Editing The Muppets (section)

==History==
===1950s–1960s: Beginnings===
[[File:Jim Henson (1989) headshot.jpg|thumbnail|right|175px|Jim Henson in 1989]]
The Muppets were created by puppeteer [[Jim Henson]] in the 1950s; Henson claimed that he coined the term ''Muppet'' as a [[portmanteau]] of the words ''[[marionette]]'' and ''[[puppet]].''<ref name=JimBio1>{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Brian Jay|title=Jim Henson: The Biography|year=2013 |publisher=Ballantine Books|location=New York|isbn=978-0-345-52611-3|pages=41–42|chapter=Sam and Friends|quote=It was really just a term we made up. For a long time I would tell people it was a combination of marionettes and puppets but, basically, it was really just a word that we coined. We have done very few things connected with marionettes.}}</ref> Among Henson's earliest creations was [[Kermit the Frog]], who became his most recognizable character. Originally conceived for an [[adult puppeteering|adult]] audience,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/2015/05/30/the-rainbow-with-the-muppets/14329080001929|access-date=October 11, 2015|work=[[The Saturday Paper]]|title=Into the rainbow with the Muppets|date=May 30, 2015|archive-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925054252/https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/2015/05/30/the-rainbow-with-the-muppets/14329080001929}}</ref> the Muppets were introduced in 1955 in ''[[Sam and Friends]]'', a short-form television series produced for [[WRC-TV]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite news|author=Express|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2008/07/10/muppet_mania_karen_falks_exhibit_on_jim/|access-date=October 11, 2015|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=July 9, 2008|title=Muppet Mania: Karen Falk on Jim Henson|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305080055/https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2008/07/10/muppet_mania_karen_falks_exhibit_on_jim/|archive-date=March 5, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Developed by Henson and his future wife, [[Jane Henson|Jane Nebel]], the series was the first form of puppet media not to incorporate a physical [[Proscenium|proscenium arch]] typical of such works, relying instead on the natural framing of the [[television set]] through which it was viewed.<ref name=JimBio2>{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Brian Jay|title=Jim Henson: The Biography |year=2013|publisher=Ballantine Books|location=New York|isbn=978-0-345-52611-3|pages=48–50 |chapter=Sam and Friends}}</ref>

During the 1960s, the characters—in particular, Kermit and [[Rowlf the Dog]]—appeared in skits on several [[late-night talk show]]s and on television commercials, including ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]''. Rowlf became the first Muppet character to appear regularly on network television when he began appearing with [[Jimmy Dean]] on ''[[The Jimmy Dean Show]]''. In 1966, [[Joan Ganz Cooney]] and [[Lloyd Morrisett]] began developing a children's [[educational television]] program and approached Henson to design a cast of Muppet characters during this stage. Produced by the [[Sesame Workshop|Children's Television Workshop]], the program debuted as ''[[Sesame Street]]'' in 1969 on [[National Educational Television|NET]], and later [[PBS]].

Henson and his creative team became closely involved with ''Sesame Street'' during the years that followed; Henson waived his performance fee in exchange for retaining ownership rights to the Muppet characters created for the program. ''Sesame Street'' garnered a positive response, and the Muppets' involvement in the series was said to be a vital component of its increasing popularity, providing an "effective and pleasurable viewing" method of presentation for its educational curriculum.<ref>Morrow, p. 93</ref><ref>Davis, p. 163</ref>

===1970s: ''The Muppet Show'' and foray into film===
In the early 1970s, the Muppets continued their presence in television, primarily appearing in ''[[The Land of Gorch]]'' segments during the first season of [[NBC]]'s ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''. The Muppet characters featured in ''The Land of Gorch'' behaved boorishly and made frequent references to drug abuse, sexual activity, and consumption of alcohol; adult themes that Henson wanted to explore with the characters in an effort to not let him nor the Muppets be typecast as entertainment for children. The writers of ''Saturday Night Live'' clashed with Henson's vision for the program, often refusing to commit to writing the segments, and several cast members bemoaned the inclusion of the Muppets. Eventually, the collaboration proved too divisive, and the Muppets departed ''Saturday Night Live'' after the conclusion of the first season.
As his involvement with ''Sesame Street'' continued, Henson began developing a network television series featuring the Muppets;<ref>Finch, p. 5</ref> but distinct from ''Sesame Street''; this series would be aimed at a more adult audience and would satirize [[sketch comedy]]. Two [[Pilot (television episode)|television pilots]], ''[[The Muppets Valentine Show]]'' and ''[[The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence]]'', aired on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] in 1974 and 1975, respectively.

