The Muppets (2015)

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2015
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 77 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 77
  3. Negative: 19 out of 77
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User Reviews

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  1. ajmiz827
    Sep 23, 2015
    1
    While I wasn't expecting the old Muppet Show, I was not expecting this! Modernizing The Muppets to this 'behind the scenes' of a fictional talk show just doesn't work. It wasn't fun or funny -- it was depressing! And, to make it worse, it was not suitable for kids! It would have been better to go back to the variety-show format with guest stars. At least then families would be able toWhile I wasn't expecting the old Muppet Show, I was not expecting this! Modernizing The Muppets to this 'behind the scenes' of a fictional talk show just doesn't work. It wasn't fun or funny -- it was depressing! And, to make it worse, it was not suitable for kids! It would have been better to go back to the variety-show format with guest stars. At least then families would be able to watch it together.… Expand
  2. SuperWooper
    Sep 22, 2015
    7
    A somewhat awkward transition from an iconic childhood show to a late night comedy show filled with adult humor, but one that's seeming to work so far.
  3. SquintyReviews
    Sep 22, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The documentary/mockumentary style of the show was actually one of the enjoyable parts about this episode, and they paid attention to detail in keeping with the style of one, such as the odd moment of shaky cam, and framing shots designed to look like someone trying to film in tight corners (peeking in on a conversation between Kermit and Ms. Piggy). The design of the puppets remains the standard of what is expected from a contemporary muppets production, with a few new background muppets that were adequately designed. Denise’s design was…awkwardly serviceable. There has been contention that she is depicted as a younger and skinnier replacement of Ms. Piggy, and I would agree there seems to be some truth to this, particularly with how her personality is portrayed so far. There is also similarities particularly to the earlier incarnations of Ms. Piggy from the original muppets from the 1980’s in her design, She does stand separate just enough visually from Ms. Piggy to be her own character.

    The characters themselves were for the most part good. Kermit (Steve Whitmire) plays a decent aggrieved boss man just getting over a relationship with a co-worker, Ms. Piggy (Eric Jacobson), with some long suffering moments akin to said awkward post-breakup, but there is also care and dry humour in him that balances out the negative moments, he is definitely the star of this episode. Fozzie (also Eric Jacobson) was himself as the unfunny but optimistic bear, even in a romantic relationship (despite its awkwardness here and there), and that static nature of him was enjoyable to see, particularly as he balances out Kermit’s more serious inclinations.

    Now for the, well, pig in the room, Denise.

    Denise (Julianne Buescher) is…*deep sigh*. To begin with her voice was startling, and a little off putting, coming out of a muppet, though her walking innuendo tonality somewhat works with the type of character she plays, so after you get over that annoying factor you realize its reluctantly appropriate. Personality and story wise she seems to have nothing else going for her so far, nothing that makes her unique except to be there as Kermit’s girlfriend, the young sexy office relation trope variety. Hopefully she will improve with later episodes, but right now she is the least enjoyable.

    The story for the show was actually really enjoyable. The plot flows well with the mockumentary style, the fact that this is very similar to The Office (2005-2013) is likely no surprise to anyone, but the use of the muppets working through the show’s premise with all the strong personalities (for the most part) and the wacky nostalgia that was the muppets wraps all together for an interesting viewing for the most part. The side arc of Fozzie and his relationship was the weakest of the plot, and felt a little forced, though was somewhat saved within the culmination of the arc in the conversation between Fozzie and his girlfriend, did illicit an amused snort.

    Speaking of the humour, it is hit or miss, depending on the individual, with Kermit being the definite winner for the most amusement factor through his dead pan deliveries. The humour inherent in the set-up was adequately utilized with just the right amount of adult humour to remind you of why this show is prime-time. It is also the more adult themed humour and other content is likely to put some viewers up in arms, but to remind those that might have umbrage with it, the original Muppet Show from the 80’s was actually originally geared towards an adult audiences.

