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| − | {{song|writer=[[Sam Pottle]] |
+ | {{song|image=titlecard TMS season 1.png|writer=[[Sam Pottle]] and [[Jim Henson]]|composer=|lyricist=|date=[[1976]]|source=|publisher=Fuzzy Muppet Songs}} |
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| − | [[Image:Title.tms.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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"'''The Muppet Show Theme'''" was played at the beginning and end of every episode of ''[[The Muppet Show]]''. Although it evolved visually over the course of the show's five seasons, the musical composition remained substantially the same. |
"'''The Muppet Show Theme'''" was played at the beginning and end of every episode of ''[[The Muppet Show]]''. Although it evolved visually over the course of the show's five seasons, the musical composition remained substantially the same. |
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[[Image:MuppetShopen1.JPG|thumb|300px]] |
[[Image:MuppetShopen1.JPG|thumb|300px]] |
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[[File:ChrousGirlsOpening.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
[[File:ChrousGirlsOpening.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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| − | [[ |
+ | [[File:muppet show theme guys s1.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
| + | [[Image:Gonzo gong.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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| − | Each episode of ''The Muppet Show'' opened on a shot of the title card, which in the first season was less ornate than the one that would replace it the following year. As the camera zoomed in, a spotlight immediately lit up the ''O'', the center of which swung back to reveal [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]], who introduced the "very special guest star" from this position before retreating behind the sign. The title card then lifted up to up reveal the curtains, and the camera pulled back to reveal [[The Muppet Orchestra|the Muppet orchestra]], including close-ups of [[Crazy Harry]] on the triangle, [[Zoot]] on sax, an uncharacteristically calm [[Animal]] on the drums, and [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]] at the piano. [[Trumpet Girl]] and conductor [[Nigel (Muppet Show)|Nigel]] could be also be seen in the pit in the long shot. |
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| + | Each ''Muppet Show'' theme starts with a shot of the title card, which in the first season was less ornate than the one that would replace it the following year. As the camera zoomed in, a spotlight immediately lit up the ''O'', the center of which swings back to reveal [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]], introducing the very special guest star. The title card then lifts to show the curtains and [[The Muppet Orchestra|the Muppet orchestra]] is revealed, including close-ups of [[Crazy Harry]] on the triangle, [[Zoot]] on sax, an uncharacteristically calm [[Animal]] on the drums, and [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]] at the piano. [[Trumpet Girl]] and conductor [[Nigel (Muppet Show)|Nigel]] are also seen in the long shot. |
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| − | |||
| − | Two kicklines, one of four chorus girls (a bewigged [[Janice]], [[Miss Piggy]], an apparently space-bending Trumpet Girl, and a [[Dancers#female3|female Whatnot]]) and one of four chorus boys (a horned [[Whatnot]] monster, [[Frackles|Blue Frackle]], a [[Pig]], and [[Frackles|Green Frackle]]) then took turns crossing the [[Muppet Theater Stage|stage]], the former group entering from stage right and the latter from stage left. |
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| + | Two kicklines take turns crossing the [[Muppet Theater Stage|stage]]: four chorus girls (a bewigged [[Janice]], [[Miss Piggy]], the Trumpet Girl, and a [[Dancers#female3|female Whatnot]]) and four chorus boys (a [[Whatnots|Whatnot]] monster, [[Frackles|Blue Frackle]], a [[Pigs|pig]], and [[Frackles|Green Frackle]]). |
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| − | The curtains then parted to reveal [[Fozzie Bear]], who attempted a different joke each week, even though he was often cut off. As the curtains closed on Fozzie, Kermit appeared in front of them to introduce the guest star who, to much applause, was usually shown among an assortment of Muppets he or she would appear with later in the episode. |
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| + | The curtains part for [[Fozzie Bear]], who attempts a different joke each week, usually cut off. As the curtains closed on Fozzie, Kermit appeared in front of them to introduce the guest star who was usually shown among an assortment of Muppets he or she would appear with later in the episode. In the first season's earliest episodes, after the presentation verse by Kermit, the guest stars appeared in a position with Muppets from one of their upcoming sketches, as a tease of what's to come. [[Jim Nabors]] was the first guest star surrounded by casual Muppets in the opening theme, as will be usual in the next episodes of the season, with some exceptions. |
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| − | The last verse of the theme song was then performed from a set of cake-like risers. Kermit and the chorus of Muppets, which also include [[Wayne and Wanda|Wayne, Wanda]], and [[Frackles#Snake Frackle|Snake Frackle]], raised their arms as the song finished and the logo was once again lowered into place. From his perch on the topmost layer of the risers, [[Gonzo]] finished the theme each week by trying to hit the ''O'' like a gong, [[Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings|with a different result each week]]. Even when he managed to make contact, the results were never quite what he expected. |
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| + | The last verse of the theme song is performed by Kermit and a chorus of Muppets, which also include [[Wayne and Wanda|Wayne, Wanda]], and [[Frackles#Snake Frackle|Snake Frackle]]. After the logo lowers into place, [[Gonzo]] finishes the theme each week by trying to hit the ''O'' like a gong, [[Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings|with a different result each week]]. |
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| − | The original, unaired pilot episodes for [[Episode 101: Juliet Prowse|101]] and [[Episode 102: Connie Stevens|102]] featured a longer version of the theme. This earliest version had different shots of the chorus girls and boys, an additional verse sung by a kickline of monsters and creatures, and [[T.R.]] (performed by [[Frank Oz]] instead of [[Jerry Nelson]]) introducing Kermit. The frog then showcased both a song by Wayne and Wanda and a dance, in addition to Fozzie's joke, before introducing the guest, who sang a verse of the theme. The opening can be currently found at the beginning of the unaired pilot version of episode 101, seen at the [[Paley Center for Media]]. |
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| + | Beginning in the 1980s, when episodes from Season One were played in syndication and on home video, the original opening was replaced with the Season Two opening, except for [[Episode 103: Joel Grey|episodes 103]], [[Episode 106: Jim Nabors|106]], [[Episode 114: Sandy Duncan|114]] and TNT airings of [[Episode 121: Twiggy|121]], which were paired with the Season Five opening. The original openings were restored on ''[[The Muppet Show: Season One]]'' DVD set. |
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| − | [[Episode 103: Joel Grey|Episode 103]] featured the standard Season One theme but included an extra verse after the guest star introduction, in which Kermit previewed a clip from the "[[Comedy Tonight]]" number. This is the only episode in which an actual clip from the show was seen in the opening. The opening also featured a one frame shot of Zoot/Crazy Harry in an odd edit right after Animal's shot. |
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| + | This version is featured on most album releases of the song, including ''[[The Muppet Show (album)|The Muppet Show]]'', ''[[Favorite Songs From Jim Henson's Muppets]]'', ''[[Muppet Hits]]'', ''[[Best of the Muppets]]'', and ''[[Music, Mayhem, And More]]''. |
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| − | Beginning in the 1980s, when episodes from Season One were played in syndication and on home video, the original opening was replaced with the Season Two opening, except for [[Episode 103: Joel Grey|episodes 103]], [[Episode 106: Jim Nabors|106]], and [[Episode 114: Sandy Duncan|114]], which were paired with the Season Five opening. The original openings were restored on ''[[The Muppet Show: Season One]]'' DVD set. |
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| − | |||
| − | This version is featured on most album releases of the song, including ''[[The Muppet Show (album)|The Muppet Show]]'', ''[[Favorite Songs From Jim Henson's Muppets]]'', ''[[Muppet Hits]]'', ''[[Best of the Muppets]]'', and ''[[Music, Mayhem, And More]]''. Kermit says, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's the Muppet Show" at the beginning, and Fozzie's joke comes from [[Episode 116: Avery Schreiber|episode 116]], followed by a new verse from Kermit, who introduces the "first original, genuine, no-money-back guaranteed Muppet Show cast album!" [[Music, Mayhem, And More]] and [[Muppet Hits]] cut out the joke and album introduction, going straight from the men's verse to the final verse. |
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===Season Two=== |
===Season Two=== |
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[[File:Gonzohorn.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
[[File:Gonzohorn.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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[[Image:Tms bts arch.jpg|thumb|300px|Filming the opening theme.]] |
[[Image:Tms bts arch.jpg|thumb|300px|Filming the opening theme.]] |
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| + | [[File:Tms_monsters_theme_song_stage.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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| − | This was the only version of the theme to be completely different from a previous version. A new title card was used with a border and more detail. This time Kermit stayed perched in the sign as it was lifted into the rafters. The orchestra members have been repositioned, as they would be for the rest of the show's run. |
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| + | The opening is heavily revamped, with a new title card. The opening curtain reveals a series of arches. The shots of Animal and Crazy Harry are replaced with [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]] playing a bit of music on the piano, then [[Zoot]], who blows a note on his saxophone. |
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| + | |||
