The Muppets (2015)



The Muppets is a prime time television show currently in development with ABC Studios and the Muppets Studio. The series will feature the Muppet characters in a 'mockumentary'-style series that will explore their home lives and behind-the-scenes working on Up Late with Miss Piggy.

In spring 2015, ABC produced a short pilot presentation for the series. Bill Prady (Miss Piggy's Hollywood, The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson, The Big Bang Theory) and Bob Kushell (The Simpsons, 3rd Rock from the Sun) served as co-writers and as executive producers along with director Randall Einhorn (The Office, Survivor) and Muppeteer Bill Barretta.

On May 7, 2015, ABC officially announced that the series had been picked up for the fall 2015 television season. Production on the first season began in July with the first table read on the 24th and filming started on the 31st. The show is slated to air on Tuesdays at 8PM Eastern (7PM Central) starting in the fall of 2015.

Reese Witherspoon and the band Imagine Dragons will be among the guest stars for the show.

In August 2015, the stars of other popular ABC shows appeared in a series of promos with the Muppets to help promote the new series - celebrities included Nathan Fillion (Castle), Kerry Washington (Scandal) and Patricia Heaton (The Middle).

Pilot
The 10 minute pilot presentation was shown to ABC executives to sell the show, which received a standing ovation. This reel is the source of the first trailer and production photos released to market the series. At San Diego Comic-Con, Bill Prady reported that the pilot was not meant to be seen by the public, but the audience at the panel was treated to a viewing of the full 10 minutes. Ten days later, ABC released the full presentation on their YouTube channel.

One major change from the pilot includes new character Denise being rebuilt so as not to appear so similar to Spamela Hamderson.

Cast
as seen in the pilot; subject to change for the series
 * Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Rowlf the Dog, Sam the Eagle, Scooter, Walter, Denise, penguins, Crazy Harry, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Lew Zealand, Big Mean Carl, Behemoth, Sweetums, Dr. Teeth, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, Animal, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, The Swedish Chef, Pops, Beautiful Day Monster, Chip, Cynthia Rose, Uncle Deadly, Rizzo the Rat, Thingy-Thing, Wayne and Wanda, Angel Marie, Statler and Waldorf, Vegetables, The Newsman, Bobo the Bear, Robin the Frog, Pepe the King Prawn

Official synopsis
“The Muppets” return to prime time with a contemporary, documentary-style show that, for the first time ever, will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, break-ups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires; a more adult Muppet show, for kids of all ages.

''Bill Prady (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Bob Kushell (“Anger Management”) are co-writers and executive producers. Randall Einhorn and Bill Barretta are also executive producers. “The Muppets” is produced by ABC Studios and The Muppets Studio.''

Promotion

 * see The Muppets (2015) promotion


 * Trailer