'Muppets Now' Episode 1: Disney+ series leaves fans overjoyed as their 'favorite' characters return to screen
Forget the old stage and the live Muppets variety act, the Muppets have gone digital, with an all-new series titled 'Muppets Now', which features multiple unique segments and celebrity guests. Fans have all logged in to watch their favorite Muppets on screen again, and though not all of them believe the Muppets have recaptured their original glory, they seem to agree that 'Muppets Now' at least sets the Muppets on the right track.
While the Muppets have failed to hit that same classic level of appeal ever since being acquired by Disney, longtime fans of the characters believe that the first episode of 'Muppets Now' is a step in the right direction.
I just finished watching the debut episode of the modern #Muppets series on #DisneyPlus #MuppetsNow. It's no secret that Kermit and friends have not had the best run since joining the House of Mouse, but I think this may be the closest you will ever see to the old format
— "Number One" Paul Jordan (@pauljordanjr) July 31, 2020
BUT this is also the closest a Muppet Show of any kind has been to the vibe and excellence of the OG show. Also have a theme song. the classic one is sitting there perfect and iconic as ever (2/2)
— Ian Wilmoth (@CydonPrax) July 31, 2020
Many are simply happy to see their favorite Muppets, like Kermit the Frog (Matt Vogel) and Miss Piggy (Eric Jacobson) returning to their television screens with all new content. Although Disney+ has a treasure trove of classic Muppet movies, and the old 2015 series, this is the first new content that the Muppets have put out in a while.
just finished the first episode and omg. I LOVE IT. it makes me so happy to see my fav muppets on my screen once again :')
— Philliam Haynesidious ➐ (@Canadian_Roses) July 31, 2020
While fans both old and new seem to be enjoying the new series, there are those who believe the show is only mildly funny. A certain section of the Muppets fandom has called out the series for a lack of laugh-out-loud moments. The opinion seems to be that while 'Muppets Now' is funny, it's not that funny.
It was good! It was funny but not too funny which is what I was expecting. It’s kind of interesting to see this “Muppet Show” format (in a way) but in an updated version. Not sure how I feel about it.
— Joseph Gamboa (@TheJosephGamboa) July 31, 2020
FINAL THOUGHTS: it’s cute. Funny, but not HILARIOUS like they could be. They haven’t been drop dead funny since d*sney took over. However, they marketed the “unscripted” aspect a little too much.
— madison (@steelydamnnn) July 31, 2020
The segments featuring Kermit the Frog were especially popular with fans. In 'Muppet Masters,' Kermit displays his hidden talent of "photobombing," much to the viewers' delight, while in 'Mup Close & Personal', Kermit interviews RuPaul -- or, at least, he attempts to. It's not long before Kermit's interview is interrupted with a string of Muppets who insist on interrupting the taping in order to ask RuPaul some questions of their own. Both segments were a hit, and fans felt that Miss Piggy's 'Lifesty' segment and Swedish Chef's (Bill Barretta) 'Okey Dokey Kookin' segment dragged in comparison.
I thought the Muppet Masters and Mup Close and Personal worked great and the other 2 kind of dragged in part for trying to be like an actual youtube video
— Ian Wilmoth (@CydonPrax) July 31, 2020
Overall, while the series does not appear to be a standout hit, fans are having a great time seeing the Muppets return to the screen in an approximation of the variety show that made them so popular in the first place. The series has definite room to grow, and the Muppets have a dedicated audience willing to watch whatever comes next.
The next episode of 'The Muppets' airs August 7, on Disney+.