| + | Next, a group of [[Full-Bodied Muppet|full-bodied]] monsters (including [[Sweetums]], [[Timmy Monster]], [[Thog]], and two [[The Mutations|Mutations]]) walked on-stage, followed by a group of females and then males each group singing its own verse. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, [[Miss Mousey]], Chicken, Whatnot, Chicken, [[Janice]], Whatnot, [[Mildred Huxtetter]], and [[Lydia]]. The men characters include [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], [[The Swedish Chef]], [[Sam the Eagle]], Whatnot, [[George the Janitor]], Whatnot, [[Frackles|Blue Frackle]], [[Link Hogthrob]], [[Frackles|Green Frackle]], and [[Jim]]. The male chorus verse is slightly shorter than in the previous season. Kermit is now seated in the arches with the rest of the cast. [[Gonzo]] now plays a trumpet note instead of the gong gag. |
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| + | The arch positions for the group are as follows: |
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| − | The curtain was then raised, revealing a series of arches that would become strongly associated with the show. The shots of Animal and Crazy Harry are replaced with [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]] playing a bit of music on the piano, then [[Zoot]], who blew a note on his saxophone. Next, a group of [[Full-Bodied Muppet|full-bodied]] monsters (including [[Sweetums]], [[Timmy Monster]], [[Thog]], and two [[The Mutations|Mutations]]) walked on-stage, followed by a group of females and then males each group singing its own verse. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, [[Miss Mousey]], Chicken, Whatnot, Chicken, [[Janice]], Whatnot, [[Mildred Huxtetter]], and [[Lydia]]. The men characters include [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], the [[Swedish Chef]], [[Sam the Eagle|Sam]], Whatnot, [[George the Janitor]], whatnot, [[Frackles|Blue Frackle]], [[Link Hogthrob]], [[Frackles|Green Frackle]], and the [[Jim Henson Muppet]]. The male's verse was slightly shorter than in the previous season. For most episodes, [[Statler and Waldorf]] followed with a new wisecrack each week in place of Fozzie's jokes. Instead of finishing the song on the risers, Kermit was shown seated in the arches with the rest of the cast. [[Gonzo]] is inside the circle, and plays a note on his bugle, with a different (often disastrous) outcome each week. |
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| − | The arch positions for the group, including both regulars, supporting players, and background characters, were as follows: |
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Row #1: |
Row #1: |
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| − | :[[Chickens|Chicken]], [[Baskerville the Hound]], [[T.R.]], [[Dancers|Duck-billed Woman]], [[ |
+ | :[[Chickens|Chicken]], [[Baskerville the Hound]], [[T.R.]], [[Dancers|Duck-billed Woman]], [[Mahna Mahna]], [[Mel (bird)|Mel]], [[Whatnots|Whatnot]] |
Row #2: |
Row #2: |
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Row #4: |
Row #4: |
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| − | :[[Miss Kitty]], [[Fleet Scribbler]], [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], [[The Swedish Chef]], [[Sam the Eagle]], [[Whatnot]], [[George the Janitor]], [[Frackles|Blue Frackle]], [[Whatnots|Whatnot]], [[Link Hogthrob]], [[Frackles|Green Frackle]], [[Jim |
+ | :[[Miss Kitty]], [[Fleet Scribbler]], [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], [[The Swedish Chef]], [[Sam the Eagle]], [[Whatnots|Whatnot]], [[George the Janitor]], [[Frackles|Blue Frackle]], [[Whatnots|Whatnot]], [[Link Hogthrob]], [[Frackles|Green Frackle]], [[Jim]], [[Lenny the Lizard]] |
Row #5: |
Row #5: |
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| − | :[[Whatnots|Whatnot]], [[Jerry |
+ | :[[Whatnots|Whatnot]], [[Jerry]], [[Uncle Deadly]], [[Droop]], [[Chickens|Chicken]], [[Beautiful Day Monster]], [[Gorgon Heap]], [[Svengali's Assistant]], [[Pigs|Pig]], [[Crazy Harry]], [[Male Koozebanian Creature]], [[Wayne and Wanda|Wanda]], [[Wayne and Wanda|Wayne]] |
| − | This version is featured on the albums of [[The Muppet Show 2]] and [[Muppet Hits Take 2]] |
+ | This version is featured on the albums of ''[[The Muppet Show 2]]'' and ''[[Muppet Hits Take 2]]''. This opening replaced the original first season opening during syndication until the season DVD sets were released. |
===Season Three=== |
===Season Three=== |
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| − | [[Image: |
+ | [[Image:MuppetShowAudienceS3.JPG|thumb|300px|"Why don't you get things started?"]] |
The third season's opening was similar to the second season, the only differences being a slight change to the initial shots of Zoot and Rowlf and an additional shot in which the audience asked "Why don't you get things started?" |
The third season's opening was similar to the second season, the only differences being a slight change to the initial shots of Zoot and Rowlf and an additional shot in which the audience asked "Why don't you get things started?" |
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| − | |||
| − | Starting this season, some episodes had a special scene during the opening that took place either backstage or in the orchestra, in place of a comment by Statler and Waldorf. The special scenes from this and the fourth season include the following: |
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| − | *[[Episode 303: Roy Clark]]: [[Scooter]] calls for somebody to kill a light. Gunfire is heard, and the light drops from the ceiling. |
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| − | *[[Episode 304: Gilda Radner]]: [[Gonzo]] reveals that he always gets butterflies before a show. A [[Butterflies|giant butterfly]] tells him, "Not this time," and hits Gonzo with a club. |
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| − | *[[Episode 305: Pearl Bailey]]: Scooter calls for everybody to get onstage, but everybody is onstage. |
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| − | *[[Episode 311: Raquel Welch]]: [[Beauregard]] is hit in the head with a sandbag. |
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| − | *[[Episode 312: James Coco]]: Beauregard hands the reader a script, but trips before he can. |
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| − | *[[Episode 323: Lynn Redgrave]]: Archery rehearsal continues as an arrow just misses Beauregard (who insists that the shot was good). |
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| − | *[[Episode 404: Dyan Cannon]]: A concerned Beauregard watches Foo-Foo backstage. |
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| − | *[[Episode 415: Anne Murray]]: [[Floyd Pepper|Floyd]] plays a bass solo and [[Quongo]] smashes him between two cymbals. |
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| − | *[[Episode 420: Alan Arkin]]: Beauregard sweeps on Rowlf's piano in the orchestra, ruining his part. Rowlf grabs Beauregard's mop and yells at him. |
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| − | *[[Episode 423: Carol Channing]]: The [[Feather Duster]] comes out of Zoot's sax. |
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| − | *[[Episode 424: Diana Ross]]: Zoot charms a [[Snake|snake]], who crawls into the saxophone. |
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[[Episode 308: Loretta Lynn|Episode 308]] from this season is the only episode with a completely different opening sequence, the theme lyrics slightly altered, the music played in a timetable, and the intro done at a train station. |
[[Episode 308: Loretta Lynn|Episode 308]] from this season is the only episode with a completely different opening sequence, the theme lyrics slightly altered, the music played in a timetable, and the intro done at a train station. |
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| − | On the ''[[It's the Muppets!]]'' video releases from [[1993]], this version was used with a compliation of clips from various episodes, cutting out Kermit's introduction and Gonzo's trumpet gag. |
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===Season Four=== |
===Season Four=== |
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| − | [[Image:MuppetShopen4.JPG|thumb|300px]] |
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This is the shortest opening from the show's run. The shots of the women and men singing in the arches were replaced by a single shot of men (on a top row of arches) and women (on a bottom row of arches) singing one short verse. The rest of the opening remained unchanged from the third season's opening. |
This is the shortest opening from the show's run. The shots of the women and men singing in the arches were replaced by a single shot of men (on a top row of arches) and women (on a bottom row of arches) singing one short verse. The rest of the opening remained unchanged from the third season's opening. |
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| + | |||
| + | <gallery widths=200 spacing=small orientation=landscape> |
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| + | MuppetShopen4.JPG| |
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| + | </gallery> |
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===Season Five=== |
===Season Five=== |
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| + | The new Zoot puppet was used for the intro, and the male and female choruses sing different verses again. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, [[Miss Mousey]], Chicken, [[Lydia]], Chicken, [[Janice]], and [[Mildred Huxtetter]], though she is barely seen at the end of the line. The men's characters are [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], Whatnot, [[George the Janitor]], Blue Frackle (Boppity), Green Frackle (Gloat), and a Whatnot. Statler and Waldorf then sang a verse about their hatred of [[The Muppet Show]], which was the same in each fifth season episode, and had the same melody as Kermit's guest star verse from Season One. This was followed by a shot of the orchestra that showed [[Animal]] on drums, and [[Lips]] (introduced that season) on trumpet, soloing with [[Trumpet Girl]] on trombone. Characters sing "But now let's get things started" before the audience replies "Why don't you get things started?" The top row features a Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle, and Link. The bottom row features Mildred, a Whatnot, Janice, and a Chicken. |
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| − | [[Image:Season 5 Opening.JPG|thumb|300px]] |
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| − | [[File:MuppetShowSeason5WomenArches.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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| − | [[File:LipsTrumpet_Opening.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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| − | This time, the shot of Rowlf and Zoot was replaced again in the fifth season, featuring a new Zoot puppet. This opening also reverted to having the women and men sing two different verses, although the shot was changed from the second and third season's openings. The arches were slightly thicker and wider than the previous openings. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, [[Miss Mousey]], Chicken, [[Lydia]], Chicken, [[Janice]], and [[Mildred Huxtetter]], though she is barely seen at the end of the line. The men's characters are [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], Whatnot, [[George the Janitor]], Blue Frackle (Boppity), Green Frackle (Gloat), and a Whatnot. Statler and Waldorf then sang a verse about their hatred of [[The Muppet Show]], which was the same in each fifth season episode, and had the same melody as Kermit's guest star verse from Season One. This was followed by a shot of the orchestra that showed [[Animal]] on drums, and [[Lips]], the [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem|Electric Mayhem's]] new trumpeter, soloing with [[Trumpet Girl]] on trombone. This was followed by a shot of a few rows of arches filled with characters saying "And now let's get things started", before the audience says, "Why don't you get things started?" The top row features a Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle, and Link. The bottom row features Mildred, a Whatnot, Janice, and a Chicken. The rest of the opening remained the same from previous versions. However, in this opening, there is a bit of a continuity error, because Lips is supposedly in the orchestra pit as the song goes on, however the opening shot of the orchestra and more evidently the "Why Don't You Get Things Started?" shot remained the same from previous versions so Trumpet Girl is seen playing the trumpet in these shots. |
