You may have missed it last week in the holiday hubbub: the Muppets released a video on Youtube of just about every character joining in to perform Queen’s classic Bohemian Rhapsody. If you haven’t seen it yet (and I have embedded it below), I have to tell you that it is every bit as epic as it sounds. As with any other time I watch the Muppets, I smiled my way through the whole experience.
The video made one big question come to mind: why aren’t the Muppets on TV right now?
If you haven’t noticed, there is a lot of crap on TV these days (and a lot of shows that have crappy ratings). Certainly there’s a spot for the Muppets. In recent years the variety show has tried to make a comeback with noted failures from Rosie O’Donnell and the Osbournes. If the networks think that this format needs to comeback, why not resurrect a classic like The Muppet Show?
There is some hope. If you haven’t heard, the Muppets are making a comeback in the movies. How I Met Your Mother’s Jason Segel is currently writing the screenplay for a new Muppet movie, and I can only hope that leads to a vast Muppet resurgence. For too long the Muppets have been relegated to babysitting service, with children related films and specials. The Muppets are far too entertaining to use solely for the kiddies. There are plenty of Muppet related hijinks that we grown ups could be enjoying too.
Heck, with all the great classic Muppet clips that exist, the show wouldn’t even have to provide that much new material. I’m sure a mix of classic Muppet bits along with new material would succeed, playing on the nostalgia of old fans, and wooing new fans with unending charm. Whether it’s Kermit and Miss Piggy bickering, Gonzo chasing after chickens, or Animal yelling and screaming, I want it on my TV!
Why isn’t this happening? While we wait, I suppose we can hope that we at least get some more Youtube clips that are as classic as this. Enjoy!
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Dec 02, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
The new Muppet Movie sounds like crap.
But considering a few years ago there was talk of 4-5 different shows with Muppets, including an adult show on TNT or something and an American Idol ripoff I have no clue why they aren’t on TV more. I don’t think a series would work, but why not have some specials, it’s Christmas, the Muppets can do a Christmas special.
We need more Muppets right now!
The Muppets made a new Christmas special last year, which will be airing again on NBC this year… Friday December 4th and again on the 19th.
I would be happy simply with someone showing reruns of the original show. Maybe Jason Segal’s Muppet movie will do that. He made a Dracula musical with puppets work after all.
Are there any shows on TV right now that are enjoyable for both parents and children to watch together?
And America’s Funniest Videos or derivatives thereof do not count. Even a little.
Did we lose that type of comedic dichotomy altogether with the passing of the Muppet Show? I guess movies like Shrek and Aladdin took the torch, but where’s the weekly tradition in that?
They tried it. They did bring back a muppet TV show within the last 5 years (or so), I believe, but no one watched it. Plus, what are Statler and Waldorf without Siskel & Ebert’s simultaneously existing ‘balcony’ ?
*POST AUTHOR*
It was Muppets Tonight! and I watched it!