Entertainment
Muppets at 50: How Jim Henson’s Felt Icons Became a Billion-Dollar Franchise That Still Prints Money
The Muppets, created by Jim Henson, have thrived for over 50 years, starting with “Sam and Friends” in 1955 and gaining fame through “The Muppet Show” and various films. Despite challenges, including Henson’s passing in 1990 and subsequent ownership changes, The Muppets remain culturally significant, entertaining generations globally.
It’s easy making green: Muppets continue to make a profit 50 years into their run
Jared Bahir Browsh, University of Colorado Boulder
A variety show that’s still revered for its absurdist, slapstick humor debuted 50 years ago. It starred an irreverent band of characters made of foam and fleece.
Long after “The Muppet Show”‘s original 120-episode run ended in 1981, the legend and legacy of Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and other creations concocted by puppeteer and TV producer Jim Henson have kept on growing. Thanks to the Muppets’ film franchise and the wonders of YouTube, the wacky gang is still delighting, and expanding, its fan base.
As a scholar of popular culture, I believe that the Muppets’ reign, which began in the 1950s, has helped shape global culture, including educational television. Along the way, the puppets and the people who bring them to life have earned billions in revenue.
Johnny Carson interviews Muppet creator Jim Henson, Kermit and other Muppets on the ‘Tonight Show’ in 1975, ahead of one of an early ‘The Muppet Show’ pilot.
Kermit’s origin story
Muppets, a portmanteau of marionette and puppet, first appeared on TV in the Washington, D.C., region in 1955, when Henson created a short sketch show called “Sam and Friends” with his future wife, Jane Nebel.
Their motley cast of puppets, including a lizardlike character named Kermit, sang parody songs and performed comedy sketches.
Henson’s creations were soon popping up in segments on other TV shows, including “Today” and late-night programs. Rowlf the Dog appeared in Canadian dog food commercials before joining “The Jimmy Dean Show” as the host’s sidekick.
After that show ended, Rowlf and Dean performed on the “Ed Sullivan Show,” where Kermit had occasionally appeared since 1961.
Rowlf the Dog and Jimmy Dean reprise their schtick on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ in 1967.
From ‘Sesame Street’ to ‘SNL’
As Rowlf and Kermit made the rounds on variety shows, journalist Joan Ganz Cooney and psychologist Lloyd Morrisett were creating a new educational program. They invited Henson to provide a Muppet ensemble for the show.
Henson waived his performance fee to maintain rights over the characters who became the most famous residents of “Sesame Street.” The likes of Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and Big Bird were joined by Kermit who, by the time the show premiered in 1969, was identified as a frog.
When “Sesame Street” became a hit, Henson worried that his Muppets would be typecast as children’s entertainment. Another groundbreaking show, aimed at young adults, offered him a chance to avoid that.
“Saturday Night Live’s” debut on NBC in 1975 – when the show was called “Saturday Night” – included a segment called “The Land of Gorch,” in which Henson’s grotesque creatures drank, smoked and cracked crass jokes.
“The Land of Gorch” segments ended after “Saturday Night Live’s” first season. ‘Saturday Night Live’s’ first season included ‘Land of Gorch’ sketches that starred creatures Jim Henson made to entertain grown-ups.
Miss Piggy gets her closeup
“The Muppet Show” was years in the making. ABC eventually aired two TV specials in 1974 and 1975 that were meant to be pilots for a U.S.-produced “Muppet Show.”
After no American network picked up his quirky series, Henson partnered with British entertainment entrepreneur Lew Grade to produce a series for ATV, a British network, that featured Kermit and other Muppets. The new ensemble included Fozzie Bear, Animal and Miss Piggy – Muppets originally performed by frequent Henson collaborator Frank Oz.
“The Muppet Show” parodied variety shows on which Henson had appeared. Connections he’d made along the way paid off: Many celebrities he met on those shows’ sets would guest star on “The Muppet Show,” including everyone from Rita Moreno and Lena Horne to Joan Baez and Johnny Cash.
“The Muppet Show,” which was staged and shot at a studio near London, debuted on Sept. 5, 1976, in the U.K, before airing in syndication in the United States on stations like New York’s WCBS.
As the show’s opening and closing theme songs changed over time, they retained a Vaudeville vibe despite the house band’s preference for rock and jazz.
The Muppets hit the big screen
“The Muppet Show” was a hit, amassing a global audience of over 200 million. It won many awards, including a Primetime Emmy for outstanding comedy-variety or music series – for which it beat “Saturday Night Live” – in 1978.