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| − | This version is featured on television |
+ | This version is featured on television soundtrack compilations like ''[[50 All-Time Favorite TV Themes]]'' and ''[[All-Time Top 100 TV Themes]]''. The beginning half of this opening appears in [[Episode 110: Secrets of the Muppets|The Secrets of the Muppets]] when [[Digit]] puts on the wrong opening. |
| + | |||
| + | <gallery widths=200 spacing=small orientation=landscape> |
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| + | Season 5 Opening.JPG |
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| + | MuppetShowSeason5WomenArches.jpg |
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| + | LipsTrumpet Opening.jpg |
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| + | Muppet Show Theme S5 Chorus.jpg |
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| + | </gallery> |
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===Extended Album Version=== |
===Extended Album Version=== |
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An extended version of the Muppet Show theme was recorded between season 1 and 2 for a 45RPM record. |
An extended version of the Muppet Show theme was recorded between season 1 and 2 for a 45RPM record. |
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| − | The arrangements are similar to the season 2 opening, but it still features a joke from Fozzie and Kermit's introduction verse. Kermit introduces Miss Piggy, who |
+ | The arrangements are similar to the season 2 opening, but it still features a joke from Fozzie and Kermit's introduction verse. Kermit introduces Miss Piggy, who karate chops him. This is followed by an instrumental break (in which Kermit introduces Animal as a "record breaking drummer"; Animal then attempts to break the record album). The theme then modulates to a piano solo performed by Rowlf and then to the final verse. |
| − | The second half of this version of the theme (without kazoo solo and dialogue) was used as the theme for |
+ | The second half of this version of the theme (without kazoo solo and dialogue) was used as the theme for ''[[The Muppet Show Music Album]]''. |
| − | |||
| − | ===''The Muppets''=== |
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| − | A recreation of the opening appeared in the 2011 film ''[[The Muppets (2011)|The Muppets]]'' to open the Muppets' live telethon show. While the film's rendition closely resembles the most common elements of the previous openings (with the lyrics being those from season 3's opening), there are some changes - Timmy Monster is not present, a few of the arches on the top level are empty, there are four rows of arches instead of five, and the character selection and placement in the arches are different. With a very small audience in attendance, the "why don't you get things started?" line is sung by [[Hobo Joe]] (with the actual vocals provided by [[Joanna Newsom]]). Gonzo's trumpet gag consists of the trumpet making the Tarzan yell. |
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| − | |||
| − | The Muppets are shown rehearsing for the opening earlier in the film. |
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| − | <gallery widths="300" position="center" bordercolor="transparent" spacing="small" captionalign="left"> |
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| − | Muppets2011Trailer02-19.jpg |
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| − | Image:Muppets2011Trailer02-38.jpg |
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| − | Image:MupComercial-02.jpg |
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| − | MuppetShowFemaleArches2011.jpg |
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| − | MuppetShowMaleArches2011.jpg |
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| − | Image:Muppets2011Trailer01-1920 58.jpg |
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| − | Image:Telethon1.jpg |
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| − | </gallery> |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Muppets Most Wanted=== |
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| − | A version of the opening is performed by the Muppets during their show in Madrid in Muppets Most Wanted. The instruments consist of mostly trumpet, guitar, and castinets to match the Spanish setting. The music is much slower paced, and all of the lyrics are sung in Spanish. As the title card is raised, Constantine, impersonating Kermit falls out of the "O" in the title. The full-bodied monsters walk out, with Constantine still on the stage. The female chorus line, dressed to match the setting, sings their verse, followed by the male chorus line. Following this, [[Pepe the King Prawn]] sings Kermit's guest star verse from season 1. The shot then cuts to the arches, with [[Constantine]] in Kermit's place. The lyrics in the arch sequence are the same as they have always been, albeit in Spanish. Gonzo launches a soccer ball out of his trumpet. |
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==Closings== |
==Closings== |
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| − | === |
+ | ===Seasons One and Two=== |
[[File:Tms zoot.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
[[File:Tms zoot.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
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[[File:FirstSeasonorchestra.png|thumb|300px]] |
[[File:FirstSeasonorchestra.png|thumb|300px]] |
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| + | [[File:Intro closing floyd.jpg|thumb|300px|The updated "Blinking Floyd" shot, as used for the second season]] |
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| − | The closing theme was an instrumental version of the opening theme. The closing featured [[The Muppet Orchestra]], and various shots of each musician were seen. From left to right were [[Zoot]], [[Floyd Pepper]], [[Trumpet Girl]], [[Crazy Harry]] (with no triangle bell), [[Nigel (Muppet Show)|Nigel]], [[Animal]], and [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]]. At the very end of the sequence, [[Statler and Waldorf]] would make a comment, which changes per episode (though some of their opening comments were re-used in various episodes, these comments were only included in one episode each). A handful of episodes had something else happening instead of Statler and Waldorf making a comment (see [[The Muppet Show Alternate Closings]]). Their comments were followed by a wide shot of the orchestra and then a shot of [[Zoot]] blowing a final bum note out of his saxophone. |
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| + | The instrumental theme version used for the closing is played by [[The Muppet Orchestra]]. From left to right, the members are [[Zoot]], [[Floyd Pepper]], [[Trumpet Girl]], [[Crazy Harry]] (without his triangle), [[Nigel (Muppet Show)|Nigel]], [[Animal]], and [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]]. Comments by [[Statler and Waldorf]] (or [[The Muppet Show alternate closings|closing gags]]) were followed by a wide shot of the orchestra and then a shot of [[Zoot]] blowing a final bum note out of his saxophone. |
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| + | The closing sequence remained the same for season 2, with the only difference being a replaced shot of the updated [[Floyd Pepper Through the Years|Floyd Pepper]] puppet. |
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| − | During the original broadcasts in the UK, Zoot's shots would superimpose the [[Associated TeleVision]] logo. Outisde of the UK, the ATV logo were featured over the wide orchestra shot and the [[ITC Entertainment]] logo were featured over Zoot's shots. During the mid-1980s, the original ITC shots were replaced with the [[Henson Associates]] in-credit variant, featuring a new shot of Zoot, who just blew a small note. During the 1990s, when reruns aired on [[Nickelodeon]], it was replaced by a clip from the "[[Sax and Violence]]" number where Zoot plays a short low note, before nodding twice. On [[The Muppet Show Live]], Zoot had a longer saxophone note. The note is also played over the 1980s Henson Associates logo at the end of ''[[The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years]]''. |
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| − | + | The entire sequence originally begun with a pan-out shot of the orchestra, as seen in the pilot episodes [[Episode 101: Juliet Prowse|101]] and [[Episode 102: Connie Stevens|102]]. The [[Die Muppet Show|German dub]] of the series uses this version at the end of every episode, instead of using the closings for later seasons. This closing is also shown at the end of the ''[[It's the Muppets!]]'' video releases (with part of the third season's theme music playing during the pan-out shot), heard during the end credits for ''[[I Love Muppets]]'', and released on the albums ''[[The Muppet Show 2]]'', ''[[Muppet Hits]]'', ''[[Muppet Hits Take 2]]'', and ''[[Music, Mayhem, And More]]''. |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Season Two=== |
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| − | [[File:Intro_closing_floyd.jpg|thumb|300px|The "Blinking Floyd" Shot]] |
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| − | The only difference between the season 1 and 2 closings is that the shot of [[Floyd Pepper]] was replaced with a new shot of Floyd. Whereas in the first closing he wasn't wearing his hat, in this shot he wears his hat and blinks his eyes (though he isn't wearing his hat in any of the other scenes in this closing). In [[Episode 201: Don Knotts|episode 201]], a different shot of the same scene is shown during the beginning of the closing, as opposed to Animal's shot. On episodes [[Episode 205: Judy Collins|205]], [[Episode 217: Julie Andrews|217]], and [[Episode 222: Teresa Brewer|222]], the camera stays on the curtain call longer than usual before cutting back to the closing sequence. Starting this season, the final orchestra shots during the original broadcasts would no longer superimpose the [[ATV]] logo. Instead with a new ITC logo with "An ATV Company" beside it is shown during Zoot's shot. |
||
===Seasons Three and Four=== |
===Seasons Three and Four=== |
||
[[File:ThirdSeasonOrchestra.png|thumb|300px]] |
