Theme sequence
The Tonight Show with guest host Kermit the Frog was a special episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson that was guest hosted by Kermit the Frog.
On April 2, 1979, Johnny Carson took the evening off from hosting The Tonight Show, leaving it in the hands (or flippers) of Kermit and the Muppet gang. The 90-minute episode featured a number of acts by the Muppets, along with performances and interviews with guests Bernadette Peters, Leo Sayer, Vincent Price and veterinarian Dr. Michael Fox (all but the latter having been guests on The Muppet Show). The Muppet Movie, which would be released two months later, was heavily promoted.
Kermit mentions Muppet performers Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz and Steve Whitmire as he signs off.
A section of Kermit's monologue was used in The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years, billed by Fozzie Bear as "the ultimate achievement" in a montage of memorable Muppet guest appearances. Assorted clips from the episode have been used in several compilation screenings by the Jim Henson Legacy. The full episode can be viewed at the Paley Center for Media.
Synopsis[]
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Opening and Monologue Ed McMahon introduces the show and Kermit, who comes onstage as Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band play "The Muppet Show Theme." "The Muppets" are listed among the guests for the evening. Kermit begins his monologue, joking about being the "token frog" of the network and the Muppets' trip to Disneyland ("The guard at the gate didn't want to let us out.") From behind the curtains, Fozzie interrupts and gives advice. He eventually steps out, deciding Kermit needs comedic assistance. He stands behind Kermit and "shills" for laughs as Kermit continues, reciting some words he can get away with on late night he couldn't say on "the earlier stuff," such as bustline or curbfeeler. Fozzie takes over, believing a successful monologue on network TV can help bring his career up ("No more playing hunting lodges," he states). He tells the audience about how he broke into show business - he used to work with a trained seal act, but once they became endangered, he had an animal change operation into a bear; the audience responds negatively. Kermit throws to a break, announcing the guests and attempting Carson's "golf swing" maneuver, exposing Jim Henson's hand and prompting a reaction from Fozzie. |
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Desk Piece McMahon joins Kermit at the desk, assuring the frog he didn't see anything revealing at the end of the previous block. He also shows Kermit his special, green-tinted suit he wore just for the occasion. Kermit proceeds to read passages from All Things Wise and Wonderful, a book of household tips. He then reads some more comedic tips the "research team" has discovered. Miss Piggy peers out from an opening in the set behind them, in a dressing gown and hair curlers, complaining about the lack of preferential treatment she's been getting. As she parts, Kermit and McMahon introduce a clip from The Muppet Movie - Steve Martin's cameo as the Terrace Restaurant waiter. |
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"Java" After the clip, Kermit introduces a "good luck" routine the Muppets have done on several other talk shows, "Java." |
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Vincent Price Kermit comments as a new backdrop is put in place and McMahon gets the audience cheering for Kermit's good job as host thus far. He then presents his first guest of the evening - Vincent Price. Price jokes as he sits that he had a frog in his throat. "You're gonna come out and do that line first?" responds Kermit. The two discuss Price's upcoming mini-series, then Price's love of food and cooking. Kermit grimaces at the mention of "pickled pigs feet," and Fozzie nervously arrives when Price talks about roast bear. Soon after, Price demonstrates his horror movie laugh, attracting the presence of Uncle Deadly ("You laughed, master?"). Kermit and Fozzie nervously throw to a break when Price requests Uncle Deadly serve him a cup of blood. The show resumes from the break, where Statler and Waldorf (dressed in tuxedos) are seen watching in front of the audience section; Waldorf has already fallen asleep. Kermit and Price talk about death on film before Kermit reads a prepared introduction for Miss Piggy. She positions herself at the desk and makes an announcement to the audience that she and Kermit are engaged to be married, though Kermit is quick to shoot the rumor down. |
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"New York State of Mind" After some more chatter, Floyd Pepper, Dr. Teeth and Zoot perform "New York State of Mind" (re-using the same audio track used on The Muppet Show). |
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Bernadette Peters Kermit introduces his next guest, Bernadette Peters, plugging her upcoming movie (The Jerk) and her favorite color (green). On a pink-tinted set, Peters sings "Wake Up and Live" from the 1937 movie of the same name. Peters returns to the couch to talk with Kermit. They share a kiss, Kermit is congratulated on his engagement, and they comment on his fingers. Animal excitedly joins them shouting "Woman! Woman! Woman!" and continues to interrupt the interview. After a commercial break, Gonzo joins them and talks about his relationship with Camilla. Robin comes out and Bernadette sings "Just One Person" with him (joined by Scooter, Gonzo, Fozzie, Kermit, Beauregard, Rowlf and Floyd). |
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Leo Sayer Statler and Waldorf comment on the show, and Kermit introduces Leo Sayer who comes out to perform "I Can't Stop Loving You (Though I Try)." Sayer comes over to the couch for a chat with Kermit and Scooter. Miss Piggy than coerces Leo into singing a duet of "When I Need You" together. |
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Dr. Michael Fox Kermit and Miss Piggy interview the veterinarian. Dr. Fox tells the couple, "I would advise some genetic counseling. You know, a pig and a frog could give rise to all kinds of strange things." Miss Piggy said "Yes, I'm hoping so." Kermit replied "Yeah, bouncing baby figs... or pogs." Gonzo and Camilla come out to seek some advice as well. Later, after Dr. Fox described the mating habits of frogs, Piggy responded "Oh, I'd better remember that!" |
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"Bein' Green" On the dark, blank stage, Kermit sings "Bein' Green" atop a stool (re-using the same audio track used on The Muppet Show). |
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Closing After a commercial break, Dr. Fox presents Kermit and Piggy with a gift - a bottle of concentrated pig pheromones; Piggy begins panting heavily. Lew Zealand turns up, informing Kermit he's now training bananas in lieu of his boomerang fish. Kermit signs off, thanking his guests and "all those people that are underneath the Muppets." |
Cast[]
Muppet Characters:
- Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Javas, Uncle Deadly, Statler and Waldorf, Floyd Pepper, Dr. Teeth, Zoot, Animal, Gonzo, Robin the Frog, Scooter, Rowlf the Dog, Beauregard, Camilla the Chicken, and Lew Zealand.
Guests:
Announcer:
Notes[]
- Kermit went on to guest host other programs including filling in for Larry King on Larry King Live, Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Ty Pennington on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.