The Muppet Show was a hard sell for creator Jim Henson. Although he had found some success on Sesame Street, the hardest hurdle was convincing American networks that the Muppets weren’t just for kids. That he could create a show that adults will enjoy and laugh at. Two pilot episodes (The Muppets Valentine Show and Sex and Violence) failed to impress top brass. And Jim’s attempt to integrate the Muppets on Saturday Night Live was less than a hit for both fans and members of the cast. The late John Belushi referred to them as the Mucking Fuppets. But the interest of one Lord Lew Grade and moving the production to London, England finally proved the Muppets could be a big hit on American television.

In this episode Bret, Andrew, Kevin and special guest star Ramona Puchalski-Piretti discuss their memories of seeing the Muppet show for the first time as a child. Who their favorite characters were. And what drew them to a puppet show that wasn’t just for kids. But adults could watch and enjoy it too. September 5th will mark 45 years since the Muppets first debut on American Television. But it has been 66 years since Jim first unleashed his concept of the Muppets (and Kemit himself) onto unsuspecting viewers when the television series Sam and Friends debuted in 1955.

Once again, it’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights. It’s time to meet the Muppets on the Mental Suppository tonight!!

SMG’s ‘Are We Here Yet’?