[[File:ThirdSeasonOrchestra.png|thumb|300px]] |
||
| − | In season 3, the entire closing was |
+ | In season 3, the entire closing was re-shot, with wardrobe changes and the omission of [[Crazy Harry]]. The theme itself is now a slightly slower rendition, including a piano solo from [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]] replacing [[Zoot]]'s sax solo. Like the season 1 closing, there are solo shots of each member, with the exception of [[Trumpet Girl]]. Like the first season, the entire sequence opened up with a pan-out shot of the orchestra, as seen in episodes [[Episode 319: Elke Sommer|319]], [[Episode 401: John Denver|401]], and [[Episode 409: Beverly Sills|409]]. |
| − | + | This version was heard during the closing credits for ''[[Of Muppets and Men (documentary)|Of Muppets and Men]]'', ending after Rowlf's solo. Along with being used in the end credits for ''[[Rowlf's Rhapsodies with the Muppets]]'', ''[[Muppet Moments (video)|Muppet Moments]]'' and ''[[Fozzie's Muppet Scrapbook]]'' from [[:Category: Playhouse Video|Playhouse Video]], it was released on ''[[The Muppet Show Music Album]]''. |
|
===Season Five=== |
===Season Five=== |
||
[[File:LipsTrumpetCredits.png|thumb|300px]] |
[[File:LipsTrumpetCredits.png|thumb|300px]] |
||
| − | The closing was |
+ | The closing was re-shot again for the fifth season. This time, Lips is in the orchestra playing a prominent solo, and Trumpet Girl plays the trombone. In [[Episode 507: Glenda Jackson|episode 507]], the shot of Lips and the Trumpet Girl is re-used at the beginning of the closing credits. In episodes [[Episode 508: Señor Wences|508]] and [[Episode 511: Paul Simon|511]], Lips' trumpet solo is muted. |
| + | The closing music plays over the credits of the Playhouse Video compilations ''[[The Muppet Revue]]'', ''[[Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff]]'' and ''[[Rock Music with the Muppets]]''. |
||
| − | Most of the compilation videos from [[:Category: Playhouse Video|Playhouse Video]] ended with the fifth season closing theme music playing over the credits. However, on "[[Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff]]", the final bars of the closing theme (along with Zoot's "moo" sound effect from the [[Episode 217: Julie Andrews|Julie Andrews episode]]) are used from the first season's closing music, after Gonzo and the cow are shown dating. The fifth season's closing music was also used for a Nickelodeon ''Muppet Show'' promo. |
||
| + | {{br}} |
||
| + | ==Other versions== |
||
| − | ==OK Go cover and music video== |
||
| + | {| class="episode" |
||
| − | American rock group [[OK Go]] performed a cover of the song for ''[[The Green Album]]''. The song was later made into a music video featuring the Muppets. The video, directed by [[Kirk Thatcher]], was released on August 23, 2011. The video has also been shown on [[Disney Channel]] and the song has been heard on [[Radio Disney]]. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | [[Video:OK Go and the Muppets - Muppet Show Theme Song|670px|center]] |
||
| + | ! width=200 | Image !! Year !! Description |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | ===Cast=== |
||
| + | | [[File:TMS Theme It's The Muppet Show.png|center|250px]] |
||
| − | '''OK Go''' <small>(in order of appearance)</small>: |
||
| + | | align=center | 1979 |
||
| − | : Dan Konopka, Tim Nordwind, Damian Kulash, Andy Ross |
||
| + | | '''''[[It's The Muppet Show!]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | The cast sings the song on stage. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | '''The Muppets''' <small>(in order of appearance)</small>: |
||
| + | | [[File:TMS Theme On Tour program.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| − | :[[Sweetums]], [[Dr. Bunsen Honeydew]], [[Beaker]], [[Animal]], [[Fozzie Bear]], [[Kermit the Frog]], [[Gonzo]], [[Marvin Suggs]], [[Camilla the Chicken]], [[the Swedish Chef]], [[penguins]], [[Sam the Eagle]], [[Rizzo the Rat]], [[Pepe the King Prawn]], [[Scooter]], [[Statler and Waldorf]], [[Floyd Pepper]], [[Janice]], [[Zoot]], [[Behemoth]], [[Link Hogthrob]], [[Pops]], [[the Newsman]], [[Bobo the Bear]], [[Frackle|purple Frackle]], [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], [[Nigel (Muppet Show)|Nigel]], [[Uncle Deadly]], [[Wayne and Wanda|Wayne]], [[Beautiful Day Monster]], [[Beauregard]], [[Wayne and Wanda|Wanda]], [[the Snowths]], [[Mahna Mahna (character)|Mahna Mahna]], [[Crazy Harry]], [[Lew Zealand]], [[Miss Piggy]], [[Dr. Teeth]], [[sheep]], [[Rowlf the Dog]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 1984 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppet Show: On Tour!]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | [[:Category:Stage Show Characters|Walk-around]] versions of ''The Muppet Show'' cast perform the number on stage. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | ===Gallery=== |
||
| + | | [[File:Playhouse-Rowlf01.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| − | <gallery widths="310" position="center" bordercolor="transparent" spacing="small" captionalign="left" hideaddbutton=true> |
||
| + | | align=center | 1985 |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(1).png |
||
| + | | '''[[:Category:Playhouse Video|Playhouse Video]]'''<hr> |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(2).png |
||
| + | A grand piano rendition of the theme opens ''[[The Kermit and Piggy Story]]'' and ''[[Rowlf's Rhapsodies with the Muppets]]''. |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(3).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(4).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(5).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(6).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(7).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(8).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(9).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(10).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(11).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(12).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(13).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(14).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(15).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(16).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(17).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(18).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(19).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(20).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(21).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(22).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(23).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(24).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(25).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(26).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(27).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(28).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(29).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(30).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(31).png |
||
| − | OKGo-Muppets_(32).png |
||
| − | </gallery> |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | ==Elio cover and music video== |
||
| + | | [[File:ChildrensSongs&Stories15.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| − | Italian singer and musician [[Elio]] (Stefano Belisari) performed a cover of the song in a music video featuring the Muppets to promote the release of ''[[The Muppets (2011)|The Muppets]]'' in Italy (''[[I Muppet]]''). The video was accompanied with a series of web videos showing Elio being kidnapped by the Muppets to host ''[[The Muppet Show]]''. |
||
| + | | align=center | 1985 |
||
| − | [[Video:I Muppet -- Elio canta al Muppet Show|660px]] |
||
| + | | '''''[[Children's Songs and Stories]]'''''<hr> |
||
| − | ===Promotional videos=== |
||
| + | Begins and ends with a music box-style version of the theme. |
||
| − | <gallery widths=300 position=center captionalign=center spacing=small hideaddbutton=true> |
||
| − | Video:I Muppet hanno rapito Elio HD|Part 1 |
||
| − | Video:I Muppet hanno rapito Elio - Continua HD|Part 2 |
||
| − | Video:I Muppet hanno rapito Elio - Parte Terza HD|Part 3 |
||
| − | Video:I Muppet -- Intervista ad Elio de "Elio e le storie Tese"|Behind the scenes |
||
| − | </gallery> |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | ==Other renditions== |
||
| + | | [[File:Playhouse-Revue01.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| − | * The song was also featured as the opener of ''[[The Muppet Show On Tour]]'' and ''[[The Muppet Show Live]]''. |
||
| + | | align=center | 1985 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppet Revue]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]] and [[Fozzie Bear|Fozzie]] offhandedly sang the refrain of the song a capella in a framing sequence. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | * [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]] and [[Fozzie Bear|Fozzie]] off-handedly sang the refrain of the song a capella in a framing sequence featured in ''[[The Muppet Revue]]''. |
||
| + | | [[File:Mv3d penguin band.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 1991 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Muppet*Vision 3D]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | [[Nicky Napoleon and His Emperor Penguins]] perform an orchestral rendition of the theme. Gonzo eventually joins in humming before Kermit welcomes the audience. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | * The tune can also be heard as part of [[Stars and Motorcars Parade]] and as an instrumental in ''[[Muppet*Vision 3D]]'' as visitors enter and exit the theater. |
||
| + | | [[File:Dca muppet queue.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 1991 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Muppet*Vision 3D]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A different instrumental version of the theme plays while visitors queue and exit the attraction. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | *Another version of the song was written and performed for [[The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside]] as part of the finale video at the end of the game. Footage from the fifth season theme was shown while alternate lyrics relating to being a CD-rom were sung, including a variation of the first season "to introduce our guest star..." lyric. The end credits played the fifth season version of the closing theme, which kept repeating the last half of the closing theme (starting with the trumpet section) over and over after Statler and Waldorf keep making closing comments. |
||
| + | | [[File:Get a free watch Kermit|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 1993 |
||
| + | | '''[[Jim Henson Video]]'''<hr> |
||
| + | A {{popup|Get a free watch Fozzie|promo}} for the 1993 home video releases of ''[[The Muppet Movie (video)|The Muppet Movie]]'' and ''[[The Great Muppet Caper (video)|The Great Muppet Caper]]'' has newly-dubbed audio of Fozzie singing a variation of the theme song, with a newly-dubbed line spoken by Waldorf as well. {{popup|Get a free watch Kermit|Another promo}} with newly-dubbed audio of Kermit singing a variation about the watches was also made. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | * Peter Bretter ([[Jason Segel]]) sings, and plays on the piano, a rendition of the song while weeping uncontrollably in the film ''[[Forgetting Sarah Marshall]]'' (which featured puppets from [[Jim Henson's Creature Shop]]). |
