posted on YouTube ten days later, but removed from YouTube once the series premiered.
Guest stars: Topher Grace as himself, Elizabeth Banks as herself, Margo Harshman as Becky, Jere Burns as Carl, Meagen Fay as Holly
|LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 1 |Title = Pig Girls Don't Cry (Pilot) |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = Bill Prady & Bob Kushell |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|9|22}} |Viewers = 9.01<ref name="1.01">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/09/23/tuesday-final-ratings-the-voice-ncis-limitless-best-time-ever-adjusted-down/470718/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925083229/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/09/23/tuesday-final-ratings-the-voice-ncis-limitless-best-time-ever-adjusted-down/470718/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 25, 2015|title=Tuesday Final Ratings: 'The Voice', 'NCIS', 'Limitless' & 'The Muppets' Adjusted Up; 'Best Time Ever' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|date=September 23, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = The Muppets tackle some of the show's ongoing issues and try to find guest stars that Miss Piggy approves of since she does not want Elizabeth Banks. Fozzie tries to get Becky's parents to approve of him even though he is a bear. Imagine Dragons perform their song "Roots".
Guest stars: Elizabeth Banks as herself, Tracy Anderson as herself, Tom Bergeron as himself, Imagine Dragons as themselves, Riki Lindhome as Becky, Meagen Fay as Holly, Jere Burns as Carl
|LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 2 |Title = Hostile Makeover |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Bill Prady & Bob Kushell|t=Dave Caplan & Gregg Mettler}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|9|29}} |Viewers = 5.78<ref name="1.02">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/09/30/tuesday-final-ratings-the-voice-ncis-adjusted-up-best-time-ever-adjusted-down/474416/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001181953/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/09/30/tuesday-final-ratings-the-voice-ncis-adjusted-up-best-time-ever-adjusted-down/474416/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tuesday Final Ratings: 'The Voice' + 'NCIS' Adjusted Up; 'Best Time Ever' Adjusted Down|last=Dixon|first=Dani|work=TV by the Numbers|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Hoping to make her feel good, Kermit sets Miss Piggy up with Josh Groban only to find Josh has his own ideas for the show. Bobo the Bear attempts to sell cookies for his daughter. Fozzie is invited to a party at Jay Leno's house and is tempted to obtain a souvenir of the party, where he ends up taking (and accidentally breaking) a candy bowl that was previously owned by George Carlin.
Guest stars: Josh Groban as himself, Laurence Fishburne as himself, Jay Leno as himself, Lea Thompson as herself, Reza Aslan as himself |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 3 |Title = Bear Left Then Bear Write |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Dave Caplan & Gregg Mettler|t=Nell Scovell & Steve Rudnick}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|10|6}} |Viewers = 4.85<ref name="1.03">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/07/tuesday-final-ratings-oct-6-2015/477169/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007222144/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/07/tuesday-final-ratings-oct-6-2015/477169/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2015|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'The Muppets,' 'NCIS' and 'Scream Queens' adjusted up, 'Flash' and 'iZombie' hold|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Trying to spare Fozzie's feelings after he writes a terrible sketch for the show, Kermit inadvertently convinces him to quit and pursue a career as a screenwriter. Miss Piggy is furious when Christina Applegate plays a prank on her on-air and plans to prank her back with Scooter's help. Gonzo uses Liam Hemsworth's picture on a dating website, leading to problems when his online girlfriend Debbie wants to meet him in person.
Guest stars: Christina Applegate as herself, Nick Offerman as himself, Liam Hemsworth as himself, Chris Jai Alex as Police Officer |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 4 |Title = Pig Out |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Bob Kushell & Dave Caplan|t=Gregg Mettler & Nell Scovell}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|10|13}} |Viewers = 4.34<ref name=1.04>{{cite news|last1=Porter|first1=Rick|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'The Flash' and 'NCIS' adjusted up, 'Chicago Fire' holds|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/14/tuesday-final-ratings-oct-13-2015/478601/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016101118/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/14/tuesday-final-ratings-oct-13-2015/478601/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 16, 2015|access-date=October 14, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 14, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Miss Piggy finds out that the crew meet at Rowlf's Tavern at the end of taping and gets herself invited where they perform karaoke with Ed Helms. Meanwhile, Statler is hospitalized after being accidentally shot with a T-shirt gun by Fozzie, who goes to great lengths to make amends. At the same time, Sam mistakenly thinks that Janice is attracted to him.
