DefunctTV: The History of the Muppet Show

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In the third episode of DefunctTV: Jim Henson, Jim and his team head to the UK to make the Muppet Show. What they don't know, is that they are about to make the most popular show in the world.

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[JelloApocalypse]

Hearing the backstory of Henson's difficulty securing a greenlight on any kind of adult Muppet production really sheds a light on why so many pieces of Muppet media are about pitching a show, getting a show accepted, and getting a cast back together after they've separated.

[Ness_Dreemurr]

The part where Muppets and star wars sing a Disney song is probably one of the best real life examples of foreshadowing I have seen.

[shadowcat]

I love how jim henson went from performing commercials for a coffee brand to making puppets sing a song originally used for an Italian sex documentary

[TheHauntedDriveIn]

We don't deserve Defunctland. This Jim Henson miniseries is absolutely astounding and I'm going to be sad when it's over. These 40 minutes on The Muppet Show made me laugh, cry, and smile so wide it hurt. Just like Jim would've wanted. Thank you.

[littleaussierippa]

It's interesting you mention that Kermit often yelled and screamed and got upset when Jim never did because I always had the opinion that Jim used Kermit as his means of venting his own anger and frustrations.

[ruilmonsezhi]

"That had originally been written for an Italian sex documentary"
Excuse me, what

[afkathisguy]

...Star Wars was brought into Jim Henson's world. The episode ended with everyone singing the classic Disney song, "When You Wish Upon a Star", which in hindsight is a perfect illustration of the phrase "be careful what you wish for".


It's like they knew.

[Lumibear.]

It’s a shame this show faded off in popularity, great family entertainment for all ages, kids marvelled at the muppet mayhem, adults also got the more adult jokes or deeper references, we all enjoyed the celebrity guests, and as an adult now I appreciate a lot of the more artistic/surreal moments, too. It was a huge part of my childhood, good memories.

[VictorGreinvolfe]

Holy crap man! This is a TV-quality documentary style! I LOVE your work!

[heyheyitsjae]

I've never watched anything with the Muppets aside from Elmo's World and the Treasure Island movie, but throughout this series every time to music kicks up, every time Kermit gives a rousing speech, and every time Jim Henson comes on screen I tear up, because such a rise to fame followed by tragic loss is beautiful, even to an outsider looking in.

[CouchSpud]

10:50 I love how smoothly Jim manages to get situated with Kermit in the talk show clip, as if it's second nature to him by then. The guy was practically one with his craft by this point.

[christinafine]

I came back from my run wanting to finish this episode...so I opened Netflix to finish it...and then realized that it’s on YouTube. Amazing series dude.

[LikaLaruku]

"Muppets aren't for children, they're for EVERYONE."
6:15 Muppet dabbing.
Some pigs pork chop, others karate chop.

[BlueScarabGuy]

Okay so just your description of the Muppet Movie got me tearing up

I might just sob uncontrollably if I actually watch the movie (which as of writing this comment, I never have)

[myfamilyiscrazy]

Emmet Otter is one of my favorite Christmas specials ever. More people should see it.

[joemama]

This is part I've waited for. And 40 minutes too!! Kevin you spoil us!!

[poilaaliop]

Thanks Kevin, these videos have been incredible! Absolutely top-notch quality. I've recommended them to a lot of my friends. Modern TV channels WISH they could make things this well! 💕

[upgamer]

Ya'll aint ready for the end of this.

Jim Henson's funeral is one of the saddest things on youtube.

[JamesDaffyBenderDonald]

I hope someone does a fusion mix of the Sesame Street, Muppet show and Fraggle rock themes like you did.

[worstxbplayertylerteehc]

I remember in the mid 90's the Muppet Show returned in the UK and ''Sandra Bullock'' was a Guest and they definitely introduced her as ''Sandra Bollocks'' I even had it on VHS and would show my friends it was hilarious.