After ABC passed on the pilots and other networks in the United States expressed little interest in the project, British producer [[Lew Grade, Baron Grade|Lew Grade]] approached Henson and agreed to co-produce the series for [[Associated Television]]. Debuting in 1976, ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' introduced new characters such as [[Miss Piggy]], [[Fozzie Bear]], and [[Gonzo (Muppet)|Gonzo]], alongside existing characters such as Kermit and Rowlf. Aired in [[First run syndication|first-run syndication]] in the United States, ''The Muppet Show'' became increasingly popular due to its [[Sketch comedy|sketch]]-[[Variety show|variety]] format, unique form of [[vaudeville]]-style humor, and prolific roster of [[Guest appearance|guest stars]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sepinwall|first=Alan|date=July 28, 2020|title='Muppets Now': Together Again, With a Touch of Amnesia|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-reviews/muppets-now-disney-plus-1034408/|access-date=July 28, 2020|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806145257/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-reviews/muppets-now-disney-plus-1034408/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was nominated for twenty-one [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s during its run, winning four, including [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series|Outstanding Variety Series]] in 1978. The success of ''The Muppet Show'' allowed [[The Jim Henson Company|Henson Associates]] to diversify into theatrical films, the first of which, ''[[The Muppet Movie]]'', was released in 1979.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|date=July 28, 2020|title=It's Time to Re-Re-Re-Meet the Muppets|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/arts/television/muppets-now-disney.html|access-date=July 28, 2020|archive-date=July 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710002604/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/arts/television/muppets-now-disney.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1980s–1990s: Subsequent projects===
Following ''The Muppet Movie'' were ''[[The Great Muppet Caper]]'' and ''[[The Muppets Take Manhattan]]'', released in 1981 and 1984, respectively. Collectively, the three films received four [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] nominations. ''The Muppet Show'' ended its five-season run in 1981. In 1983, Henson debuted ''[[Fraggle Rock]]'', which aired on [[HBO]] in the United States until 1987.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McNary|first1=Dave |title=Joseph Gordon-Levitt Starring in 'Fraggle Rock' Movie (Exclusive)|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/joseph-gordon-levitt-fraggle-rock-1201456256/|access-date=May 14, 2016|work=Variety |date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510041553/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/joseph-gordon-levitt-fraggle-rock-1201456256/|archive-date=May 10, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In 1989, Henson entered negotiations with [[Michael Eisner]] and [[The Walt Disney Company]], in which Disney would acquire Jim Henson Productions and, in turn, the Muppets. Disney expressed interest in purchasing the company for $150 million.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Swansburg|first1=John|title=Muppet Man|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/books/review/jim-henson-the-biography-by-brian-jay-jones.html?_r=0|access-date=September 28, 2015 |work=The New York Times|date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028220012/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/books/review/jim-henson-the-biography-by-brian-jay-jones.html?_r=0|archive-date=October 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Eisner was also interested in acquiring the ''Sesame Street'' Muppet characters, but Henson declined that proposal, considering it a "non-starter" for the deal.<ref>Jones, p. 455</ref> An "[[agreement in principle]]" for the acquisition was publicly announced by Disney and Henson at the [[Disney's Hollywood Studios|Disney-MGM Studios]] theme park in [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort]] on August 28, 1989, along with plans for Muppets-themed attractions to debut at that park and [[Disneyland]] the following year.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 29, 1989|title=Muppets join Mickey|work=The Daily Sentinel|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86223270/muppets-join-mickey/|access-date=September 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In anticipation of the acquisition, the television special ''[[The Muppets at Walt Disney World]]'' premiered on May 6, 1990.<ref>{{cite news|last=Taylor|first=Blake|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/disney-henson-feud-muppetvision-3d-timeline-history/|title=Analysis: Timeline of the Disney/Henson feud that nearly derailed Muppet*Vision 3D|website=attractionsmagazine.com|date=November 2, 2023|accessdate=January 20, 2024}}</ref>