||
| + | | [[File:Howtosell.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 1993 |
||
| + | | '''[[Muppet Meeting Film: How to Sell|How To Sell]]'''<hr> |
||
| + | An instrumental version of the song underscores Kermit's cameo in this [[Muppet Meeting Films|Muppet Meeting Film]]. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | *[[Aaron Carter]] and [[Karina Smirnoff]] danced to the song on ''[[Dancing with the Stars]]''. |
||
| + | | [[File:Hola Raffaella 1994-05-25 01.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 1994 |
||
| + | | '''[[Hola, Raffaella]]'''<hr> |
||
| + | Sung by Kermit and Gonzo. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | *Josh Groban sang part of the theme as part of a Television theme song medley on the ''[[Emmy Awards Ceremony|60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards]]'', where an [[Animal photo puppet replica]] appeared to play drums during the bit. |
||
| + | | [[File:TMS Theme CD-ROM.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 1996 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Another version of the song was written and performed for ''[[The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside]]'' as part of the finale video at the end of the game. Footage from the fifth season theme was shown while alternate lyrics relating to being a CD-ROM were sung, including a variation of the first season "to introduce our guest star..." lyric. In the middle of it, Bunsen stops the theme to let everyone know they can't get things started because the game is over. Kermit then resumes the theme, briefly on a sad note, before everyone else joins in, hoping to see the player shortly. The end credits played the fifth season version of the closing theme, which kept repeating the last half of the closing theme (starting with the trumpet section) over and over after Statler and Waldorf keep making closing comments. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | *A variation of the theme song opened issue #1 of ''[[The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road]]'', while a verse of the theme was also sung in issue #3. |
||
| + | | [[File:TMS Theme Muppet RaceMania Theatre track.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2000 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Muppet RaceMania]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A version of the theme serves as the soundtrack for the "Theatre" race course. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | *''[[Children's Songs and Stories with the Muppets]]'' begins and ends with a music box-style version of the theme. |
||
| + | | [[File:Mma1.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2000 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Muppet Monster Adventure]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A version of the theme is used on the title screen of ''[[Muppet Monster Adventure]]''. [[Robin the Frog]] hums the song to himself during the final cutscene as well. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | *''[[Jim Henson's Musical World]]'' includes a performance by The New York Pops accompanied by [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem]]. |
||
| + | | [[File:Muppetshowlive1.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2001 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppet Show Live]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Kermit appears live in the "O" of ''The Muppet Show'' logo to announce the show, followed by a projected playback of the original theme. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| − | ==Trivia== |
||
| + | | [[File:Muppetcarparade.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| − | * [http://whosampled.com/l/aP2 WhoSampled.com] notes the tune's similarity to a 1930s German song, "Ich Brauche Keine Millionen". |
||
| + | | align=center | 2001 |
||
| + | | '''[[Disney's Stars and Motor Cars Parade]]'''<hr> |
||
| + | An instrumental version of the theme plays as [[:Category:Stage Show Characters|walk-around versions]] of the characters drive through the parade. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:2006tvland2.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2006 |
||
| + | | '''''[[TV Land Awards]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Sung by Kermit and Piggy. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:TMS Theme On the Road 01.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2010 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A variation of the theme song opened issue #1. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:TMS Theme On the Road 03.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2010 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A verse of the theme was also sung in issue #3. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:Muppets2011Trailer02-19.jpg|center|250px]]<br> |
||
| + | [[File:Muppets2011Trailer02-38.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | {{cellexpand| |
||
| + | [[File:MupComercial-02.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | [[File:MuppetShowFemaleArches2011.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | [[File:MuppetShowMaleArches2011.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | [[File:Muppets2011Trailer01-1920 58.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | [[File:Telethon1.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | }} |
||
| + | | align=center | 2011 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppets (2011)|The Muppets]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A recreation of the opening appeared in the 2011 film ''[[The Muppets (2011)|The Muppets]]'' to open the Muppets' live telethon show. While the film's rendition closely resembles the most common elements of the previous openings (with the lyrics being those from season 3's opening), there are some changes - Timmy Monster is not present, a few of the arches on the top level are empty, there are four rows of arches instead of five, and the character selection and placement in the arches are different. With a very small audience in attendance, the "why don't you get things started?" line is sung by [[Hobo Joe]] (with the actual vocals provided by [[Joanna Newsom]]). Gonzo's trumpet gag consists of the trumpet making the Tarzan yell. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- {{divid|okgo}} |
||
| + | | [[File:OKGo-Muppets_(15).png|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2011 |
||
| + | | '''[[OK Go]]'''<hr> |
||
| + | American rock group [[OK Go]] performed a cover of the song for ''[[The Green Album]]''. The song was later made into [[Muppet Show Theme Song (music video)|a music video]] featuring the Muppets. The video, directed by [[Kirk Thatcher]], was released on August 23, 2011. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:Elio.png|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2011 |
||
| + | | '''[[Elio]]'''<hr> |
||
| + | Italian singer and musician [[Elio]] (Stefano Belisari) performed a cover of the song in a music video featuring the Muppets to promote the release of ''[[The Muppets (2011)|The Muppets]]'' in Italy (''[[I Muppet]]''). The video uses stock footage from the Muppets' own [[Muppet viral videos|viral videos]], [[Disney Xtreme Digital]] shorts, film promotional pieces and the [[OK Go]] "Muppet Show Theme Song" music video. The video was accompanied with a series of web videos showing Elio being kidnapped by the Muppets to host ''[[The Muppet Show]]''. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:GMA 2011-11-17h.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2011 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Good Morning America]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Gonzo, Kermit, Piggy, and Pepe sing a version of the song with new lyrics on November 17, 2011. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:JustforLaughs09.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2012 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Just for Laughs]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | At "The Muppets All-Star Comedy Gala," Kermit comes out from behind the curtain to introduce the show leading into a performance of "The Muppet Show Theme" (with slightly altered lyrics reflecting the Canadian setting) by Kermit, Fozzie, Rowlf, Scooter, Pepe, Floyd, Gonzo, Lew Zealand, Statler and Waldorf. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:TMS Theme Jim Henson's Musical World.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2012 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Jim Henson's Musical World]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | The New York Pops accompanied by [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem]] perform one version of the theme, followed later in the show by another version with Beauregard, Scooter, Gonzo, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf the Dog, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and [[John Tartaglia]]. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:MMW-WorldTour-Germany-DieMuppetShow-(2014).png|center|250px]]<br> |
||
| + | [[File:Muppets Most Wanted Teaser 02.png|center|250px]] |
||
| + | {{cellexpand| |
||
| + | [[File:Mmw spain arches 1.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | [[File:Mmw spain arches 2.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | [[File:Mmw spain arches 3.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | }} |
||
| + | | align=center | 2014 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Muppets Most Wanted]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Two international versions of the opening are performed by the Muppets during their world tour shows in [[Berlin]], [[Germany]] (''Die Muppet Show'') and Madrid, [[Spain]] (''El Muppet Show'') in ''[[Muppets Most Wanted]]''. An extended version of the Spanish theme (including Statler and Waldorf's season 5 verse sung by [[Pepe the King Prawn]]) was included on the film's [[Muppets Most Wanted (soundtrack)|soundtrack album]]. In the ''El Muppet Show'' version of the intro, Gonzo's trumpet gag consists of the trumpet inflating a soccer ball and Gonzo subsequently shooting it towards the audience. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:America's got muppets kermit.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2014 |
||
| + | | '''''[[America's Got Talent]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | The Muppets (Zoot, Rizzo, a rat, Bunsen, Beaker, Beauregard, Camilla, a chicken, Link Hogthrob, Animal, Miss Piggy, Foo-Foo, Statler, Waldorf, Fozzie, and Gonzo) perform a rendition of the theme song with the lyrics altered to be about "America's Got Talent." {{youtube|FNPJnpIt4pQ}} |
||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:Warburtons04.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2015 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Warburtons]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | An altered version of the song was performed in a commercial promoting Warburtons Giant Crumpets. |
