The Muppet Show is a sketch comedy television series starring the Muppets and developed by Jim Henson. Henson created two pilot episodes for ABC in 1974 and 1975, which served as the basis for the series. Despite the fact that neither episode was made into a series and other networks in the United States rejected Henson's offers, British producer Lew Grade took interest in the project and decided to co-produce The Muppet Show for the British channel ATV. From 1976 through 1981, five seasons of 120 episodes were shown on ATV and other ITV franchises in the United Kingdom, as well as in first-run syndication through CBS in the United States. Elstree Studios in England produced and recorded the show.
The Muppet Show is a variety show with recurring sketches and musical numbers intermingled with plotlines set backstage and in other parts of the venue. Kermit the Frog serves as showrunner and host, attempting to tame the overbearing antics of the other Muppet characters while also appeasing the shifting cast of guest performers. The Muppet Show is also noted for its distinctive characters, burlesque nature, physical slapstick, occasionally absurdist and surreal humor, and parodies. Many celebrities were eager to appear with the Muppets on television and in later films as The Muppet Show grew in popularity.
In September 1976, The Muppet Show premiered. By Christmas 1976, about 14 million people in the United Kingdom were watching the series on Sunday evenings. Over 100 nations had either purchased or were making offers on the series by January 1977, resulting in over £6 million in overseas sales.
