In 2005, ABC ordered one full script and five episode outlines for review of a show called America's Next Muppet. If picked-up, the TV series would be produced by The Jim Henson Company for Disney, and was titled as a parody of reality show America's Next Top Model. The show was planned to feature the famous Muppet Show family characters holding a fictional talent contest to find the next Muppet to add to their famous group. The show was announced and tentatively scheduled to air in spring or summer of 2006.
Kermit the Frog served as the host, with Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Pepe the King Prawn as the judges. Contestants included Grant Baciocco (with a character named Princess Sabrina), Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (with her character Velvet Lamb-more), Julianne Buescher, and Bruce Lanoil. Paul Reubens and David Arquette also appeared as a ventriloquist duo.[1][2]
A test pilot, directed by Bill Barretta, was filmed in the summer of 2004. The show was not picked up.
Sources[]
- ↑ The Barretta Brothers Episode 22 - Live Q&A #04 (YouTube)
- ↑ Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show: Bill Barretta (Puppeteer/Writer/Director) || Ep. 173
- Chapman, Phillip. "Muppet reality pilot taped last summer", Muppet Central. January 30, 2005.
- James, Greg. "America's Next Muppet mini-series in development", Muppet Central. September 5, 2005.
- Schneider, Michael. "Muppets pull strings at ABC", Variety. October 24, 2005.