Jim Henson’s series premiered in September 1976 and transformed Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and other characters into pop culture icons
Half a century ago, a group of puppets was simply trying to put on a chaotic variety show.
What seemed like an unusual idea for television eventually became a global phenomenon.
“The Muppet Show” turns 50 in 2026. Its first episode premiered in the United Kingdom on September 5, 1976.
A worldwide phenomenon
Created by Jim Henson, the Muppets combined comedy, music, celebrity guests and stories that appealed to both children and adults.
At the height of its popularity, estimates suggested the show reached 235 million viewers in more than 100 countries.
The original series ended in 1981 after five seasons, but its characters continued appearing in movies and television productions.
Kermit came before the show
Kermit’s story began much earlier.
One of the earliest versions of the character was created by Henson in 1955 using simple materials, including fabric from an old coat and pieces of ping-pong balls.
Today, objects connected to the Muppets are part of collections at American museums, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Fifty years later
In 2026, a new “The Muppet Show” special aired on Disney+ and ABC, featuring Sabrina Carpenter as a guest.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, the special reached nearly eight million viewers during its first eight days.
Five decades after the original premiere, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the Muppets remain some of the most recognizable characters in television history.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
