Originally Posted By brian8871 Another top brand from Disney’s portfolio may be getting a series treatment on ABC. The network has ordered a presentation BillPradybobkushellfor a comedy pilot featuring the Muppets. The presentation is being written by veteran comedy showrunners Bill Prady, co-creator of blockbuster The Big Bang Theory, and Bob Kushell (Anger Management). Details about the premise are being kept under wraps, but I hear the show would be set behind the scenes of a late-night talk show, with most signature Muppets, led by Kermit the Frog, on tap. Prady and Kushell executive produce, with Kushell serving as showrunner as Prady has his gig on Big Bang. Disney-owned The Muppet Studios (Disney bought rights to the Muppets characters in 2004) is co-producing with ABC Studios. <a target="blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://deadline.com/2015/04/muppets-series-abc-big-bang-co-creator-bill-prady-bob-kushell-presentation-1201403972/">http://deadline.com/2015/04/mu...1403972/</a>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I'm intrigued by this. I like the Muppets and am glad that they're trying to revive them in a more traditional way, but I'm just not sure that the general public cares very much. Perhaps Tv will be a good format for them I also like the concept of being backstage at a tall show, since it could easily lend itself to some of the classic elements of the old variety show, while still having a more structured plotline
Originally Posted By leemac It can't hurt to give it another try. The original show was based on the classic variety format that has always found an audience on British TV. I've always found it strange that the US hasn't had the same affection for the format for a long time. Prady has done a lot of theme park work too. He co-wrote HISTA and MuppetVision. I've never met him but I'm told that he adored Jim Henson and has wanted the opportunity to try to restore the shine to the Muppets via the original medium. It still seems a mixed score card for Disney when it comes to the Muppets. They don't seem to have found a formula that consistently works.
Originally Posted By wa6oqc Personally I am afraid that if Disney will ruin the Muppets with a format of a late night talk show. I can remember when the NFFC (or had it changed to Disneyana Fan Club by then) had to censor Pepe the King Prawn at one of their meetings, because kids were in the audience. If Disney is going to bring the Muppets back to television it should: 1. Make the program rated “G” 2. Not have any commercials from drug companies 3. Make the show available at an age appropriate time
Originally Posted By u k fan I for one am very much looking forward to the show. I think it's what Disney should have done after The Muppets and before Muppets Most Wanted. The new format sounds like it could work well and I hope they strike the right balance of irreverence and family fun. The original Muppet Show was much more cultured than it gets credit for actually. In amongst the dancing cheese and gorilla detectors there were beautiful dances and soft mellow folk songs and moments where they stopped to smell the flowers. I hope they are able to get this right for today's audience!!!
Originally Posted By utahjosh Trailer has dropped - it looks hilarious. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfGjWB17hRQ
Originally Posted By u k fan The trailer is brilliant it's very, very funny! The show will be on at 8pm on Tuesdays in the US, here in the UK - who knows?!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan Here's the entended promo, it's a mini-episode really. I like it (but then I would)!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2B5d-8H588
Originally Posted By Disneylandfan85 I'm told that as in the past, the Muppets will be interacting with guest celebrities. Does anyone want to guess who they are? Here are a few of my ideas, which may or may not happen, but it's just in fun. On the original Muppet Show, one of the many guest stars was ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his dummies, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. With regards to that, it would be neat to see ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his dummies appear on the show. In one scene, Walter (that is, the grumpy old man) could have a discussion with Waldorf and Statler. Or since it is considered that Gonzo is the resident daredevil and stuntman, maybe he could get together with Achmed the Dead Terrorist somehow. Another celebrity who could appear is Beyonce. Maybe she could have some kind of a contest with Miss Piggy to see who is the absolute best diva. Anyway, Jeff Dunham and Beyonce are just two ideas of mine for guest celebrities. Does anyone have any other ideas?
Originally Posted By u k fan I'm not sure about Jeff Dunham as Disney like to pretend the Muppets aren't puppets. I'd love it if they could get the lawyers to agree to have a Sesame Street character appear!!!
Originally Posted By Disneylandfan85 >>I'm not sure about Jeff Dunham as Disney like to pretend the Muppets aren't puppets.<< Well, like I said, on the original Muppet Show, Edgar Bergen and his dummies guest-starred in one episode.
Originally Posted By u k fan Yeah, but Jim Henson was happy to admit that the Muppets were puppets. Disney likes to avoid the term so we'll have to see!!!
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Looks like a really fun show! As for guest appearances, I hope that it's a wide variety of folks who have talents we don't know about. Some of my favorite classic Muppet moments include non-singer celebs doing songs, so I hope they're able to find a similar way to showcase some fun skills. It seems like full-on musical numbers would be kind of awkward in this setup, but I'm hopeful for some sort of fun stuff
Originally Posted By magic0214 They've said musical numbers can and will still be prominent, since the show will be set behind the scenes at Miss Piggy's new late night talk show.
Originally Posted By u k fan I agree that part of the fun of The Muppet Show was seeing people like Sylvester Stallone sing. They would always ask the guest star if there was something they wanted to do, but had never had the chance and it led to some of the most memorable scenes on the show!!!
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan The Muppets at their best are something that both adults and kids can enjoy. They throw in references only adults will catch, and slapstick is always popular with kids. The new trailer looks like it's been updated but still can play to both audiences. I'm looking forward to this show.
Originally Posted By u k fan I'm glad so many people are looking forward to this. Can we start a campaign to get Gonzo an Emmy?!!!