Guest star: Ed Helms as himself |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 5 |Title = Walk the Swine |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Dave Caplan & Steve Rudnick|t=Gregg Mettler & Nell Scovell}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|10|27}} |Viewers = 4.33<ref name="1.05">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/03/tuesday-final-ratings-fresh-off-the-boat-the-flash-and-ncis-adjust-up-wicked-city-stays-under-1-0/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114035504/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/03/tuesday-final-ratings-fresh-off-the-boat-the-flash-and-ncis-adjust-up-wicked-city-stays-under-1-0/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 14, 2015|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Fresh Off the Boat,' 'The Flash' and 'NCIS' adjust up, 'Wicked City' stays under 1.0|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=October 28, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Miss Piggy's feud with Reese Witherspoon (who previously beat her out for the lead female role in ''Walk the Line'') hits a new level when they both volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Meanwhile, Fozzie's relationship with Becky is in turmoil when he starts telling jokes about her in his stand-up set. Also, Rizzo causes car trouble for Scooter by accidentally crashing into him.
Guest stars: Reese Witherspoon as herself, Riki Lindhome as Becky |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 6 |Title = The Ex-Factor |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Bob Kushell & Steve Rudnick|t=Nell Scovell & Emily Wilson}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|11|3}} |Viewers = 4.56<ref name="1.06">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/04/tuesday-final-ratings-fresh-off-the-boat-and-best-time-ever-adjust-up/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105200544/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/04/tuesday-final-ratings-fresh-off-the-boat-and-best-time-ever-adjust-up/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Fresh Off the Boat' and 'Best Time Ever' adjust up|last=Porter |first=Rick|date=November 4, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=November 4, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Kermit asks for Miss Piggy's advice on what to get Denise for her birthday. Meanwhile, after appearing on ''Up Late with Miss Piggy'', Kristin Chenoweth agrees to perform a gig at the anniversary of Floyd Pepper's parents and causes an argument between The Electric Mayhem members.
Guest stars: Kristin Chenoweth as herself, Stacey Moseley as Cheryl |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 7 |Title = Pig's in a Blackout |DirectedBy = Matt Sohn |WrittenBy = Steve Rudnick & Emily Wilson |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|11|10}} |Viewers = 3.94<ref name="1.07">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/11/tuesday-final-ratings-nov-10-2015/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113034930/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/11/tuesday-final-ratings-nov-10-2015/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 13, 2015|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Chicago Fire' adjusts down, 'NCIS' adjusts up|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 11, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Following some incidents at the studio and the fact that Patrick Dempsey cancelled upon contracting poison ivy, Kermit is advised by Miss Piggy and Denise to go to a local spa. Once there, Kermit has a hard time relaxing when he encounters Jason Bateman, who harasses him by asking for his help with his daughter's school play. Scooter fills in for Kermit, which leads to some unfortunate circumstances like the air conditioner breaking and the resulting condensation causing the power to go out. Scooter considers giving up until Gonzo talks him out of it. At the same time, Sam tries to find common ground with Janice.
Guest stars: Jason Bateman as himself, Pentatonix as themselves |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 8 |Title = Too Hot to Handler |DirectedBy = Matt Sohn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Margee Magee & Angeli Millan|t=Shane Kosakowski & Franklin Hardy}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|11|17}} |Viewers = 3.89<ref name="1.08">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/18/tuesday-final-ratings-nov-17-2015/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119141038/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/18/tuesday-final-ratings-nov-17-2015/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 19, 2015|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Flash' and 'NCIS' adjust up, 'Chicago Med' premiere holds|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=November 18, 2015|access-date=November 18, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Scooter develops a crush on Chelsea Handler after she appears on the show. Meanwhile, Kermit and Denise go on a double date with Fozzie and Becky, where Kermit thinks Becky might be cheating at history trivia, which causes a fight between him and Fozzie.
Guest stars: Chelsea Handler as herself, Riki Lindhome as Becky |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 9 |Title = Going, Going, Gonzo |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Shane Kosakowski & Franklin Hardy|t=Jordan Reddout & Gus Hickey}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|12|1}} |Viewers = 3.78<ref name="1.09">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/12/02/tuesday-final-ratings-dec-1-2015-fresh-off-the-boat-and-rudolph-adjust-up/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205142906/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/12/02/tuesday-final-ratings-dec-1-2015-fresh-off-the-boat-and-rudolph-adjust-up/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 5, 2015|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Fresh Off the Boat' and 'Rudolph' adjust up|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=December 2, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Gonzo debates attempting a stunt from his past that he never completed, prompting Kermit to schedule it for the show. Despite a near-accident caused by Sweetums and Gonzo during her performance with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Miss Piggy plans to promote her new product called Piggy Water. Meanwhile, Scooter attempts to change his image with the help of The Electric Mayhem. Dave Grohl later performs on the show as Gonzo's cannon shot stunt to the other roof is a success. During the credits, Grohl and Animal compete in a drum-off which ends in a draw.
