The Muppet Show (2015 TV series) (Johnsonverse)

The Muppet Show is an American-British variety show, based on the television series of the same name that ran for five seasons from 1976 to 1981 on ITV in the UK and in syndication in the US. Developed by Tim Johnson, the show has aired on WBC since September 22, 2015 in the US, and since March 6, 2016 on ITV in the UK.

Conception
In late 2014, Tim Johnson, looking to release a new Muppets series to keep the franchise relevant, watched a pitch film for a proposed adult-oriented series created by Bill Prady and Bob Kushell, and read several scripts for it. However, he rejected the idea on sight due to him feeling that Jim Henson wouldn't want an adult-oriented Muppets series, and considered the scripts "a bad idea with even worse execution". He immediately greenlit a revival of the classic Muppet Show, demanding that the franchise return to its vaudeville roots.

Development
Among the writers that Tim got for the show outside of himself included Jack Burns (for the first five seasons until his death in January 2020), David Odell, Joseph A. Bailey, and Chris Langham, all of whom had written for the original series, performer David Rudman, his son Adam, and former Sesame Street performer and writer Joey Mazzarino, who is also a performer here.

Puppeteers who worked on the original series included Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz, Kathryn Mullen, Karen Prell, and Louise Gold.

Cast

 * Steve Whitmire as Kermit, Statler, Beaker, Rizzo the Rat, Bean Bunny, the Newsman, Link Hogthrob, Lips, Andy Pig, the Swedish Chef (hands), and others
 * Eric Jacobson as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam the Eagle
 * Dave Goelz as Gonzo, Zoot, Randy Pig, Waldorf, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beauregard,
 * Bill Barretta as Rowlf, Pepé the King Prawn, the Swedish Chef (head), Dr. Teeth, Bobo the Bear, and Johnny Fiama
 * David Rudman as Scooter, Janice, Wayne,
 * Matt Vogel as Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Camilla, Pops, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry,
 * Peter Linz as Walter, Nigel,
 * Kevin Clash as Clifford
 * Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as Dolores (Trumpet Girl)
 * Brian Henson as Sal Minella,
 * Julianne Buescher as Denise and Wanda
 * Alice Dinnean
 * Tim Lagasse
 * Bruce Lanoil
 * Mike Quinn

Season 1

 * Episode 101: Elizabeth Banks (aired September 22, 2015) - For the show's comeback, Kermit has booked Elizabeth Banks as the first guest star. Chaos inevitably ensues since everyone is rusty, as there hadn't been a mainline Muppet series since Muppets Tonight ended in 1998. Meanwhile, an unexpected visitor comes in, someone who was thought never to appear again in the Muppets: Clifford.
 * Statler and Waldorf opening - WALDORF: Can't believe we have to sit through more of this. STATLER: At least there's more to heckle at! (laugh)
 * Gonzo's trumpet gag - Gonzo's trumpet makes a steam engine horn sound. GONZO: All those years and it still happens?
 * Statler and Waldorf closing - STATLER: You know, our adult show concept was a better idea. WALDORF: How? STATLER: Anything is better! (Doh-oh-oh-oh-oh!)
 * Episode 102: Josh Grobin (aired September 29, 2015) -
 * Statler and Waldorf opening - STATLER: Let's not get this started! WALDORF: Better yet, this shouldn't have made it to the drawing board!
 * Gonzo's trumpet gag - Gonzo's trumpet pulls out a "HONK!" flag. GONZO: Joke flag.
 * Statler and Waldorf closing - WALDORF: Well, whaddya know? This show has yet another first! STATLER: That's right, the first celebrity who'd rather be elsewhere! (Doh-oh-oh-oh-oh!)
 * Episode 103: Liam Hemsworth (aired October 6, 2015) -
 * Episode 104: Ed Helms (aired October 13, 2015) -
 * Episode 105: Reese Witherspoon (aired October 27, 2015)
 * Episode 106: Kristin Chenoweth (aired November 3, 2015)
 * Episode 107: Jason Bateman (aired November 10, 2015)
 * Episode 108: Chelsea Handler (aired November 17, 2015)
 * Episode 109: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (aired December 1, 2015)
 * Episode 110: Mindy Kaling (aired December 8, 2015)
 * Episode 111: Utkarsh Ambudkar (aired February 2, 2016)
 * Episode 112: Joan Jett and Ian Ziering (aired February 9, 2016)
 * Episode 113: Ingrid Michaelson (aired February 16, 2016)
 * Episode 114: Lara Spencer (aired February 23, 2016)
 * Episode 115: Willie Nelson (aired March 1, 2016)
 * Episode 116: Jack White (aired March 8, 2016)

Season 2

 * Episode 201: Huey Lewis (aired September 20, 2016)
 * Episode 202: Tom Bergeron (aired September 27, 2016)
 * Episode 203: Vivica A. Fox (aired October 4, 2016)

Season 5

 * Episode 501: The Stars of Sesame Street (aired September 24, 2019) - Kermit's friends from Sesame Street (Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Grover, Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Zoe, Prairie Dawn, Rosita, Telly, and Mr. Snuffleupagus) have been invited to the Muppet Theatre.
 * Statler and Waldorf opening - STATLER: