5.9 / 10 (based on 1238 reviews)
As a brand-new Muppet series get ready for streaming, Scooter rushes to deliver the episodes — navigating obstacles, distractions, and complications that the rest of the Muppet gang throws at him.
Genre: Comedy, Family, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz
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1 season, 6 episodes, 23-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Muppets Now (2020)
The Muppets. (2015)
7.4 / 10 (based on 6937 reviews)
Jim Henson’s lovable Muppets return to the small screen in this mockumentary-style series that follows their personal and professional lives.
Genre: Comedy, Family
Main Cast: Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Bill Barretta, Peter Linz
Creators: Bob Kushell, Bill Prady
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1 season, 17 episodes, 21.0-minute runtime
The Muppet Show (1976)
8.4 / 10 (based on 25190 reviews)
Kermit the Frog and his fellow Muppets put on a vaudeville show at their theatre, bringing in a famous celebrity to help out for each episode.
Genre: Comedy, Family, Music
Main Cast: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz
Creators: Jim Henson, Jack Burns
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5 seasons, 120 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 1173 reviews)
Mickey and his best pals – Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto – embark on their greatest adventures yet, navigating the curve-balls of a wild and zany world where the magic of Disney makes the impossible possible.
Genre: Animation, Short, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Main Cast: Chris Diamantopoulos, Kaitlyn Robrock, Bill Farmer, Tony Anselmo
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2 seasons, 21 episodes, 8.0-minute runtime
In a world where nostalgia meets modern streaming, “Muppets Now” emerges as a beacon for fans of the classic Muppets franchise and newcomers alike. This 2020 series marks the Muppets’ debut on Disney+, offering a fresh take on the beloved characters in a contemporary setting. Unlike the traditional Muppet Show format, “Muppets Now” is unscripted, featuring a series of improvisational comedy sketches, celebrity guest appearances, and the timeless charm of the Muppets ensemble.
The Muppets Evolve
The Muppets have been a staple of television and film since their creation by Jim Henson in the 1950s. From “The Muppet Show” in the 1970s to various movies and specials, these characters have evolved while maintaining their core essence. “Muppets Now” is the latest iteration, showcasing the characters’ adaptability to current trends and technologies. The show’s format is a nod to the digital age, with segments presented as though they are part of a streaming service, complete with loading screens and search bars, providing a meta-commentary on the show’s own existence on Disney+.
Breaking Down the Format
The series is divided into six episodes, each consisting of multiple segments that focus on different characters and themes. This structure allows for a variety of content, from cooking competitions with the Swedish Chef to a lifestyle segment hosted by Miss Piggy. The improvisational nature of the show means that much of the humor comes from spontaneous interactions, both among the Muppets themselves and with the guest stars.
Key Segments
- Muppet Labs Field Tests: Bunsen and Beaker, the iconic science duo, conduct outlandish experiments that invariably go awry, blending educational content with slapstick humor.
- Lifesty(le) with Miss Piggy: Miss Piggy, with the help of Uncle Deadly, navigates the world of lifestyle blogging, offering beauty tips, fashion advice, and more, often with disastrous yet hilarious results.
- Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ: The Swedish Chef faces off against real-world chefs in cooking competitions, leading to a cultural and linguistic mishmash that’s both chaotic and entertaining.
- Mup Close and Personal: Muppets interview celebrity guests in a segment that turns the traditional celebrity interview on its head, filled with unexpected questions and antics.
- Pepe’s Unbelievable Game Show: Pepe the King Prawn hosts a game show that’s anything but ordinary, with rules that change on the fly and a general sense of unpredictability.
Celebrity Guest Stars
One of the hallmarks of the Muppets has always been their interaction with celebrity guests, and “Muppets Now” continues this tradition. Stars like RuPaul, Aubrey Plaza, and Danny Trejo appear on the show, engaging with the Muppets in segments that highlight their personalities in fun and often absurd ways. These appearances add an extra layer of appeal, drawing in viewers who might be fans of the guests themselves.
The Charm of Improvisation
The unscripted nature of “Muppets Now” sets it apart from previous Muppet shows and movies. This approach allows for genuine reactions and interactions among the characters and with their guests, leading to moments of unexpected comedy. The improvisational format also means that the show feels more spontaneous and less polished, a departure from the scripted sitcoms and dramas that dominate television today. This rawness is part of the show’s charm, offering a sense of authenticity and unpredictability.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its innovative format and the timeless appeal of its characters, “Muppets Now” has faced criticism. Some viewers and critics have noted that the improvisational style can lead to segments that feel disjointed or lack a cohesive narrative. Additionally, the reliance on celebrity guests and the format’s novelty have been seen as detracting from the character-driven storytelling that many fans love about the Muppets.
Looking Forward
As the Muppets continue to evolve, “Muppets Now” represents an important step in their journey. The show’s embrace of modern technology and trends, combined with its commitment to the improvisational roots of comedy, positions the Muppets to remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. Whether “Muppets Now” will be remembered as a successful experiment or a footnote in the franchise’s history remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds a unique chapter to the Muppets’ storied legacy.
Conclusion
“Muppets Now” brings the beloved characters into the digital age, offering a mix of nostalgia and innovation. Its unscripted format, diverse segments, and integration of celebrity guests create a show that’s both familiar and fresh. While it may not capture the magic of “The Muppet Show” for every viewer, it provides a platform for the Muppets to continue entertaining audiences in a new era. As the Muppets adapt to the demands of contemporary viewers, “Muppets Now” showcases their enduring charm and the potential for future adventures in the world of streaming.