    Overall the show had a rather interesting start to the show with some good use of parody and mockumentary, Kermit the frog and his character’s trials and his dry wit, and so on. A few things were forced here and there, and Denise was one dimensional, even for a puppet. Still what are wrong with it could be easily remedied further episodes in, so it’s well worth the watch.    … Expand
  4. MissConstrue
    Sep 24, 2015
    0
    The Muppets didn't need a gritty reboot. The most optimistic and joyful character in media (Kermit) didn't need to be reimagined as a tragic kafka-esque middle aged loser who trades down to a skinny subservient girlfriend, while still depending on paycheck from his "lunatic ex". I mean, even if it didn't read like it was cribnotes from TV Tropes, it would still be a pathetic thing to do toThe Muppets didn't need a gritty reboot. The most optimistic and joyful character in media (Kermit) didn't need to be reimagined as a tragic kafka-esque middle aged loser who trades down to a skinny subservient girlfriend, while still depending on paycheck from his "lunatic ex". I mean, even if it didn't read like it was cribnotes from TV Tropes, it would still be a pathetic thing to do to Kermit.

    There was no reason to darken the Muppets. If anything, we need more joy, and zany, and crazy...and less Larry Sanders Show meets The Office. This was heartbreaking. It was a terrible direction to take the characters, the legacy and the brand. You wanna do dark puppets? Bring it on, I would love that. But Kermit? Really? Couldn't we have one pure thing in this world? Just one?    … Expand
  5. Raultv
    Sep 23, 2015
    2
    I grew up with this guys. ACTUALLY I became a producer because of "The Muppets take Manhattan Movie". I think it is the best Frank Oz film ever. They made me fall in love with the business. Their songs, the special guests... it was magical. This is Depressing. is disney behind this? They lost their soul, the divorce/break up thing is truly sad. Fuzzy looks like an old desperate comedianI grew up with this guys. ACTUALLY I became a producer because of "The Muppets take Manhattan Movie". I think it is the best Frank Oz film ever. They made me fall in love with the business. Their songs, the special guests... it was magical. This is Depressing. is disney behind this? They lost their soul, the divorce/break up thing is truly sad. Fuzzy looks like an old desperate comedian that failed hard. We adults have enough options to watch on tv. Jim Henson will have never approved this version. His work was full of fantasy and happiness and the sarcasm was so subtle, so innocent. I know we all missed the Muppets, but somethings are better as an old good memory.… Expand
  6. Costs1129
    Sep 22, 2015
    1
    Ewwww. It was like meeting a childhood superhero years after his fall from fame. He is in torn whitie-tighties, hasn't showered in months, and has 3 kids with a 60 year old escort named Tiffany.

    No but really. It was rather pathetic to watch. Instead of being original and winning us with wit and story, this show begs and grovels for us to think of it as hip. If you try too hard to be    Ewwww. It was like meeting a childhood superhero years after his fall from fame. He is in torn whitie-tighties, hasn't showered in months, and has 3 kids with a 60 year old escort named Tiffany.

    No but really. It was rather pathetic to watch. Instead of being original and winning us with wit and story, this show begs and grovels for us to think of it as hip. If you try too hard to be "cool" you come off as desperate. In fact, it was rather insulting to see them reveal how little they think about our diverse opinions and perspectives.    … Expand
  7. FormerMuppetFan
    Oct 7, 2015
    0
    I am very disappointed with the new show. I have a 5 year DVD set of the old shows. I can remember laying on the floor with my 2 pre-teen sons and listening to lines like "Is that shampoo? No It's real poo". Guaranteed to crack up the young'uns. The characters have lost their realism. They are now just puppets. Get Statler and Waldorf back on the balcony. Joe from Tryon
  8. Knighthawk81
    Sep 23, 2015
    4
    I love "The Muppets." i was a big fan of the Jason Segel helmed film in 2012, and I was excited at the prospect of a weekly show. Tuesday's premier wasn't what I was expecting. They're trying to do something different and edgy with these familiar characters, and it doesn't quite work. It was a lot of mugging for the camera and celebrity cameos. But where's the heart of the Muppets?
  9. Longanimals
    Sep 23, 2015
    6
    Felt more like a normal sitcom than the Muppets, but the innuendo and swear words were a big transition from normal Muppets stuff. Oddly charming, but seen it a million times before.
  10. Krypto_Dogg
    Oct 27, 2015
    8
    Consistently funny...but what happened to Denise? It seems as if they didn't like the fact that Kermit in his older age wanted a less crazy, slimmer, and younger pig.
  11. Hemp316
    Oct 5, 2015
    9
    At some levels ,I have always somehow loved the Muppets.I think as A Kid the Muppet Babies cartoon in the 80's really cemented the Muppets for Me as I really enjoyed it at the time.As far as the actual Muppet Movies,I'm remembering watching some of the older Muppets stuff and liked it.

