PILOT REVIEW: The Muppets

THE MUPPETS

Starring: Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, Steve Whitmire

Based on characters created by Jim Henson
Developed by Bill Prady and Bob Kushell
Written by Bill Prady & Bob Kushell, Directed by Randall Einhorn

THE PREMISE
Yes, it's those characters you know and love but it's in a brand new format. This show is done with a more adult approach and in the mockumentary style that The Office and Modern Family made famous. Kermit and Miss Piggy have broken up but are still working together as Kermit is the executive producer for Miss Piggy's late night show "Up Late with Miss Piggy." All the others are there too: Electric Mayhem is the late show band, Fozzie Bear is the warm-up announcer, Gonzo is the Head Writer, and the Swedish Chef does craft services among many others. A new character is Kermit's new girlfriend, a different pig named Debbie.

THE REVIEW
It is great to see these guys again. This pilot has been divisive but count me in the group that thinks this is a fresh and fun take on classic characters. The mockumentary style was being overdone for awhile but its been a few years now and it works quite well with the Muppets and their very distinctive personality. When there's a brand this iconic, they needed to reinvent themselves for a new prime time show and they have done exactly that.

Of course, anything Muppets is really all about Kermit and Miss Piggy and the obvious tension with them following their breakup gives the show a place to go and a new dynamic to explore. The show is daring to provide a bit of social commentary with Fozzy Bear's mixed-species relationship. Yet, everything is still being done in a very silly way that stays true to the Muppet. The late night show setting will set it well for the future with lots of potential for celebrity guest stars, another Muppets hallmark. Tom Bergeron was quite funny in his cameo appearance in the pilot.

I have only sort of been paying attention to the divisive reviews that have been coming through but I truly don't really know the problem people have here. The Muppets have always put themselves into different genres: variety shows, cartoons, full length films, Christmas carols, concert specials. Why not a mockumentary sitcom? The writing isn't perfect yet but I think the newest team behind the Muppets definitely has a grasp on the characters and their many quirks. I think this show has a ton of potential. It didn't disappoint me one bit.

WILL I WATCH IT AGAIN?
You bet! I'm excited to see where this show goes.