||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:AcapellaMuppetShowTheme.png|center|250px]]<br> |
||
| + | [[File:Light The Lights Song - The Muppets|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2016 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppets (2015)|The Muppets]]'' promo'''<hr> |
||
| + | An a capella version of the theme song was released in 2016 as part of the promotion for ''[[The Muppets (2015)|The Muppets]]'' mid-season return. A 30-second version of the video was released on January 26th by [[Entertainment Weekly]] <small>([http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/26/muppets-theme-song video])</small> and an extended 75-second version was released the following day on [[ABC]] and the Muppets' various social media channels. {{youtube|https://youtu.be/Va7Z2UiAZeI}} The video features 65 Muppets. |
||
| + | |||
| + | Performers included three [[penguins]], [[Bubba the Rat|Bubba]] and two other [[rats]], three [[The Barbershop Cactus Quartet|cacti]], [[Floyd Pepper]], [[Pokey]], [[Droop]], three [[Quongo|gorillas]], three [[rabbits]], [[Kermit the Frog]], [[Chip]], [[Bobo the Bear]], [[Behemoth]], [[Beaker]], [[the Newsman]], [[Camilla the Chicken]], [[Zoot]], [[The Swedish Chef]], [[Big Mean Carl]], [[Miss Piggy]], three [[sheep]], [[Fozzie Bear]], [[Mahna Mahna]] and [[the Snowths]], [[Scooter]], [[Dr. Bunsen Honeydew]], [[Gonzo]], [[Pepe the King Prawn]], [[Rizzo the Rat]], [[Rowlf the Dog]], [[Janice]], [[Uncle Deadly]], [[Denise]], [[Sweetums]], [[Pops]], [[Dr. Teeth]], [[Animal]], [[Statler and Waldorf]], [[Zippity Zap]], the [[Cue Card Monster]], [[Lew Zealand]], [[Lips]], [[Yolanda Rat|Yolanda]], [[Beauregard]], a [[bull]], [[Beautiful Day Monster]], [[Sam the Eagle|Sam Eagle]], a [[Phoenicia the Hippopotamus|hippopotamus]], [[Singing Food|a watermelon, an ear of corn and a head of lettuce]], [[Cynthia Rose]], and [[Maxine]]. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:Episode111 (11).jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2016 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppets (2015)|The Muppets]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | The production staff of ''[[Up Late with Miss Piggy]]'' sang an impromptu rendition of the song by scatting and using office supplies as instruments in ''[[The Muppets (2015)|The Muppets]]'' episode "[[Episode 111: Swine Song|Swine Song]]." The off-handed musical expression inspired Kermit to realize that what the show needs is for Kermit and Piggy to make their friends more a part of the show. |
||
| + | |||
| + | The Muppets performing the song in the office included: [[Fozzie Bear]], [[Animal]], [[Bobo the Bear]], [[Floyd Pepper]], [[Gonzo]], [[Rizzo the Rat]], [[Yolanda Rat]], [[Dr. Bunsen Honeydew]], [[Beaker]], [[Sweetums]], [[Zoot]], [[Janice]], [[Lew Zealand]], [[Chip]], [[Lips]], [[Dr. Teeth]], [[Pepe the King Prawn]], [[The Swedish Chef]] and [[Big Mean Carl]]. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:Amandla Stenberg WE Day Muppet Show Theme.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2016 |
||
| + | | '''[[WE Day]]'''<hr> |
||
| + | The opening of [[WE Day]] 2016 featured a version of the song with entirely new lyrics about charity. |
||
| + | |||
| + | In order of appearance: [[Kermit the Frog]], [[Gonzo]], [[Scooter]], [[Selena Gomez]], [[Rizzo the Rat]], [[Dr. Bunsen Honeydew]], [[Beaker]], [[Jacob Tremblay]], [[Statler and Waldorf]], [[Rowlf the Dog]], [[Chip]], [[Rico Rodriguez]], [[Raini Rodriguez]], [[Rowan Blanchard]], [[Paula Abdul]], [[Beauregard]], [[Amandla Stenberg]], a [[chicken]], [[The Swedish Chef]], [[Pepe the King Prawn]], and [[Jonas Brothers|Joe Jonas]]. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:Bowl-Theme.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2017 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppets Take the Bowl]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Kermit appears on the projected logo, introducing the show. The Muppets appear and perform a variation of "The Muppet Show Theme." Some arches are re-created on stage, while other rows are shown on the screen. Other Muppets appear projected along the shell. Statler and Waldorf sing the bridge from a table in the audience, commenting at various points throughout the show (in pre-taped material played on the monitors). As the song comes to a close, Gonzo attempts the finale note on his horn, which emits the sound of a car alarm. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:TakeO2-Arches02.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2018 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Muppets Take the O2]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Statler and Waldorf sing from their seats in the crowd. Gonzo's horn emits the sound of a police siren, prompting an English bobby to appear and shoo everyone from the stage. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:Noimage-big.png|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2019 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Facebook Portal]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | Rowlf, Piggy, and Gonzo sing a somber version in "A Very Muppet Portal Launch". |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:DisneyFamSings-MuppetHeart.png|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2020 |
||
| + | | '''''[[The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A version with modified lyrics sung by Kermit the Frog, [[Seth Rogen]], Miss Piggy, Janice, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Rowlf the Dog, Statler and Waldorf, Animal, Walter, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Floyd Pepper, Dr. Teeth, the Swedish Chef, Chip, Pepe the King Prawn, Beaker, Scooter, Rizzo the Rat, and Robin the Frog. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |- |
||
| + | | [[File:The Muppet Babies Show.jpg|center|250px]] |
||
| + | | align=center | 2022 |
||
| + | | '''''[[Muppet Babies (2018)|Muppet Babies]]'''''<hr> |
||
| + | A rendition of the song with new lyrics was performed in the final episode of the 2018 ''[[Muppet Babies (2018)|Muppet Babies]]'' series, "[[Episode 330: The Muppet Babies Show|The Muppet Babies Show]]", accompanying a recreation of the opening. Here, the row of male characters sing before the females, and Statler and Waldorf sing the "why don't you get things started?" line. |
||
| + | |||
| + | |} |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== |
||
| + | [[File:TMSArches-PhotoComposite.jpg|thumb|300px]] |
||
| + | As the first TV series that would establish The Muppets brand of characters, musical elements from the theme would be incorporated into the opening title theme for several other forays the Muppets have made into television. |
||
| + | |||
| + | * "[[Muppets Tonight Theme]]" |
||
| + | * The ''[[Muppets TV]]'' theme |
||
| + | * "[[The Muppets Theme]]" |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==Covers== |
||
| + | * Peter Bretter ([[Jason Segel]]) sings, and plays on the piano, a rendition of the song while weeping uncontrollably in the film ''[[Forgetting Sarah Marshall]]'' (which featured puppets from [[Jim Henson's Creature Shop]]). |
||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Aaron Carter]] and [[Karina Smirnoff]] danced to the song on ''[[Dancing with the Stars]]'' in 2009. Ryan Lochte and Cheryl Burke did a similar routine seven years later. |
||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Josh Groban]] sang a portion of the theme as part of a television theme song medley on the ''[[Emmy Awards Ceremony|60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards]]''. An [[Animal photo puppet replica]] appeared to play drums during the bit. |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==Notes== |
||
| + | * Jim Henson's original storyboards for the theme indicate the theme originally ended with Kermit and the Muppets singing the finale lyrics in a series of circles, which all appear within the "O" of the logo.<ref>''[[Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal]]'', page 103</ref> |
||
| + | |||
| + | * [https://www.whosampled.com/sample/59943/The-Muppets-The-Muppet-Show-Theme-Marika-R%C3%B6kk-Ich-Brauche-Keine-Millionen/ WhoSampled.com] notes the tune's similarity to a 1930s German song, "Ich Brauche Keine Millionen". |
||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Diamond Select Toys]] Mini Mates figure of Scooter includes a clapboard with a checklist of things to do, including "Play the music", "Light the lights", and "Get things started", all of which are lyrics from the theme song. |
||
==See also== |
==See also== |
||
* [[Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings]] |
* [[Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings]] |
||
| − | * [[The Muppet Show |
+ | * [[The Muppet Show alternate closings]] |
| − | * [[Zoot's Muppet Show |
+ | * [[Zoot's Muppet Show endings]] |
| + | * [[The Muppets Theme]] |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==Sources== |
||
| + | <references /> |
||
| + | __NOWYSIWYG__ |
||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Muppet Show Theme, The}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Muppet Show Theme, The}} |
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[[Category:Muppet Songs]] |
[[Category:Muppet Songs]] |
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| Line 229: | Line 380: | ||
[[Category:The Muppets (2011) Songs]] |
[[Category:The Muppets (2011) Songs]] |
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[[Category:Theme Songs]] |
[[Category:Theme Songs]] |
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| − | [[Category:Music Videos]] |
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[[Category:Muppets Most Wanted Songs]] |
[[Category:Muppets Most Wanted Songs]] |
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| + | [[Category:Web Content Songs]] |
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| + | [[Category:The Muppets (2015) Songs]] |
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| + | [[Category:Muppet Babies (2018) Songs]] |
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Latest revision as of 01:26, 14 April 2024
 | |
| Written by | Sam Pottle and Jim Henson |
| Date | 1976 |
| Publisher | Fuzzy Muppet Songs |
"The Muppet Show Theme" was played at the beginning and end of every episode of The Muppet Show. Although it evolved visually over the course of the show's five seasons, the musical composition remained substantially the same.
Openings
Season One
Each Muppet Show theme starts with a shot of the title card, which in the first season was less ornate than the one that would replace it the following year. As the camera zoomed in, a spotlight immediately lit up the O, the center of which swings back to reveal Kermit, introducing the very special guest star. The title card then lifts to show the curtains and the Muppet orchestra is revealed, including close-ups of Crazy Harry on the triangle, Zoot on sax, an uncharacteristically calm Animal on the drums, and Rowlf at the piano. Trumpet Girl and conductor Nigel are also seen in the long shot.
Two kicklines take turns crossing the stage: four chorus girls (a bewigged Janice, Miss Piggy, the Trumpet Girl, and a female Whatnot) and four chorus boys (a Whatnot monster, Blue Frackle, a pig, and Green Frackle).