    However,just like most childhood memories two things happen-exploitation and memories not as good as    At some levels ,I have always somehow loved the Muppets.I think as A Kid the Muppet Babies cartoon in the 80's really cemented the Muppets for Me as I really enjoyed it at the time.As far as the actual Muppet Movies,I'm remembering watching some of the older Muppets stuff and liked it.

    However,just like most childhood memories two things happen-exploitation and memories not as good as you remember in some cases.From basically the beginning of the end of the original Muppet Show the Franchise has return so many time throughout the past thirty years the Movie Industry has basically exploited the Muppets and therefore diluted the franchise.This lead for A while for Me to loathe them as too many Movies throughout my childhood soured the Muppets for Me.

    Now,with all that said-I do love them and I have been happy with results of two previous Movies that came out in the past four years as do I with this current Show entitled-The Muppets.

    Finally,after so many tired 'kid Friendly' versions of the Muppets they finally went for A more Adult oriented angle as they recognize the target majority of the Audience are indeed Adults that actually grew up with them and appreciate the content.

    The show is really funny as the Muppets seamlessly interact with Humans with no problems.Seeing all the different Muppets are A sight to behold as almost everyone that can be fit in An Episode are,but each one have excellent dialogue and comes off great.

    The Guest Stars have been perfect so far I have to say and without giving away any Spoilers away everything so far in Show looks really good and if it continues this Show will stay strong and and set A new generation for the Muppets on A winning streak and A new success story for ABC.    … Expand
  12. ohheyitssteve
    Sep 25, 2015
    7
    It's a difficult thing to evolve and remain relevant in a world that wants you to change. It's also hard to watch the Muppets, a group that has been regarded as pure and wholesome for so long, attempt to grow up and become something they haven't been before. Like watching a child blossom into their teenage years, they have to shed some of their innocence and naivety in order to mature.It's a difficult thing to evolve and remain relevant in a world that wants you to change. It's also hard to watch the Muppets, a group that has been regarded as pure and wholesome for so long, attempt to grow up and become something they haven't been before. Like watching a child blossom into their teenage years, they have to shed some of their innocence and naivety in order to mature. It's rough, but it's inevitable.
    The recent revival of the franchise in the past few years has put the Muppets back into the public eye. Some might say that they never really left, but with the success of the Jason Segel fronted 2011 film, their presence has been felt much more frequently. The initial wave of popularity seemed to ride directly on the back of nostalgia, and it worked. Unfortunately, it's a formula that can only last so long before they needed to settle into the mainstream and find a way to reach a new audience, which is where the new mockumentary format of the show comes into play.
    There will be criticisms made here that they've abandoned a lot of the original qualities that made their old shows and movies classics. The plot lines and humor of the pilot episode push some boundaries in the Muppet universe, and that might not settle well with longtime fans of the series. Hearing Kermit swear didn't exactly work for me either, but the new format is interesting and there's a lot to be explored here if only people will give it some time to grow.
    The Muppets have created a parallel universe which is one that these creatures and characters truly exist and thrive and live in alongside humans, and there are a lot of different scenarios that can be applied to that world. With the success of shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation in the past decade, I would like to see what The Muppets can do in this style. It's great to get a behind the scenes view of their domain in that fashion, while at the same time they can still poke fun at it with their own unique brand of humor. Gonzo sums it up best when he confesses his hatred of the format, while immediately counteracting it with praise as he is performing with the rest of the cast.
    It's a show that is still trying to find its legs. Not everything works for the best, but there is also a lot of potential to the story line that, if executed properly, can allow for heartfelt and humorous moments in the same vein as its predecessors.    … Expand
  13. berthus1111
    Sep 29, 2015
    9
    Goodbye old time theater, hello modern times. At last The Muppets got the treatment they deserve. The group jump happily in the new century. Of course the humor is not the same. Hopefully. Blessed the one who made ABC use the new tone. No betrayal here, a happy merry new way to discover one of a hell concept on tv. Puppets ! Long live. Let haters hate
  14. LesterRoquefort
    Oct 17, 2015
    7
    While i agree with the negitive points that it was awkward and modernizing and even depressing, i actually believe that it is entirely necessary. They pull off what they do in the show very well and it is quite funny, in it's defense.

