Disney to Launch Next Muppet Show

[Sarangel]

From CBC.com:

The Muppets are poised to return to primetime television with the announcement of a new project combining Jim Henson's famous puppets and reality TV.

U.S. network ABC announced Tuesday [10/25/05] a project entitled America's Next Muppet, in which a new member will be selected to join such beloved characters as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. ABC has ordered a script and five episode outlines, according to a network spokesperson.

The premise riffs off such hit reality show fare as American Idol and America's Next Top Model, where audience members or a judging panel preside over a competition and select a winner.

ABC's parent company, the Walt Disney Co., purchased the rights to the famous puppet characters in February 2004, 14 years after its initial bid fizzled following the 1990 death of Muppets creator Jim Henson at the age of 53.

The sale included the right to use Muppet characters in Disney theme parks, movies, TV shows and retail products, like video games. At the time, Disney also mentioned a plan to develop new characters.

 

[jimmytammy]

Looking forward to this. The Muppets were such a great family show. I hope they dont butcher it up like they did the Wizard of Oz. The adult grade innuendos can stay away and the Muppets will still be funny. Hope the writers figure this out.

 

[RyMickey]

Looking forward to this. The Muppets were such a great family show. I hope they dont butcher it up like they did the Wizard of Oz. The adult grade innuendos can stay away and the Muppets will still be funny. Hope the writers figure this out.

I'm looking forward to this, too. While I try to enjoy the adult innuendos coming from the Muppets (Taking the I've aged, they can age, too, attitude), I was shocked to say the least at a couple of the things said during the Muppet Wizard of Oz (however, the Gonzo "those are my nipples" joke made me laugh out loud). That being said, the great thing about the Muppets is their ability to appeal to both adults and kids. Here's hoping for something great!

 

[Eric_Callahan]

I have been a muppet fan when i was a baby. I saw their muppet babies cartoon and loved them. I own all of their movies. And I have all of their episodes of the muppet show. I am praying that this goes on. That will just be totally awsome. And I would watch it. Can't Wait!