Appearances in outside fictional universes

With few exceptions, The Muppets have always been presented as real living characters within the universe of their productions. The Muppets characters have also made many appearances as "real" characters on real world non-fiction programs; often appearing as celebrity guests or acts on talk shows, variety shows, game shows, cooking shows or documentaries. But rarely have Muppet characters appeared in programs of fiction - such as sitcoms, dramas or films. And in many cases when they are referenced in outside fiction they are presented just as they are in real life - as a group of fictional puppet characters performed by puppeteers. However there are some instances where the Muppets have been featured as independent characters in outside fiction.

Muppets presented in fiction as real living characters

 * Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Kermit the Frog appears as a patron of the magical toy store)
 * The Torkelsons (Elmo appears as an anthropomorphized Elmo doll in a dream sequence)
 * The Cosby Show (Muppets appear as characters in a dream sequence)
 * Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (Big Bird appears as a character in the neighborhood of make-believe)
 * Marvel Comics (Sam the Robot appears as a sidekick in "Spidey Super Stories #32")

Muppets presented in fiction as characters of a famous puppet act

 * Soul Man (Big Bird appears as himself)
 * The West Wing (Sesame Street Muppets as themselves)
 * Rocky III (The Muppet Show appears)