Caffeinated Clint
Roll out the geriatric critics! Brush up on your piano, Rolf! Practice those jokes on someone, Fozzie!
The Muppets are back!
ABC is bringing an updated take on TV classic “The Muppet Show” back to the tube. The Hollywood Reporter says the network are so keen for it that it’s looking like co-writer Bill Prady’s pilot will likely go straight to series!
A presentation for “The Muppets” is being shot next week with advertisers expected to get their first glance at it in May.
Joining “Big Bang Theory” alum Prady in the writing room is Bob Kushell (”Anger Management”, ”3rd Rock From the Sun”), who’ll also co-write and is attached to serve as showrunner, with Randall Einhorn (“Wilfred”) attached to exec produce and direct the presentation.
The presentation, to be filmed at Disney in Burbank, “includes the regular cast of characters created by Jim Henson — Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal, among others — gathering at ABC Studios for a meeting about the new Muppet Show. However, the show won’t move forward unless Miss Piggy signs on, and her current relationship with frequent love Kermit is on the rocks, preventing the show from getting off the ground. Early plans call for two celebrity cameos — including Miss Piggy’s current co-star — as well as new roles including Fozzie’s girlfriend and her parents”, says the trade.
Prady, who attempted to get The Muppets back on TV before his “Bang Bang Theory” success, has a history with Henson; he started working with the puppet whiz in 1982 and ultimately started writing for ”The Jim Henson Hour”, remaining on the series until a year after Henson’s death in 1990.
The original “Muppet Show” ran from 1976 to 1981, with a sequel series “Muppets Tonight” hitting the air – if even briefly – in 1996.
Much like the original, the new “Muppets” is expected to be a variety show complete with star guests and musical numbers.
