So what did you think of the new Muppets?

[ShadowAvenger]

I just watched the first episode on Hulu since I missed it when it originally ran (I was watching Scream Queens). I found the first half rather slow but it seemed to pick up with Scooter fighting Elizabeth Banks. I still hate Miss Piggy and love Animal. I must have missed the reason why they felt the Muppets needed to come back. I enjoy the movies better.

[huedell]

I must have missed the reason why they felt the Muppets needed to come back.

"Potential dollar signs." "Why not?" and "The select fans who want it." seem to be the ones battling for first place.

[pmwasson]

I watched it last night on Hulu and thought is was okay. I didn't mind the more adult themes and it did seem like a sensible modern update. My big problem was the pacing. They need tighter writing and more rapid fire jokes. I like some of the jokes in the first episode, but there were long joke-less periods in between.

[Wee67]

Speaking of the writing---I think anyone criticizing the show, saying it's more "adult" than the classic show isn't being fair. The old show was packed with the same level of innuendo and "adult" humor that kids couldn't see even if they were looking for it--- albeit the original show being from a different era where the audience overall was more prudish. The country has grown since the 1970s and modern family programming has to grow with it.

This is a very good point. You made me re-think my reactions to some of the more "edgier" content.

The bottom line for me was that it was really hit or miss with the jokes. You can get away with most any format or technique if you're just plain funny. I think a lot of shows, however, take a little time to find their rhythm. I'm still hopeful this new incarnation will find it.

[huedell]

I watched it last night on Hulu and thought is was okay. I didn't mind the more adult themes and it did seem like a sensible modern update. My big problem was the pacing. They need tighter writing and more rapid fire jokes. I like some of the jokes in the first episode, but there were long joke-less periods in between.

I think you succeeded in closely defining what I agree are the show's greatest misstep(s).

This is a very good point. You made me re-think my reactions to some of the more "edgier" content.

As I often play Devil's advocate on this board, there are times I'll do it with myself. In this case, I want to acknowledge that bringing the 1970s mentality Muppets' "kid show for adults to enjoy" may not only be "difficult"---it, unfortunately, may also be: Impossible.

Of course, I hope that's not the case (because I enjoy seeing franchises I like increase their output by changing with the times). But, sometimes things just aren't meant to be.

The bottom line for me was that it was really hit or miss with the jokes. You can get away with most any format or technique if you're just plain funny.

BINGO. Not only do I agree with your point---but I think it can't get any more potent than a statement like that. I'm in the "music biz"---have been for a long time. And many years ago---around the time Georgia Satellites were fading out of their highest popularity... and bands like the Hooters were holding their own in the age of the hair metal attack on the rock scene----a rock n' roll mentor/elder-statesman of sorts was having a heart-to-heart with a musician friend of mine who related his words "There's always room for a solid rock band---a rock band who just makes consistently good rock music (whether or not it exceeds an album's worth is not important---it gets them in the door/noticed for at least a tour cycle's worth)."

Point being, whether it's Georgia Satellites or the 2015 Muppets, even if the art is uneven in tone or not easily culture-matching (i.e. "finding it's audience")---if the output is stellar that will go a LONG way in keeping it in the public's favor, and giving it a better chance for success and/or longevity.

I think a lot of shows, however, take a little time to find their rhythm. I'm still hopeful this new incarnation will find it.

I'm with you. It's hard to be 100% defending the show when the writing could be 20% better (speaking in very general/approximate terms).