Guest stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt as himself, Dave Grohl as himself |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 10 |Title = Single All the Way |DirectedBy = Matt Sohn |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Gregg Mettler & Nell Scovell|t=Bob Kushell & Dave Caplan}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2015|12|8}} |Viewers = 3.81<ref name="1.10">{{cite web|last1=Porter|first1=Rick|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'The Flash' and 'The Voice' adjust up|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/12/09/tuesday-final-ratings-dec-8-2015/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210213323/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/12/09/tuesday-final-ratings-dec-8-2015/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2015|website=TV by the Numbers|date=December 9, 2015|access-date=December 9, 2015}}</ref> |ShortSummary = The Muppets prepare a holiday special for the show with Mindy Kaling as Kermit and Scooter work to find an alternative to the musical number after hearing Kaling sing during rehearsal. After Becky breaks up with Fozzie, Miss Piggy gives him relationship advice and soon wonders if it is too late to rekindle her relationship with Kermit. Bitter that she was not in the Secret Santa drawing last year, Yolanda rigs the gift exchange. Sam hangs up a mistletoe in order to get Janice to kiss him.
Guest stars: Mindy Kaling as herself, Echosmith as themselves |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 11 |Title = Swine Song |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = Gregg Mettler & Emily Wilson |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|2|2}} |Viewers = 2.76<ref name="1.11">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/03/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-2-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204091529/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/03/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-2-2016/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2016|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'The Muppets' adjusts up, 'iZombie' adjusts down|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=February 3, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2016}}</ref> |ShortSummary = The crew returns from vacation, with Miss Piggy claiming to have gone through a spiritual change after returning from Argentina and adopting a Magellanic penguin chick that she names "Gloria Estefan", much to the chagrin of Uncle Deadly. The president of the network, Lucy Royce, visits the show and forces them to work with a consultant named Pizza to "update" the program. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele gravely warn Kermit and Miss Piggy about the repercussions of following the suggestions, noting that after working with Pizza and implementing his changes, ''Key & Peele'' was canceled. The Muppets instead tweak the show themselves, adding more skits involving the other Muppets to the show. Pizza visits the show during the night's taping and informs Kermit that he cancelled Key and Peele's scheduled appearance due to them pitching their oven mitts on ''Shark Tank''. In order to save the show, Kermit performs "In Spite of Ourselves" with Miss Piggy, which makes Denise feel jealous. Afterwards at Rowlf's Tavern, she tells Kermit they should re-evaluate their relationship. Guest stars: Utkarsh Ambudkar as Pizza, June Diane Raphael as Lucy Royce, Keegan-Michael Key as himself, Jordan Peele as himself |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 12 |Title = A Tail of Two Piggies |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = Nell Scovell & Steve Rudnick |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|2|9}} |Viewers = 2.71<ref name="1.12">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/10/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-9-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212081615/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/10/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-9-2016/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2016|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Muppets,' 'iZombie,' 'NCIS: New Orleans' and 'Grinder' all adjust down|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=February 10, 2016}}</ref> |ShortSummary = After suffering a wardrobe malfunction where her tail hangs out at the premiere of ''Zootopia'', Miss Piggy struggles with media attention. Meanwhile, Gonzo is distraught that Camilla the Chicken broke up with him and rents a house with Rizzo and Pepe that used to belong to Ian Ziering. Miss Piggy eventually decides to embrace who she is and plans to show her tail on the air. Lucy Royce and Sam advise Kermit to talk Miss Piggy into not going through with it, citing the loss of jobs and sponsors that will follow. Kermit goes on stage at the night's taping and says that although the network has banned Miss Piggy's scheduled stunt, he and the staff are permitted by default. They show off their own fake tails with Joan Jett performing. In the final scene at Gonzo, Rizzo and Pepe's house, a party is held with Ziering attending. Camilla suddenly appears, much to Gonzo's surprise.
Guest stars: Ian Ziering as himself, June Diane Raphael as Lucy Royce, Joan Jett as herself |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 13 |Title = Got Silk? |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = Shane Kosakowski & Franklin Hardy |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|2|16}} |Viewers = 2.45<ref name="1.13">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/18/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-16-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219091438/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/18/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-16-2016/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 19, 2016|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Agent Carter' adjusts up|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=February 18, 2016|access-date=February 18, 2016}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Miss Piggy becomes depressed that because of the rebooted show, she is getting less screen time. In search of a friend, she goes with Janice to an aerial silk class. Meanwhile, Pizza attempts to brainwash Gonzo, Pepe, and Rizzo into getting a sketch idea on the night's taping. Kermit deals with not getting a response from Denise on the status of their relationship.