While his TV show was on the air, Henson worked on the franchise’s first film, “The Muppet Movie.” The road film, released in 1979, was another hit: It earned more than US$76 million at the box office.
“The Muppet Movie” garnered two Academy Award nominations for its music, including best song for “Rainbow Connection.” It won a Grammy for best album for children.
The next two films, “The Great Muppet Caper,” which premiered in 1981, and “The Muppets Take Manhattan,” released in 1984, also garnered Oscar nominations for their music.
As ‘The Muppet Movie’ opens, Statler and Waldorf tell a security guard of their heckling plans.
‘Fraggle Rock’ and the Disney deal
The cast of “The Muppet Show” and the three films took a break from Hollywood while Henson focused on “Fraggle Rock,” a TV show for kids that aired from 1983-1987 on HBO.
Like Henson’s other productions, “Fraggle Rock” featured absurdist humor – but its puppets aren’t considered part of the standard Muppets gang. This co-production between Henson, Canadian Broadcast Corporation and British producers was aimed at international markets.
The quickly conglomerating media industry led Henson to consider corporate partnerships to assist with his goal of further expanding the Muppet media universe.
In August 1989, he negotiated a deal with Michael Eisner of Disney who announced at Disney-MGM Studios an agreement in principle to acquire The Muppets, with Henson maintaining ownership of the “Sesame Street” characters.
The announcement also included plans to open Muppet-themed attractions at Disney parks.
But less than a year later, on May 16, 1990, Henson died from a rare and serious bacterial infection. He was 53.
At the end of ‘Fraggle Rock’s’ run, its characters look for new gigs.
Of Muppets and mergers
Henson’s death led to the Disney deal’s collapse. But the company did license The Muppets to Disney, which co-produced “The Muppet Christmas Carol” in 1992 and “Muppet Treasure Island” in 1996 with Jim Henson Productions, which was then run by Jim’s son, Brian Henson.
In 2000, the Henson family sold the Muppet properties to German media company EM.TV & Merchandising AG for $680 million. That company ran into financial trouble soon after, then sold the Sesame Street characters to Sesame Workshop for $180 million in late 2000. The Jim Henson Company bought back the remaining Muppet properties for $84 million in 2003.
In 2004, Disney finally acquired The Muppets and most of the media library associated with the characters.
Disney continued to produce Muppet content, including “The Muppet’s Wizard of Oz” in 2005. Its biggest success came with the 2011 film “The Muppets,” which earned over $165 million at the box office and won the Oscar for best original song “Man or Muppet.”
“Muppets Most Wanted,” released in 2014, earned another $80 million worldwide, bringing total global box office receipts to over $458 million across eight theatrical Muppets movies.
The ‘Muppet Show’ goes on
The Muppets continue to expand their fandom across generations and genres by performing at live concerts and appearing in several series and films.
Through these many hits and occasional bombs, and the Jim Henson Company’s personnel changes, the Muppets have adapted to changes in technology and tastes, making it possible for them to remain relevant to new generations.
That cast of characters made of felt and foam continue to entertain fans of all ages. Although many people remain nostalgic over “The Muppet Show,” two prior efforts to reboot the show proved short-lived.
But when Disney airs its “The Muppet Show” anniversary special on Feb. 4, 2026, maybe more people will get hooked as Disney looks to reboot the series
‘The Muppet Show’ will be back – for at least one episode – on Feb. 4, 2026.
Jared Bahir Browsh, Assistant Teaching Professor of Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Entertainment
Little Woodrow’s Launches 2026 Turtle Racing Season With ‘TurtleVerse’ Theme
Little Woodrow’s has launched its 2026 turtle racing season with a new TurtleVerse theme, bringing weekly Thursday night races, themed turtle competitors and a new loyalty program to locations across Texas.
Little Woodrow’s Opens 2026 Turtle Racing Season Across Texas
Little Woodrow’s is bringing back one of its most recognizable Thursday night traditions with the launch of its 2026 turtle racing season, this year under a new retro sci-fi-inspired theme called TurtleVerse. The season officially began March 5 and runs weekly through Nov. 19 at participating locations in Houston, San Antonio, Lubbock, Austin and, later this spring, Frisco.
The long-running event, which started in Midtown Houston nearly two decades ago, has grown into a signature piece of the Texas neighborhood bar chain’s identity. This year’s TurtleVerse concept adds a comic-book-style multiverse angle to the races, pairing the usual crowd energy with themed branding and a lineup of turtles carrying names like Turtle Swift, Shellvester Stallone and Timothée Shellamet.