The curtains part for Fozzie Bear, who attempts a different joke each week, usually cut off. As the curtains closed on Fozzie, Kermit appeared in front of them to introduce the guest star who was usually shown among an assortment of Muppets he or she would appear with later in the episode. In the first season's earliest episodes, after the presentation verse by Kermit, the guest stars appeared in a position with Muppets from one of their upcoming sketches, as a tease of what's to come. Jim Nabors was the first guest star surrounded by casual Muppets in the opening theme, as will be usual in the next episodes of the season, with some exceptions.
The last verse of the theme song is performed by Kermit and a chorus of Muppets, which also include Wayne, Wanda, and Snake Frackle. After the logo lowers into place, Gonzo finishes the theme each week by trying to hit the O like a gong, with a different result each week.
Beginning in the 1980s, when episodes from Season One were played in syndication and on home video, the original opening was replaced with the Season Two opening, except for episodes 103, 106, 114 and TNT airings of 121, which were paired with the Season Five opening. The original openings were restored on The Muppet Show: Season One DVD set.
This version is featured on most album releases of the song, including The Muppet Show, Favorite Songs From Jim Henson's Muppets, Muppet Hits, Best of the Muppets, and Music, Mayhem, And More.
Season Two
The monster chorus line
The iconic arch lineup
Filming the opening theme.
The opening is heavily revamped, with a new title card. The opening curtain reveals a series of arches. The shots of Animal and Crazy Harry are replaced with Rowlf playing a bit of music on the piano, then Zoot, who blows a note on his saxophone.
Next, a group of full-bodied monsters (including Sweetums, Timmy Monster, Thog, and two Mutations) walked on-stage, followed by a group of females and then males each group singing its own verse. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, Miss Mousey, Chicken, Whatnot, Chicken, Janice, Whatnot, Mildred Huxtetter, and Lydia. The men characters include Dr. Julius Strangepork, The Swedish Chef, Sam the Eagle, Whatnot, George the Janitor, Whatnot, Blue Frackle, Link Hogthrob, Green Frackle, and Jim. The male chorus verse is slightly shorter than in the previous season. Kermit is now seated in the arches with the rest of the cast. Gonzo now plays a trumpet note instead of the gong gag.
The arch positions for the group are as follows:
Row #1:
Row #2:
- Female Koozebanian Creature, Lydia, Mildred Huxtetter, Whatnot, Janice, Chicken, Female Dancer, Chicken, Miss Mousey
Row #3:
- Chicken, The Newsman, Dr. Teeth, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog (seated), Fozzie Bear, Scooter, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Chicken
Row #4:
- Miss Kitty, Fleet Scribbler, Dr. Julius Strangepork, The Swedish Chef, Sam the Eagle, Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle, Whatnot, Link Hogthrob, Green Frackle, Jim, Lenny the Lizard
Row #5:
- Whatnot, Jerry, Uncle Deadly, Droop, Chicken, Beautiful Day Monster, Gorgon Heap, Svengali's Assistant, Pig, Crazy Harry, Male Koozebanian Creature, Wanda, Wayne
This version is featured on the albums of The Muppet Show 2 and Muppet Hits Take 2. This opening replaced the original first season opening during syndication until the season DVD sets were released.
Season Three
"Why don't you get things started?"
The third season's opening was similar to the second season, the only differences being a slight change to the initial shots of Zoot and Rowlf and an additional shot in which the audience asked "Why don't you get things started?"
Episode 308 from this season is the only episode with a completely different opening sequence, the theme lyrics slightly altered, the music played in a timetable, and the intro done at a train station.
Season Four
This is the shortest opening from the show's run. The shots of the women and men singing in the arches were replaced by a single shot of men (on a top row of arches) and women (on a bottom row of arches) singing one short verse. The rest of the opening remained unchanged from the third season's opening.
Season Five
The new Zoot puppet was used for the intro, and the male and female choruses sing different verses again. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, Miss Mousey, Chicken, Lydia, Chicken, Janice, and Mildred Huxtetter, though she is barely seen at the end of the line. The men's characters are Dr. Julius Strangepork, Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle (Boppity), Green Frackle (Gloat), and a Whatnot. Statler and Waldorf then sang a verse about their hatred of The Muppet Show, which was the same in each fifth season episode, and had the same melody as Kermit's guest star verse from Season One. This was followed by a shot of the orchestra that showed Animal on drums, and Lips (introduced that season) on trumpet, soloing with Trumpet Girl on trombone. Characters sing "But now let's get things started" before the audience replies "Why don't you get things started?" The top row features a Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle, and Link. The bottom row features Mildred, a Whatnot, Janice, and a Chicken.
This version is featured on television soundtrack compilations like 50 All-Time Favorite TV Themes and All-Time Top 100 TV Themes. The beginning half of this opening appears in The Secrets of the Muppets when Digit puts on the wrong opening.
Extended Album Version
An extended version of the Muppet Show theme was recorded between season 1 and 2 for a 45RPM record.
The arrangements are similar to the season 2 opening, but it still features a joke from Fozzie and Kermit's introduction verse. Kermit introduces Miss Piggy, who karate chops him. This is followed by an instrumental break (in which Kermit introduces Animal as a "record breaking drummer"; Animal then attempts to break the record album). The theme then modulates to a piano solo performed by Rowlf and then to the final verse.
The second half of this version of the theme (without kazoo solo and dialogue) was used as the theme for The Muppet Show Music Album.
Closings
Seasons One and Two
The updated "Blinking Floyd" shot, as used for the second season
The instrumental theme version used for the closing is played by The Muppet Orchestra. From left to right, the members are Zoot, Floyd Pepper, Trumpet Girl, Crazy Harry (without his triangle), Nigel, Animal, and Rowlf. Comments by Statler and Waldorf (or closing gags) were followed by a wide shot of the orchestra and then a shot of Zoot blowing a final bum note out of his saxophone.
The closing sequence remained the same for season 2, with the only difference being a replaced shot of the updated Floyd Pepper puppet.
The entire sequence originally begun with a pan-out shot of the orchestra, as seen in the pilot episodes 101 and 102. The German dub of the series uses this version at the end of every episode, instead of using the closings for later seasons. This closing is also shown at the end of the It's the Muppets! video releases (with part of the third season's theme music playing during the pan-out shot), heard during the end credits for I Love Muppets, and released on the albums The Muppet Show 2, Muppet Hits, Muppet Hits Take 2, and Music, Mayhem, And More.
Seasons Three and Four
In season 3, the entire closing was re-shot, with wardrobe changes and the omission of Crazy Harry. The theme itself is now a slightly slower rendition, including a piano solo from Rowlf replacing Zoot's sax solo. Like the season 1 closing, there are solo shots of each member, with the exception of Trumpet Girl. Like the first season, the entire sequence opened up with a pan-out shot of the orchestra, as seen in episodes 319, 401, and 409.
This version was heard during the closing credits for Of Muppets and Men, ending after Rowlf's solo. Along with being used in the end credits for Rowlf's Rhapsodies with the Muppets, Muppet Moments and Fozzie's Muppet Scrapbook from Playhouse Video, it was released on The Muppet Show Music Album.
Season Five
The closing was re-shot again for the fifth season. This time, Lips is in the orchestra playing a prominent solo, and Trumpet Girl plays the trombone. In episode 507, the shot of Lips and the Trumpet Girl is re-used at the beginning of the closing credits. In episodes 508 and 511, Lips' trumpet solo is muted.
The closing music plays over the credits of the Playhouse Video compilations The Muppet Revue, Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff and Rock Music with the Muppets.
