The Muppets

Foam and fabric

The Muppets are a group of puppet characters created by Jim Henson, known for their appearances on television and in film since the 1970s.

The term covers both the specific ensemble—Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and others—and the distinctive style of puppetry they represent, featuring expressive foam-and-fabric characters operated from below.

The Muppets were my favorite thing on TV as a kid.

Sesame StreetEducational children's television program
comedyWork meant to amuse
feltCompressed fiber textile
hecklersDisruptive audience shouters
charactersPersons in a narrative

Jim Henson · Kermit · Statler and Waldorf · Waldorf · Rizzo · television · banjo · Kermit the Frog · Miss Piggy · Fozzie Bear · Frank Oz · dance · sing-alongs · absurdist humor · foam · Gonzo · Muppet characters · slapstick comedy

Opposites

performance style

The MuppetsPunch and Judy

Traditional British puppet theatre

marionettes · Howdy Doody · animatronics

tone and sensibility

The MuppetsSouth Park

Satirical animated comedy series

Team America · Robot Chicken

animation medium

The Muppetsanime

Japanese cartoon art form

Looney Tunes

Family

puppet, puppets, puppetry, marionette, puppeteer, puppeteers

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Mostly American · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G