21/07/2008 / USA - UK
The Muppet Show makes a comeback, on YouTube
If you thought the cast from the Muppet Show had long disappeared from the mortal world, think again. A number of the Jim Henson puppets have proved their existence by setting up YouTube accounts and posting new footage online. Whether or not the comeback is official, however, currently remains a mystery.
Characters Sam the Eagle, The Great Gonzo, Statler and Waldorf, The Swedish Chef and Beaker are the first to have set up YouTube accounts. Since they began their online adventure a month ago, the Muppets, who have not made regular appearances on TV since 1981, have been posting daily videos online and communicating between each other (Beaker recently asked Statler and Waldiorf "Meep meep meep-meep meep Meeeeeep?" The favourite video so far is a Muppet version of Stars and Stripes Forever (the US national march) posted by Sam the Eagle, who describes himself as "an American and an Eagle. And as a citizen of this great nation, I am not required to give any further information to any weirdoes who may be reading this".
Contributors
Stars and Stripes FOREVER!
Sam the Eagle's rendition of the military march - "something never before seen on the internet - culture, morality, and patriotism". The clip has so far received almost 350,000 hits.
Habanera
The Swedish Chef and Beaker's rendition of Habanera from the Opera Carmen, filmed on a webcam and watched online by Statler and Waldorf, who have recently discovered the internet.
Sesame Street takes on hip hop
Although they don't know about it, Burt and Ernie from Sesame Street have featured in a hip hop video. This is one of many remixes that features Muppet Show and Sesame Street characters. Apparently highly popular online, this clip is the 16th most watched video today.
Posted on YouTube 28 June 08 by "stianhafstad", who was "a bit bored last week", when he edited the footage to the sound of M.O.P.'s Ante Up.
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The new Muppet videos are
Submitted by Ryan (not verified) on Tue, 22/07/2008 - 00:13.The new Muppet videos are great. But just for the record, the Muppets have been on TV a few times since The Muppet Show ended in 1981... There was The Jim Henson Hour in 1989, and Muppets Tonight (a sort of Muppet Show for the 90s) in 1996-97.
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Video origin
Submitted by Sophie Team ... on Tue, 22/07/2008 - 09:25.Hi Ryan
Do you perhaps know where this video might have come from? You seem to be well informed on the subject (I've just had a look at your blog).
Cheers,
Sophie
Sophie Team ...