Guest stars: Utkarsh Ambudkar as Pizza, Ingrid Michaelson as herself, RuPaul as himself, Kat Purgal as Gwynne, Jimm Giannini as Giuseppe |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 14 |Title = Little Green Lie |DirectedBy = Bill Barretta |WrittenBy = Dave Caplan & Jordan Reddout & Gus Hickey |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|2|23}} |Viewers = 2.60<ref name="1.14">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/24/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-23-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226092950/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/02/24/tuesday-final-ratings-feb-23-2016/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2016|title=Tuesday final ratings: 'Agent Carter' adjusts up|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=February 24, 2016|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> |ShortSummary = When Kermit's nephew Robin comes to visit at the time when his parents are getting a divorce, Kermit struggles to keep his break-up with Miss Piggy a secret. Rizzo and Pepe also are struggling with Camilla's moving into the house and Gonzo's absence in their activities. To look for a new wingman, they put Sam, Big Mean Carl, and Chip through different tests at Rowlf's Tavern.
Guest star: Lara Spencer as herself |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 15 |Title = Generally Inhospitable |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = Margee Magee & Angeli Millan |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|3|1}} |Viewers = 2.73<ref name="1.15&1.16"/> |ShortSummary = After dislocating her leg during rehearsal, Miss Piggy is rushed into surgery while Pizza attempts to have a DJ guest host. Kermit arranges for Miss Piggy to host the night's taping from her hospital bed. Kermit even brings Rowlf along to work with Janice on a "Veterinarian's Hospital" skit with a nearby patient. Meanwhile, Rizzo, Pepe, Yolanda, Big Mean Carl, and Sweetums out how to deal with Pizza, eventually calling his father with whom he had an estranged relationship. With an offer to return home to run the family business, Pizza leaves the show. With the taping a success, Miss Piggy is brought into surgery, but not before she and Kermit exchange "I love you"'s; unbeknownst to them, the cameras are still rolling.
Guest stars: Utkarsh Ambudkar as Pizza, Willie Nelson as himself,<ref name="seasonfinale">{{cite web|url=https://www.spoilertv.com/2016/02/the-muppets-season-1-final-two-episodes.html?m=1|title=The Muppets - Season 1 Finale - Press Release *Updated *|work=SpoilerTV|last=Anop|first=Nirat|date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> Phil LaMarr as Miss Piggy's doctor |LineColor = 90EE90 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 16 |Title = Because... Love |DirectedBy = Randall Einhorn |WrittenBy = Scott Weinger & Emily Wilson |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|3|1}} |Viewers = 2.73<ref name="1.15&1.16">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/03/02/tuesday-final-ratings-march-1-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303095635/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/03/02/tuesday-final-ratings-march-1-2016/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2016|title=Tuesday Final Ratings: 'New Girl' adjusts up|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=March 2, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2016|publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Kermit and Miss Piggy struggle with the aftermath of the previous night with Kermit realizing that he still loves her, but is anxious. Other Muppet characters have appeared at the studio after they saw the news as Howard Tubman hooks up some acts for Rizzo and Scooter to present on ''Up Late with Miss Piggy''. Kermit flips a coin to decide at the suggestion of Rowlf. Miss Piggy believes that they are getting back together is all but confirmed. The staff try to help Kermit decide, with varying thoughts on the positives and negatives. After running into Jack White, Kermit makes a decision. After finding out about the coin flip, Miss Piggy is hurt and makes up her mind. At the taping, Jack White performs "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and she runs off while the staff try to encourage her to reconsider on-air. Wanting to get away, Miss Piggy is on a plane to Thailand. Kermit arrives with a calzone and the two try to make a final decision, unaware that Pepe is secretly on the plane with them.
