So what did you think of the new Muppets?

[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).

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[PNGwynne]

I enjoyed it with reservations; as some have noted here, it needs time to find its legs. Will it have that chance, IDK. I wasn't put off by the humor, I just wanted it to be funnier in general. It had some slapstick, absurdity, and cleverness I associate with the franchise, though.

I described it to a friend as "The Muppets meets Larry Sanders in the style of The Office." I don't think it's a bad approach, I liked the shift from variety show to late-night type show.

[Nostalgiabuff]

no interest in it, like Brian said, loved them as a kid. as an adult I couldn't care less

[El Hombre Nuclear]

I liked the original as a kid, but can't offer an opinion on the new one (didn't catch it).

However, all this talk of puppets and wholesome '70s variety shows is giving me nightmarish flashbacks of the Mandrell Sisters...

[palitoy]

I think a lot of the outrage is out of control, my wife watched it with the kids and wasn't offended or bothered by it's content.

Me? I just don't really care, loved the muppets as a kid and still pop on the Alice Cooper/Vincent Price ones now and then but it's not something I needed back in my life.

[Hedji]

^Tom's right. It was a product of its time, when the popular format was... Variety Shows. Which was the perfect vehicle for Henson to try out little sketches and avant guarde absurdities.

[rykerw1701]

I liked the format and the concept of how they wanted to bring the show to 2015. It's certainly a "me too" Modern Family or The Office format, as has been stated, but I could see where that would work. The recent movie went this way too, and I liked that.

My problem wasn't the approach, it was that it wasn't particularly funny. But it was the first episode, and the series needs a chance to find its legs. Or was that a pun? My nostalgia eyes will give it a couple more chances.

[johnnystorm]

I thought there were a few funny parts, but the "Office" style format is wearing out. This seems like someone at ABC said we should do yet another version of Modern Family, we havent tried puppets yet...
I'll give it a few episodes, but it's up against tough competition...Flash, NCIS, Scream Queens...of course ABC airs things 80 times a week so...

[MIB41]

I saw the commercials for it, but decided not to watch it because, quite honestly, it just sounded like a bad idea. Some shows work as much for the premise, as the era they were released in. In my mind, the Muppets TV show will forever be a 70's product. We have to remember this came out around the same time when Starsky & Hutch debuted (which had crime bosses using candy stores as fronts for their syndicates while they drank warm milk). Starsky & Hutch was considered edgy material in 1976. So the sensibilities of the 70's are completely lost on a modern audience in 2015. I do agree the Muppets were probably pretty adult for their day, which is why so much of that gets lost in translation through the years. Now it looks quite innocent. But so does Starsky & Hutch. So having ANY expectation for a reboot to function as it's nearly 40 year old predecessor is probably not a realistic expectation. But that's also why I didn't watch it. For me, the Muppet Show is like watching Gilligan's Island. You only get away with that once. It's as much about nostalgia as it is the charm of the characters. I'm not interested in a new interpretation since I don't feel a strong connection to the liberal tendencies of today's generation. This is not your Dad's Muppets. Hence I'll pass.

[Boshek]

I love the Muppets! The new show was okay. I am really worried that ABC will pull the plug from the negative reviews.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I forgot this was on. I should have set up the DVR. Sigh.

The original Muppet show was pretty adult, they were just smart enough to veil it more. Kids got puppets, adults got stuff that went over the kids' heads.

Chris