    To the oooooold Muppet Show fans, this series would be summarized by saying that it's entirely filled with the "back stage" segment concept of the old    While i agree with the negitive points that it was awkward and modernizing and even depressing, i actually believe that it is entirely necessary. They pull off what they do in the show very well and it is quite funny, in it's defense.

    To the oooooold Muppet Show fans, this series would be summarized by saying that it's entirely filled with the "back stage" segment concept of the old Muppet Show series. No funny skits, just back stage and muppet life things. Which isn't saying it's bad, it's just, like what other people said, depressing, life is depressing, not funny.    … Expand
  15. dj80bugg
    Oct 19, 2015
    10
    Its never going to be what it was, its a new world, but I love the way they have integrated a "THE OFFICE"
    -esque approach to the direction with real world updates to content. They give a major nod to THE MUPPET SHOW in some song and sketches. BUT Jim Henson is gone and though we all miss him the truth his, that Kermit doenst move the same (its not Jim hand) and does sound the same (its    Its never going to be what it was, its a new world, but I love the way they have integrated a "THE OFFICE"
    -esque approach to the direction with real world updates to content. They give a major nod to THE MUPPET SHOW in some song and sketches. BUT Jim Henson is gone and though we all miss him the truth his, that Kermit doenst move the same (its not Jim hand) and does sound the same (its not Jims voice) So for us old schoolers its just not going to be that same, so yeah its different but Im fine with different...    … Expand
  16. alinmtl
    Feb 23, 2016
    8
    Started weak but as improved continually and is now always entertaining. Ms Piggy gets the best lines naturally enough but she's also the best at delivering them.
  17. kuehnau
    May 13, 2016
    10
    This show as so funny and smart, I am really sorry to see it gone. Stupid bastards. TV is horrible these days. I hate my life. Fill in the text sldfgsdgshdfgdsfjgjkdfs.
  18. peytons
    Nov 18, 2015
    9
    Anyone who thinks this show is too dark or cynical, hasn't read Henson's bio. Really enjoying this show. Too much Piggy perhaps, but still a lot of fun!
  19. pythag0ras
    Feb 17, 2016
    4
    The majority of the first season is perfect classic muppets , but with a more adult paced show. However the series takes a break late in the first season and then (IMO) jumps the shark when they return and introduce Panjay..a detestable , live actor regular character that just cheapens the show altogether. Instead of the show being funny at this point , its about conflict and manipulation,The majority of the first season is perfect classic muppets , but with a more adult paced show. However the series takes a break late in the first season and then (IMO) jumps the shark when they return and introduce Panjay..a detestable , live actor regular character that just cheapens the show altogether. Instead of the show being funny at this point , its about conflict and manipulation, as Panjay adds a "dirt bag producer" element to the show that is at odds with Kermit's "good guy producer " attitude. Panjay is an unlikable character and ruins the show. Ultimately this is why I rated this show down from an 8 to a 4. Thx for reading!… Expand
  20. TCguy88
    Jan 22, 2016
    1
    I think ABC has turned The Muppets into some kind of raunchy comedy that is going to make people say 'this is not who The Muppets are' -- correct me if I'm wrong but The Muppets don't drink beer at a bar, the difference between the puppets and humans does not work, AND i find it outrageous that in the trailer for the winter return February 2nd the trailer shows Ms. piggy Shaking her chestI think ABC has turned The Muppets into some kind of raunchy comedy that is going to make people say 'this is not who The Muppets are' -- correct me if I'm wrong but The Muppets don't drink beer at a bar, the difference between the puppets and humans does not work, AND i find it outrageous that in the trailer for the winter return February 2nd the trailer shows Ms. piggy Shaking her chest and then Kermit says he'll go get her a sweater.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. The Salt Lake Tribune
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Oct 12, 2015
    80
    This is a clever, laugh-out-loud sitcom written by adults, for adults. It's not too adult for children, but there are definitely jokes that will sail over their heads.
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  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    Sep 25, 2015
    40
    As long as you accept that The Muppets will never quite reach the heights of its forebears, there’s still plenty of room for the show to grow from its trudging pilot.
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  3. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Sep 23, 2015
    63
    If people who grew up with the Muppets and consider them virtually sacred reject this new incarnation, that leaves casual fans--and kids. Is this a show for kids? Not really, but despite some mild talk about Muppet sex lives, there doesn't seem to be a real reason that children can't watch. Whether that audience can keep a much-ballyhooed but far from perfect new show afloat is unclear.
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