Guest star: Jack White as himself<ref name="seasonfinale" /> |LineColor = 90EE90 }} }}
==Production== Bill Prady originated the idea to bring the Muppets back to prime-time television and enlisted Bob Kushell as co-creator and showrunner for the project, allowing Prady to concurrently continue performing his duties as executive producer on ''The Big Bang Theory'', which CBS had renewed through its tenth season, for the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/big-bang-theory-renewed-season-687949/ |title='Big Bang Theory' Renewed Through Season 10 |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 12, 2014 |access-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref> Before ABC was approached, Netflix expressed interest in co-producing the series as part of its original programming roster.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lynch|first1=Jason|title=Inside The Muppets' Decade-Long Journey Back to Prime-Time TV ABC places its biggest fall bet on Kermit and Miss Piggy|url=https://www.adweek.com/convergent-tv/inside-muppets-decade-long-journey-back-prime-time-tv-167031/|access-date=October 1, 2015|work=Adweek|date=September 20, 2015}}</ref>
''The Muppets'' was considered a "stealth, late presentation" in the 2015 comedy development season. After buying Prady and Kushell's pitch, ABC ordered a pilot script and a 10-minute proof of concept filmed presentation, which was filmed at the Walt Disney Studios in May and delivered just in time for ABC schedule consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/muppet-show-reboot-abc-bill-prady-1201466006/ |title=ABC Eyes 'Muppet Show' Reboot |last=Friedlander |first=Whitney |work=Variety |date=April 3, 2015 |access-date=April 3, 2015}}</ref> On May 7, 2015, ABC greenlit the series to order as an entry in the 2015–16 television season.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Futon Critic Staff |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2015/05/07/development-update-thursday-may-7-three-new-comedies-heading-to-series-at-abc-905225/11331/ |title=Development Update: Thursday, May 7—Three New Comedies Heading to Series at ABC |publisher=The Futon Critic |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> The pitch presentation, which was first screened to the public on July 11, 2015, at Comic-Con to an overwhelmingly positive response, was released online on July 21, 2015.<ref name="THRComicCon">{{cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|title=Comic-Con: 'Muppets' Steal the Spotlight, Get Standing Ovation|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/comic-con-2015-muppets-808139/|access-date=July 12, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lowe|first=Kinsey|date=July 21, 2015|title='The Muppets' Pilot Pitch: What Was Screened at Comic Con|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/the-muppets-abc-comic-con-1201483035/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> In regards to what Muppet characters to include, producers decided to omit extremely anthropomorphic characters such as "talking vegetables and dancing chickens".<ref name=NYTProd>{{cite web|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|title=On 'The Muppets', Miss Piggy Has a Talk Show and a Chatty Staff|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/arts/television/on-the-muppets-miss-piggy-has-a-talk-show-and-a-chatty-staff.html|access-date=September 7, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=September 7, 2015}}</ref>
The series was shot at Stages 6 and 7 of the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California, and on-location throughout Los Angeles.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} Sets must be raised four and a half feet so that the Muppet performers will have room to operate the characters, and all sets have platforms which can be moved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://decoy.tvpassport.com/news/back-prime-time-abc-raises-curtain-famous-puppet-crew-muppets?subid=national-00001|title=Back in prime time: ABC raises the curtain on the famous puppet crew in 'The Muppets'|last=Brewer|first=Kyla|work=TV Media|access-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> ''The Muppets'' received a full 16-episode season from ABC on October 29, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|title=ABC Gives Full Season Order to 'The Muppets' with Three More Episodes|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/muppets-full-season-pickup-abc-1201630120/|access-date=October 30, 2015|work=Variety|date=October 29, 2015}}</ref>
In early November 2015, it was announced that Kushell was leaving the series, with Kristen Newman in talks to replace him. The move was reportedly part of a creative overhaul of the series, which saw the final six episodes of the first season act as a relaunch of the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/the-muppets-showrunner-bob-kushell-exit-kristin-newman-reboot-1201606360/|title='The Muppets' Showrunner Bob Kushell Exits As Series Heads For Reboot|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 4, 2015|access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> Newman began work during production of the tenth episode, which involved her rewriting the Miss Piggy-Kermit scenes to "bring [their] connection back... that was being walked away from completely" in the early episodes. Newman also hoped to introduce more serialized elements to the series.<ref name="THRNewman" /> However, ABC cancelled ''The Muppets'' on May 12, 2016 after one season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Holloway|first1=Daniel|title='The Muppets' Cancelled by ABC|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/the-muppets-cancelled-by-abc-1201773341/|access-date=May 13, 2016|work=Variety|date=May 12, 2016}}</ref>