Other versions
| Image | Year | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
1979 | It's The Muppet Show! The cast sings the song on stage. | ||
 |
1984 | The Muppet Show: On Tour! Walk-around versions of The Muppet Show cast perform the number on stage. | ||
 |
1985 | Playhouse Video A grand piano rendition of the theme opens The Kermit and Piggy Story and Rowlf's Rhapsodies with the Muppets. | ||
 |
1985 | Children's Songs and Stories Begins and ends with a music box-style version of the theme. | ||
 |
1985 | The Muppet Revue Kermit and Fozzie offhandedly sang the refrain of the song a capella in a framing sequence. | ||
 |
1991 | Muppet*Vision 3D Nicky Napoleon and His Emperor Penguins perform an orchestral rendition of the theme. Gonzo eventually joins in humming before Kermit welcomes the audience. | ||
 |
1991 | Muppet*Vision 3D A different instrumental version of the theme plays while visitors queue and exit the attraction. | ||
 |
1993 | Jim Henson Video A promo for the 1993 home video releases of The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper has newly-dubbed audio of Fozzie singing a variation of the theme song, with a newly-dubbed line spoken by Waldorf as well. Another promo with newly-dubbed audio of Kermit singing a variation about the watches was also made. | ||
 |
1993 | How To Sell An instrumental version of the song underscores Kermit's cameo in this Muppet Meeting Film. | ||
 |
1994 | Hola, Raffaella Sung by Kermit and Gonzo. | ||
 |
1996 | The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside Another version of the song was written and performed for The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside as part of the finale video at the end of the game. Footage from the fifth season theme was shown while alternate lyrics relating to being a CD-ROM were sung, including a variation of the first season "to introduce our guest star..." lyric. In the middle of it, Bunsen stops the theme to let everyone know they can't get things started because the game is over. Kermit then resumes the theme, briefly on a sad note, before everyone else joins in, hoping to see the player shortly. The end credits played the fifth season version of the closing theme, which kept repeating the last half of the closing theme (starting with the trumpet section) over and over after Statler and Waldorf keep making closing comments. | ||
 |
2000 | Muppet RaceMania A version of the theme serves as the soundtrack for the "Theatre" race course. | ||
 |
2000 | Muppet Monster Adventure A version of the theme is used on the title screen of Muppet Monster Adventure. Robin the Frog hums the song to himself during the final cutscene as well. | ||
 |
2001 | The Muppet Show Live Kermit appears live in the "O" of The Muppet Show logo to announce the show, followed by a projected playback of the original theme. | ||
 |
2001 | Disney's Stars and Motor Cars Parade An instrumental version of the theme plays as walk-around versions of the characters drive through the parade. | ||
 |
2006 | TV Land Awards Sung by Kermit and Piggy. | ||
 |
2010 | The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road A variation of the theme song opened issue #1. | ||
 |
2010 | The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road A verse of the theme was also sung in issue #3. | ||
 
|
2011 | The Muppets A recreation of the opening appeared in the 2011 film The Muppets to open the Muppets' live telethon show. While the film's rendition closely resembles the most common elements of the previous openings (with the lyrics being those from season 3's opening), there are some changes - Timmy Monster is not present, a few of the arches on the top level are empty, there are four rows of arches instead of five, and the character selection and placement in the arches are different. With a very small audience in attendance, the "why don't you get things started?" line is sung by Hobo Joe (with the actual vocals provided by Joanna Newsom). Gonzo's trumpet gag consists of the trumpet making the Tarzan yell. | ||
 |
2011 | OK Go American rock group OK Go performed a cover of the song for The Green Album. The song was later made into a music video featuring the Muppets. The video, directed by Kirk Thatcher, was released on August 23, 2011. | ||
 |
2011 | Elio Italian singer and musician Elio (Stefano Belisari) performed a cover of the song in a music video featuring the Muppets to promote the release of The Muppets in Italy (I Muppet). The video uses stock footage from the Muppets' own viral videos, Disney Xtreme Digital shorts, film promotional pieces and the OK Go "Muppet Show Theme Song" music video. The video was accompanied with a series of web videos showing Elio being kidnapped by the Muppets to host The Muppet Show. | ||
 |
2011 | Good Morning America Gonzo, Kermit, Piggy, and Pepe sing a version of the song with new lyrics on November 17, 2011. | ||
 |
2012 | Just for Laughs At "The Muppets All-Star Comedy Gala," Kermit comes out from behind the curtain to introduce the show leading into a performance of "The Muppet Show Theme" (with slightly altered lyrics reflecting the Canadian setting) by Kermit, Fozzie, Rowlf, Scooter, Pepe, Floyd, Gonzo, Lew Zealand, Statler and Waldorf. | ||
 |
2012 | Jim Henson's Musical World The New York Pops accompanied by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem perform one version of the theme, followed later in the show by another version with Beauregard, Scooter, Gonzo, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf the Dog, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and John Tartaglia. | ||
 
|
2014 | Muppets Most Wanted Two international versions of the opening are performed by the Muppets during their world tour shows in Berlin, Germany (Die Muppet Show) and Madrid, Spain (El Muppet Show) in Muppets Most Wanted. An extended version of the Spanish theme (including Statler and Waldorf's season 5 verse sung by Pepe the King Prawn) was included on the film's soundtrack album. In the El Muppet Show version of the intro, Gonzo's trumpet gag consists of the trumpet inflating a soccer ball and Gonzo subsequently shooting it towards the audience. | ||
 |
2014 | America's Got Talent The Muppets (Zoot, Rizzo, a rat, Bunsen, Beaker, Beauregard, Camilla, a chicken, Link Hogthrob, Animal, Miss Piggy, Foo-Foo, Statler, Waldorf, Fozzie, and Gonzo) perform a rendition of the theme song with the lyrics altered to be about "America's Got Talent." (YouTube) | ||
 |
2015 | Warburtons An altered version of the song was performed in a commercial promoting Warburtons Giant Crumpets. | ||
  |
2016 | The Muppets promo An a capella version of the theme song was released in 2016 as part of the promotion for The Muppets mid-season return. A 30-second version of the video was released on January 26th by Entertainment Weekly (video) and an extended 75-second version was released the following day on ABC and the Muppets' various social media channels. (YouTube) The video features 65 Muppets. Performers included three penguins, Bubba and two other rats, three cacti, Floyd Pepper, Pokey, Droop, three gorillas, three rabbits, Kermit the Frog, Chip, Bobo the Bear, Behemoth, Beaker, the Newsman, Camilla the Chicken, Zoot, The Swedish Chef, Big Mean Carl, Miss Piggy, three sheep, Fozzie Bear, Mahna Mahna and the Snowths, Scooter, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Gonzo, Pepe the King Prawn, Rizzo the Rat, Rowlf the Dog, Janice, Uncle Deadly, Denise, Sweetums, Pops, Dr. Teeth, Animal, Statler and Waldorf, Zippity Zap, the Cue Card Monster, Lew Zealand, Lips, Yolanda, Beauregard, a bull, Beautiful Day Monster, Sam Eagle, a hippopotamus, a watermelon, an ear of corn and a head of lettuce, Cynthia Rose, and Maxine. | ||
 |
2016 | The Muppets The production staff of Up Late with Miss Piggy sang an impromptu rendition of the song by scatting and using office supplies as instruments in The Muppets episode "Swine Song." The off-handed musical expression inspired Kermit to realize that what the show needs is for Kermit and Piggy to make their friends more a part of the show. The Muppets performing the song in the office included: Fozzie Bear, Animal, Bobo the Bear, Floyd Pepper, Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat, Yolanda Rat, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Sweetums, Zoot, Janice, Lew Zealand, Chip, Lips, Dr. Teeth, Pepe the King Prawn, The Swedish Chef and Big Mean Carl. | ||
 |
2016 | WE Day The opening of WE Day 2016 featured a version of the song with entirely new lyrics about charity. In order of appearance: Kermit the Frog, Gonzo, Scooter, Selena Gomez, Rizzo the Rat, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Jacob Tremblay, Statler and Waldorf, Rowlf the Dog, Chip, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Rowan Blanchard, Paula Abdul, Beauregard, Amandla Stenberg, a chicken, The Swedish Chef, Pepe the King Prawn, and Joe Jonas. | ||
 |
2017 | The Muppets Take the Bowl Kermit appears on the projected logo, introducing the show. The Muppets appear and perform a variation of "The Muppet Show Theme." Some arches are re-created on stage, while other rows are shown on the screen. Other Muppets appear projected along the shell. Statler and Waldorf sing the bridge from a table in the audience, commenting at various points throughout the show (in pre-taped material played on the monitors). As the song comes to a close, Gonzo attempts the finale note on his horn, which emits the sound of a car alarm. | ||
 |
2018 | The Muppets Take the O2 Statler and Waldorf sing from their seats in the crowd. Gonzo's horn emits the sound of a police siren, prompting an English bobby to appear and shoo everyone from the stage. | ||
 |
2019 | Facebook Portal Rowlf, Piggy, and Gonzo sing a somber version in "A Very Muppet Portal Launch". | ||
 |
2020 | The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II A version with modified lyrics sung by Kermit the Frog, Seth Rogen, Miss Piggy, Janice, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Rowlf the Dog, Statler and Waldorf, Animal, Walter, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Floyd Pepper, Dr. Teeth, the Swedish Chef, Chip, Pepe the King Prawn, Beaker, Scooter, Rizzo the Rat, and Robin the Frog. | ||
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2022 | Muppet Babies A rendition of the song with new lyrics was performed in the final episode of the 2018 Muppet Babies series, "The Muppet Babies Show", accompanying a recreation of the opening. Here, the row of male characters sing before the females, and Statler and Waldorf sing the "why don't you get things started?" line. |
References
As the first TV series that would establish The Muppets brand of characters, musical elements from the theme would be incorporated into the opening title theme for several other forays the Muppets have made into television.
- "Muppets Tonight Theme"
- The Muppets TV theme
- "The Muppets Theme"
Covers
- Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) sings, and plays on the piano, a rendition of the song while weeping uncontrollably in the film Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which featured puppets from Jim Henson's Creature Shop).
- Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff danced to the song on Dancing with the Stars in 2009. Ryan Lochte and Cheryl Burke did a similar routine seven years later.
- Josh Groban sang a portion of the theme as part of a television theme song medley on the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. An Animal photo puppet replica appeared to play drums during the bit.
Notes
- Jim Henson's original storyboards for the theme indicate the theme originally ended with Kermit and the Muppets singing the finale lyrics in a series of circles, which all appear within the "O" of the logo.[1]
- WhoSampled.com notes the tune's similarity to a 1930s German song, "Ich Brauche Keine Millionen".
- Diamond Select Toys Mini Mates figure of Scooter includes a clapboard with a checklist of things to do, including "Play the music", "Light the lights", and "Get things started", all of which are lyrics from the theme song.
See also
- Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings
- The Muppet Show alternate closings
- Zoot's Muppet Show endings
- The Muppets Theme