The Muppets have had several different shows throughout the years since their debut, and the newest show Muppets Now is a fresh and modern take on our favorite muppets.
This new iteration gives us a peek into the lives of Kermit and Scooter as they’re putting the segments of their show together. It’s certainly a newer format for the Muppets, but these entertainment veterans are up to the task of taking on this new medium.
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The Muppets have always been known for their fabulous guest stars, and their lineup for the new season doesn’t disappoint. The first four episodes saw the likes of Taye Diggs, Linda Cardellini, Rupaul, and Aubrey Plaza to name a few. Their interactions with the muppets are entertaining and endearing as always, but leave me wanting more.
Muppets Now With New And Fun Segments
Some of the standout segments so far is “Okey Dokey Kookin”, and a science segment with Beaker and Bunsen. Beaker and Bunsen’s segment felt very reminiscent of 90’s science-centered shows like Bill Nye or Myth Busters while being playful in a way only Bunsen and Beaker can be. “Okey Dokey Kookin” a segment with the Swedish Chef and featuring a guest celebrity chef. The usual hilarity ensues with the Swedish Chef that as a grown adult, still had me laughing from the silliness. And the plus side is that you get to actually learn a quick recipe from the celebrity chef (as well as what not to do by the Swedish Chef).
The format of the show takes some getting used to, especially if you were a fan of the original The Muppet Show. However, it’s a very realistic take on how a lot of people get their entertainment these days: on youtube in small bites. And while the show promised a more improvised format, the medium doesn’t seem to lend itself to as much improv as I originally thought it might.
The show is promoted as a short-form comedy series, but it almost feels a little too short at times. Right as the fun really gets going, it’s already the outro. Admittedly, I am likely not the show’s target audience but after only a few episodes in, I was really enjoying myself. I think it’s safe to say that this show is mainly targeted towards a younger audience, with enough sly jokes to amuse the occasional older crowd.
If there’s one thing I wanted to see, was more classic Muppets characters. I’ve yet to see Gonzo or Fozzie, and have only glimpsed at Statler and Waldorf, the Muppets resident hecklers. I would also love to see more Electric Mayhem, as they made an extremely brief appearance at the end of episode four. I was delighted by Animal’s appearance in episode four as well.
However, having said all that, that’s more of an incentive for me to continue watching the show in hopes of catching some of my favorite muppets on screen. There’s also a new muppet that was introduced quite early on in the promotions for the show: Joe from Legal (Joe the Legal Weasel). He’s a weasel who’s on the show’s legal team, and appears periodically to remind Kermit (and viewers) not to do dangerous acts that might put them in legal trouble. He’s a new character, but I’m already sold. Of course, that might just be because I like small, adorable animals.
Overall, Muppets Now is a delightful new show that tugs at my nostalgia. Will you be seeing the show when it’s released on Disney+? Let us know what you think of the show when it drops!
Muppets Now will be available exclusively on Disney+ starting July 31.