After being dismissed from the Muppets performer troupe in 2016, Steve Whitmire talked to the media about how he provided notes on scripts for the series, saying that the longtime performers know the characters best. He cited the episode "Little Green Lie" as an example of how he felt the characters were being scripted wrong, noting: {{Blockquote|I think that as Robin came to Kermit, he would say 'things happen, people go their separate ways, but that doesn't mean we don't care about you.' Kermit is too compassionate to lie to him to spare his feelings.<ref name="THR-conduct">{{cite news|last1=Parker|first1=Ryan|title=Disney Says It Fired Kermit the Frog Actor Over "Unacceptable Business Conduct"|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/disney-says-fired-kermit-frog-actor-unacceptable-business-conduct-1021701/|access-date=19 July 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=17 July 2017}}</ref>}}
ABC cancelled the series in May 2016, "after a midseason show runner change failed to turn around disappointing ratings." Daniel Holloway from ''Variety'' added the series had "underperformed following a massive marketing campaign", and noted how "critics derided the series as not family-friendly enough and out of step with the history of the characters".<ref name="Holloway">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/the-muppets-cancelled-by-abc-1201773341/|title='The Muppets' Cancelled by ABC|last=Holloway|first=Daniel|work=Variety|date=May 12, 2016|access-date=15 June 2020}}</ref>
==Broadcast== ''The Muppets'' premiered on September 22, 2015 on ABC in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/abc-sets-fall-premiere-dates-for-muppets-wicked-city-more-1201516557/ |title=ABC Sets Fall Premiere Dates for 'Muppets,' 'Wicked City,' 'TGIT' & More |last=Friedlander |first=Whitney |work=Variety |date=June 10, 2015 |access-date=June 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=The Muppets |title=THIS JUST IN!!! Our new series, The Muppets ABC will premiere on Tuesday, September 22nd at 8:00 pm! It's primetime to light the lights! |publisher=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/muppets/photos/a.10150162022752035.298754.177534557034/10152813627637035/?type=1&theater |access-date=June 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610203317/https://www.facebook.com/muppets/photos/a.10150162022752035.298754.177534557034/10152813627637035/?type=1&theater |archive-date=June 10, 2015 |date=June 10, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was broadcast on Sky 1 in the UK, starting Monday October 19, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plunkett |first1=John |title=The Muppets Mockumentary TV Series to Air on Sky 1 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/09/the-muppets-mockumentary-tv-series-sky-1 |access-date=July 11, 2015 |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=July 9, 2015}}</ref> The series was also acquired by the Seven Network in Australia<ref>{{cite web|publisher=TV Tonight|first=David|last=Knox|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/09/the-muppets-set-for-seven.html|title=The Muppets set for Seven |date=September 2, 2015|access-date=September 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=TV Tonight|first=David|last=Knox|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/10/the-muppets-soon-on-seven.html|title=The Muppets "soon" on Seven|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref> and premiered on December 29, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=TV Tonight|first=David|last=Knox|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/12/airdate-the-muppets.html|title=Airdate: The Muppets |date=8 December 2015|access-date=8 December 2015}}</ref>
==Reception== ===Critical reception=== On the review aggregate website Metacritic, ''The Muppets'' has a score of 62 out of 100, based on 31 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-muppets-2015|title=The Muppets Reviews|publisher=Metacritic.com}}</ref> On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has a rating of 64%, based on 58 reviews, with an average rating of 6.46/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "''The Muppets'' brings new energy to a beloved franchise—and although longtime fans may be taken aback by the show's adult mockumentary approach, the classic characters retain their essential spirit."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the-muppets/s01/ |title=The Muppets: Season 1 |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref> ''The Washington Post''{{'}}s Hank Stuever complimented the series, calling it "a smart and often witty update to the Muppet brand," giving it a "B".<ref name="Washington Post Fall TV Preview">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/entertainment/2015-fall-tv-preview/ |title=Fall TV Preview 2015 |first=Hank |last=Stuever |date=September 16, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref> Merrill Barr of ''Forbes'' wrote a negative review, stating, "By taking these creatures and turning them into 'real' people, the only way to make them funny becomes having them do outlandish things. The only problem is they're inherently outlandish just by existing, so everything they do just feels tame and lifeless by comparison."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/merrillbarr/2015/09/16/the-muppets-tv-show-review/|title='The Muppets' Review: A Joyless Excursion Made For Adult Fans That Lacks What Made Them Fans At All|first=Merrill|last=Barr|work=Forbes|date=September 16, 2015|access-date=September 16, 2015}}</ref> Dominic Patten of ''Deadline Hollywood'' negatively compared the series to ''Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBbUkCbOX6s|title='The Muppets' on ABC - TV Review|author=Deadline Hollywood|work=YouTube|date=September 16, 2015|access-date=September 16, 2015}}</ref> Brian Lowry of ''Variety'' gave a more mixed reaction, calling it "something of a mixed bag", praising the humor, but criticizing the subplot of Fozzie dating a human woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/the-muppets-review-abc-comedy-1201595069/|title=The Muppets: TV Review|first=Brian|last=Lowry|work=Variety|date=September 17, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2015}}</ref> On the other hand, Dorothy Rabinowitz of ''The Wall Street Journal'' was more positive toward the series. She wrote, "As soon as you begin watching the new ''Muppets'' the question arises—how come no one thought of this before? So perfect is the idea of a late-night talk show called ''Up Late with Miss Piggy'' one has to wonder."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-muppets-review-all-grown-up-1442529605|title='The Muppets' Review: All Grown Up|first=Dorothy|last=Rabinowitz|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 17, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2015}}</ref>
