When “The Muppet Show” debuted in 1976, it wasn’t a kids’ program. It was a sharp parody of variety TV — absurd, slapstick and packed with A-list guest stars.

The Muppets themselves had been guests on variety shows and A-list talk shows. Here, Johnny Carson interviews Jim Henson, Kermit and other Muppets on the ‘Tonight Show’ in 1975:
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Kermit first appeared on local TV in 1955, before crossing into Sesame Street, late-night TV and even early Saturday Night Live.

‘Saturday Night Live’s’ first season included ‘Land of Gorch’ sketches that starred creatures Jim Henson made to entertain grown-ups ⬇️
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Henson fought to keep the Muppets from being typecast as children’s characters, building a franchise that blended education, satire and mass entertainment.

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The result: global audiences, Emmy wins, Oscar-nominated films and decades of cultural staying power — even through corporate sales, reboots and missed revivals.

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50 years on, the Muppet Show endures, but the Disney special on Feb. 4 will be the latest test of whether their irreverent sparkle still shines greenly:. Read more:
theconversation.com/its-easy-m…

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It’s easy making green: Muppets continue to make a profit 50 years into their run

The most sensational, inspirational, celebrational and Muppetational show was originally rejected by all the big US TV networks.

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