It’s time to light the lights and watch these iconic ‘Muppet Show’ episodes
We can all appreciate the Muppets. Many professional puppeteers say they owe their craft’s authenticity to Muppet Show creator Jim Henson, claiming they owe their success to the Muppets’ humorous relationships and exciting colors, along with the innovative technology that made them work on TV.
Renowned puppeteer Ronnie Burkett, known for his very grown-up shows about love & death, later said, “As soon as Jim Henson became famous, everybody knew what a puppeteer was. He was the Walt Disney of puppets.”
Now, the Walt Disney Company is bringing all five seasons of The Muppet Show to its Disney + streaming platform. Here’s a look at some of the best moments to be watching for!
Season 2, Episode 16, “Elton John”
Remember when Elton John sang “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart” with Miss Piggy? Honestly, this prolific performer was meant to be on The Muppet Show. His outfits finely complemented the show’s decor & company.
Who doesn’t enjoy a great sing-along? The Muppets were no stranger to them, but the most fun of all was Elton John wearing an electric-pink jumpsuit, bowler hat, and heart-shaped sunglasses singing a classic.
Season 2, Episode 7, “Steve Martin”
Steve Martin’s performance on The Muppet Show is probably as legendary as his early work on Saturday Night Live. But how can we forget about Martin’s flaring performance of “Dueling Banjos”. This moment lived in our minds for so long that Funny or Die reunited Steve & Kermit for another round in 2013.
Season 2, Episode 19, “Peter Sellers”
Unfortunately the mystifying actor died young, but there are many biographies, documentaries, and films about the actor’s life. One day, on The Muppet Show, Sellers said to Kermit, “But that, you see, my dear Kermit, would be altogether impossible. I could never be myself. You see, there is no me; I do not exist. There used to be a me – but I had it surgically removed.”
It’s probably Sellers’ most famous quote.
Season 2, Episode 3, “Madeline Kahn”
The Electric Mayhem house band always performed on The Muppet Show, so there are many choices to choose from. But one that’s perhaps the most memorable was having Floyd Pepper sing what was then a brand new pop song. There was no clumsy comedy or antics, just the beloved song.
Season 3, Episode 9, “Pearl Bailey”
Tony-Award winning legend Pearl Bailey starred in a musical epic, Camelot, and The Muppet Show went the extra mile to show us some of Pearl’s most memorable numbers like Hello Dolly. She harmonized beautifully with Muppets like Scooter & Fozzie.
Season 3, Episode 13, “Gilda Radner”
Gilda Radner was featured in what’s often deemed the greatest “Muppet Labs” sketch. The onstage sketch and the real world of the backstage shift nicely together in this sketch, breaking the fourth wall in true Muppet fashion and endearing itself to audiences for years.
After a story about super adhesive ends, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker are still going at it while Gilda Radner complains to Kermit about her hand being glued to her face.
Season 3, Episode 19, “Harry Belafonte”
The legendary King of Calypso goes up against Animal in a drum competition. Many declared Harry Belafonte the winner but by the end, those two were drumming in unity. Cooperation has always been the foundation of the Jim Henson brand, and this moment gave us a picture of that great concept.
Season 3, Episode 18, “Leslie Uggams With Big Bird”
Sesame Street characters were far from popular on the Muppet Show, but they were certainly welcomed! One day, the future Empire & Deadpool Leslie Uggams, came to The Muppet Show with Big Bird by her side.
Sometimes, we can still hear the tunes of their duet, “Love Will Keep Us Together”.
—
It’s impossible to forget about The Muppet Show! What are your favorite moments? Don’t be shy! Let us know in the comments!