===Criticism=== The conservative group One Million Moms, an offshoot of the American Family Association, began protesting ''The Muppets'', citing it as "unsuitable for family viewing", and calling for boycotts against it immediately after ABC picked it up, long before the series debuted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-muppets-are-perverted-and-ruined-according-to-one-million-moms/|title='The Muppets' Slammed as 'Perverted' and 'Ruined' by One Million Moms Advocacy Group|last=Verhoeven|first=Beatrice|work=The Wrap|date=September 23, 2015|access-date=September 26, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://onemillionmoms.com/current-campaigns/warning-the-new-muppets-is-not-family-friendly/|title=Warning! The New 'Muppets' is Not Family-Friendly|work=OneMillionMoms.com|date=September 25, 2015|access-date=September 25, 2015|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202003505/https://onemillionmoms.com/current-campaigns/warning-the-new-muppets-is-not-family-friendly/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2015-10-18/us-pressure-group-new-muppets-show-is-perverted|title=US pressure group calls for 'perverted' Muppets show to be banned|work=ITV News|date=October 18, 2015|access-date=October 18, 2015}}</ref> ''The Muppets'' later parodied One Million Moms' critique in their twelfth episode, "A Tail of Two Piggies", as the One Million Angry Parents Association represented by three protesters.<ref>source: "A Tail of Two Piggies" airdate February 9, 2016</ref>{{independent source inline|date=December 2016}}
The Parents Television Council also criticized the series for not meeting "family viewing" guidelines and suggested a boycott, based on the mockumentary format of the series including mentions of plastic surgery, "inside" business language being used in a crude manner, and the Muppets in a bar consuming alcoholic beverages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://w2.parentstv.org/Main/News/Detail.aspx?docID=3296|title=New PTC Research Finds ABC's The Muppets Exposes Kids to Adult-Themed Content Every 3 Minutes|last=Oliver|first=Kelley|work=Parents Television Council|date=October 20, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2015|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020558/http://w2.parentstv.org/Main/News/Detail.aspx?docID=3296|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Accolades=== {| class="wikitable" ! Award ! Category ! Recipients ! Result |- |Kids' Choice Awards |Favorite Family TV Show<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Zach|title=Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2016 Winners List|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/748176/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-2016-winners-list|access-date=August 27, 2016|work=E News|date=March 12, 2016}}</ref> | |{{won}} |- |Primetime Emmy Award |Outstanding Art Direction for a Contemporary Program (Half Hour or Less)<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Abrams|first1=Natalie|title=Emmys 2016: Minority Report, The Muppets, and other post-cancellation nominations|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/07/14/emmy-nominations-shows-canceled/|access-date=July 22, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 14, 2016}}</ref> |Denise Ann Pizzini, Production Designer; Don Diers, Set Decorator |{{nom}} |}
===Ratings=== {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:99%" |- ! No. ! Title ! Air date ! data-sort-type="number" | Rating/share<br/>(18–49) ! data-sort-type="number" | Viewers<br/>(millions) ! data-sort-type="number" | DVR<br/>(18–49) ! data-sort-type="number" | DVR viewers<br/>(millions) ! data-sort-type="number" | Total<br/>(18–49) ! data-sort-type="number" | Total viewers<br/>(millions) |- | 1 | style="text-align:left;" | "Pig Girls Don't Cry (Pilot)" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|9|22}} | 2.9/10 | 9.01<ref name="1.01"/> | 1.1 | 2.68 | 4.0 | 11.69<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/11/premiere-week-live-7-ratings-blindspot-empire-and-big-bang-theory-score-biggest-gains/477409/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013183937/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/11/premiere-week-live-7-ratings-blindspot-empire-and-big-bang-theory-score-biggest-gains/477409/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2015|title=Premiere week Live +7 ratings: 'Blindspot,' 'Empire' and 'Big Bang Theory' score biggest gains|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=October 11, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=October 11, 2015}}</ref> |- | 2 | style="text-align:left;" | "Hostile Makeover" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|9|29}} | 2.0/7 | 5.78<ref name="1.02"/> | 0.9 | {{N/A}} | 2.9<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/19/broadcast-live-7-ratings-week-2-the-blacklist-premiere-joins-empire-and-blindspot-atop-the-charts/479111/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020142054/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/19/broadcast-live-7-ratings-week-2-the-blacklist-premiere-joins-empire-and-blindspot-atop-the-charts/479111/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 20, 2015|title=Broadcast Live +7 ratings, week 2: 'The Blacklist' premiere joins 'Empire' and 'Blindspot' atop the charts|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=October 19, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=October 19, 2015}}</ref> | {{N/A}} |- | 3 | style="text-align:left;" | "Bear Left Then Bear Write" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|10|6}} | 1.7/6 | 4.85<ref name="1.03"/> | {{N/A}} | {{N/A}} | {{N/A}} | {{N/A}} |- | 4 | style="text-align:left;" | "Pig Out" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|10|13}} | 1.3/5 | 4.34<ref name="1.04"/> | 0.8 | {{N/A}} | 