Woody’s Brands President Ray Risley said the company wanted to build on one of Little Woodrow’s most popular traditions by leaning into both nostalgia and humor. In addition to the themed races, the company is also introducing a new Turtle Journey loyalty program, allowing guests to check in, earn points and redeem rewards throughout the season.
Little Woodrow’s said races begin at 7 or 8 p.m., depending on location. Fans can find schedules, turtle bios and loyalty program details at Little Woodrow’s website.
Related Links
Source
Source: Woody’s Brands via PRNewswire
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Entertainment
Apollo and Howard Theatre Set Historic ‘Best of the Apollo’ Event in D.C.
The Apollo Theater and Howard Theatre will co-present Best of the Apollo on April 26, 2026, in Washington, D.C., with Chris Spencer hosting the historic live event.
Two landmark institutions in American music are coming together for a major live event in Washington, D.C. The Apollo Theater and the Howard Theatre have announced Best of the Apollo, scheduled for April 26, 2026, at the Howard Theatre, marking the first official co-presentation between the two iconic venues.
Hosted by comedian and actor Chris Spencer, the event brings together two stages with deep roots in Black performance history. Both the Apollo and the Howard were key stops on the Chitlin’ Circuit, the network of venues that supported Black artists during segregation and helped shape the course of American music. Artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye all performed on these stages.
What to watch for: this is more than a one-night concert. It is a symbolic link between Harlem and Washington, D.C., two cities with major influence on Black cultural history. The event also honors the legacy of Amateur Night at the Apollo, the long-running talent showcase known for introducing new artists to wider audiences. Performers have not yet been announced, so the lineup will be a key next step to watch.
The show takes place Sunday, April 26, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. Early-bird tickets start at $60.
Related Links
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
video games
Basic Fun! Unveils Category-Defining Home Arcade Collection for Fall 2026
Basic Fun! is launching a new Arcade1Up home arcade collection for Fall 2026, featuring PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets, alongside the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG cabinet marking a partnership with SEGA. The lineup aims to deliver authentic arcade experiences without quarters, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players.
Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Basic Fun! is hitting “start” on a new chapter for home arcade.
In a Feb. 14, 2026 announcement, the Boca Raton-based toy and consumer products company revealed its first new Arcade1Up home arcade collection since acquiring select assets of the brand in 2025. The Fall 2026 lineup is anchored by two heavy hitters: PAC-MAN (including Ms. PAC-MAN) and the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says the new cabinets are built to deliver the authentic arcade feel fans expect—powered by iconic franchises, premium features, and classic arcade attitude—no quarters required.
What’s in the Fall 2026 Arcade1Up lineup
PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets
Basic Fun! is leaning into the foundation of arcade nostalgia with PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN home arcade cabinets.
The company notes it is the anchor electronics licensee for PAC-MAN home arcade products through a licensing agreement with Bandai Namco Entertainment. The new machines are positioned for both longtime fans and a new generation of players—built to honor the legacy that helped define the golden age of arcades.
Sonic makes his home arcade debut
The bigger “first” in this release: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is getting his first-ever home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says Sonic’s debut comes via a multi-year partnership with SEGA, timed to the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The featured product is the Sonic Supreme Series Arcade Game, described as a premium, full-size standing cabinet built for speed, style, and nostalgia.
Basic Fun! also teased that this is the first of multiple Sonic titles planned for the collection.
What to watch for
- Arcade1Up’s next era: This is Basic Fun!’s first major statement since acquiring select Arcade1Up assets in 2025—so the build quality, features, and pricing strategy will matter.
- Sonic’s pipeline: The company is calling this the first of multiple Sonic titles. If that holds, Sonic could become a recurring pillar alongside PAC-MAN.
- Retail rollout: Basic Fun! says the collection will debut at major retailers this fall, which should make availability less of a scavenger hunt for fans.
Quote
“For many years, Arcade1Up has been at the heart of the retro arcade community, and we’re honored to build on that legacy,” said Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!. “Our focus is simple: authentic gameplay, nostalgic design, and premium features that capture the true arcade-at-home experience for fans of all kinds. No quarters required.”
Where to see the lineup
Media, influencers, and industry partners can get a first look at the new home arcade lineup at Toy Fair®, running February 14–17 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Basic Fun! also shared booth details here: https://tfny2026.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=61755
About Basic Fun!
Basic Fun! is a global designer and marketer of classic and innovative entertainment products, distributed across 50,000+ retail locations and online channels through 2,500+ retailers, distributors, and family entertainment venues in 60+ countries. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with offices in the UK and Hong Kong.
For more information, visit basicfun.com.
PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Ms. PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