2.1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/04/broadcast-live-7-ratings-week-4-jane-the-virgin-premiere-doubles-empire-and-blindspot-top-charts-for-oct-12-18/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107202722/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/04/broadcast-live-7-ratings-week-4-jane-the-virgin-premiere-doubles-empire-and-blindspot-top-charts-for-oct-12-18/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 7, 2015|title=Broadcast Live +7 ratings, week 4: 'Jane the Virgin' premiere doubles, 'Empire' and 'Blindspot' top charts for Oct. 12-18|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=November 4, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=November 4, 2015}}</ref> | {{N/A}} |- | 5 | style="text-align:left;" | "Walk the Swine" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|10|27}} | 1.4/5 | 4.33<ref name="1.05"/> | 0.8 | {{N/A}} | 2.2<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/16/broadcast-live-7-ratings-big-bang-theory-and-blindspot-top-week-6-quantico-doubles-in-18-49-and-viewers/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032234/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/11/16/broadcast-live-7-ratings-big-bang-theory-and-blindspot-top-week-6-quantico-doubles-in-18-49-and-viewers/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 17, 2015|title=Broadcast Live +7 ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' and 'Blindspot' top week 6, 'Quantico' doubles in 18-49 and viewers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=November 16, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=November 16, 2015}}</ref> | {{N/A}} |- | 6 | style="text-align:left;" | "The Ex-Factor" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|11|3}} | 1.4/5 | 4.56<ref name="1.06"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 7 | style="text-align:left;" | "Pig's in a Blackout" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|11|10}} | 1.2/4 | 3.94<ref name="1.07"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 8 | style="text-align:left;" | "Too Hot to Handler" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|11|17}} | 1.2/4 | 3.89<ref name="1.08"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 9 | style="text-align:left;" | "Going, Going, Gonzo" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|12|1}} | 1.1/4 | 3.78<ref name="1.09"/> | 0.6 | {{N/A}} | 1.7<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/12/21/broadcast-live-7-ratings-week-11-nov-30-dec-6-2015/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222091630/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/12/21/broadcast-live-7-ratings-week-11-nov-30-dec-6-2015/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 22, 2015|title=Broadcast Live +7 ratings, week 11: 'Empire' fall finale on top, 'Vampire Diaries' leads percentage gains|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=December 21, 2015|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=December 21, 2015}}</ref> | {{N/A}} |- | 10 | style="text-align:left;" | "Single All the Way" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2015|12|8}} | 1.1/4 | 3.81<ref name="1.10"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 11 | style="text-align:left;" | "Swine Song" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2016|2|2}} | 0.9/3 | 2.76<ref name="1.11"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 12 | style="text-align:left;" | "A Tale of Two Piggies" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2016|2|9}} | 0.8/3 | 2.71<ref name="1.12"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 13 | style="text-align:left;" | "Got Silk?" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2016|2|16}} | 0.8/3 | 2.45<ref name="1.13"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 14 | style="text-align:left;" | "Little Green Lie" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2016|2|23}} | 0.8/3 | 2.60<ref name="1.14"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 15 | style="text-align:left;" | "Generally Inhospitable" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2016|3|1}} | 0.9/3 | 2.73<ref name="1.15&1.16"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |- | 16 | style="text-align:left;" | "Because... Love" | style="text-align:left;" | {{Start date|2016|3|1}} | 0.9/3 | 2.73<ref name="1.15&1.16"/> | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} | {{TBA}} |}
==Notes== {{note label|First Look Viewers|a|a}} This number represents the number of views the First Look Presentation received on YouTube ({{as of|2015|9|19|df=US|lc=y}}) since ABC officially released it on July 21, 2015.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2B5d-8H588|title=The Muppets - First Look Presentation|author=ABC Television Network|publisher=YouTube|date=July 21, 2015|access-date=September 11, 2015}}</ref><br /> {{note label|Canada Airdate|b|b}} Episodes premiere one day earlier on City in Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://citytvplus.ca/toronto/shows/the-muppets/ |title=Watch the Muppets Online - See New TV Episodes Online Free | City toronto Toronto |access-date=2015-09-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919033759/http://www.citytv.com/toronto/shows/the-muppets/ |archive-date=September 19, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Wikiquote}} * {{IMDb title|4651824|The Muppets}} * {{Muppets|The Muppets (2015)}}
{{The Muppets productions}} {{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite TV Show}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Muppets (TV series), The}} Category:2010s American mockumentary television series Category:2010s American parody television series Category:2010s American single-camera sitcoms Category:2010s American workplace comedy television series Category:2015 American television series debuts Category:2016 American television series endings Category:English-language American television shows Category:The Muppets television series Category:American television shows featuring puppetry Category:Television series about television Category:Television series by ABC Studios Category:Television shows filmed in Los Angeles Category:Television shows set in Los Angeles Category:Television series created by Bill Prady Category:American Broadcasting Company sitcoms