However, the proposed merger was cancelled after Henson's death on May 16, 1990.<ref>{{cite news|last=Apel|first=Mary|url=https://darkhorsepressnow.com/celebrating-one-of-mississippis-own-jim-henson/|title=Celebrating one of Mississippi's own: Jim Henson|website=darkhorsepressnow.com.com|date=September 28, 2023|accessdate=January 20, 2024|quote=Tragically, on May 16, 1990, the world lost Jim Henson at the age of 53.|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209184816/https://darkhorsepressnow.com/celebrating-one-of-mississippis-own-jim-henson/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nevertheless, Disney initiated a [[licensing]] agreement with Jim Henson Productions to continue developing Muppets attractions and the use of the characters within the Disney theme parks.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Ackman|first1=Dan|title=Disney Deal: Kermit Goes For The Big Bucks |url=https://www.forbes.com/2004/02/18/cx_da_0218ton.html|access-date=10 September 2015 |magazine=Forbes|date=18 February 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105632/http://www.forbes.com/2004/02/18/cx_da_0218ton.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The following year, ''[[Muppet*Vision 3D]]'' debuted at Disney–MGM Studios, the only attraction successfully developed from the original plans. [[Walt Disney Pictures]] also co-produced the fourth and fifth Muppets films, ''[[The Muppet Christmas Carol]]'' (1992) and ''[[Muppet Treasure Island]]'' (1996), with Jim Henson Productions.<ref name="NYFuzzy">{{cite news|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|title=Fuzzy Renaissance|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/movies/21barn.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=29 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=18 September 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511170924/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/movies/21barn.html?pagewanted=all|archive-date=May 11, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The characters subsequently starred in ''[[Muppets Tonight]]'', which aired on ABC from 1996 to 1998; and a sixth film, ''[[Muppets from Space]]'', released by [[Columbia Pictures]] in 1999.

===2000s: Disney acquisition===
In 2000, [[The Jim Henson Company]] was sold to [[Constantin Medien|EM.TV & Merchandising AG]] for $680 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/18/business/kermit-and-miss-piggy-join-stable-of-walt-disney-stars.html|title=Kermit and Miss Piggy Join Stable of Walt Disney Stars |last=Meier|first=Barry|date=February 18, 2004|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722040620/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/18/business/kermit-and-miss-piggy-join-stable-of-walt-disney-stars.html|archive-date=July 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> However, EM.TV's stock collapsed and the Henson family re-acquired the company in 2003, with the exception of the ''Sesame Street'' characters, which were in the interim sold to [[Sesame Workshop]].<ref name="NYFuzzy"/>

Fourteen years after initial negotiations began, Disney acquired the Muppets [[intellectual property]] from the Henson company for $75 million on February 17, 2004. The acquisition consisted of a majority of the Muppet film and television library, as well as the ''[[Bear in the Big Blue House]]'' television series.<ref name="Disney2004Press"/><ref name="agreement" /><ref name="purchase" /><ref name=ForbesPurchase/> Exceptions included the [[List of Sesame Street Muppets|''Sesame Street'' characters]];<ref>{{cite news|title=Kermit Is Now Part of Magic Kingdom|work=Los Angeles Times|date=2004-02-18 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-feb-18-fi-muppets18-story.html|access-date=2010-10-18 |first=Meg|last=James|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212141446/http://articles.latimes.com/2004/feb/18/business/fi-muppets18|archive-date=February 12, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> the [[List of Fraggle Rock characters|''Fraggle Rock'' characters]], which were retained by Henson;<ref name=":22"/> the [[Film distribution|distribution rights]] to four films: ''The Muppets Take Manhattan'', ''Muppets from Space'', and ''[[Kermit's Swamp Years]]'', which were retained by [[Sony Pictures Entertainment]]; and ''[[It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie]]'', retained by [[NBCUniversal Television Distribution]].<ref name=ForbesPurchase>{{cite news|last1=Ackman|first1=Dan|title=Disney Deal: Kermit Goes For The Big Bucks |url=https://www.forbes.com/2004/02/18/cx_da_0218ton.html|access-date=September 13, 2016 |work=Forbes|date=February 2, 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105632/http://www.forbes.com/2004/02/18/cx_da_0218ton.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Following the acquisition, Disney formed [[The Muppets Studio]] (originally The Muppets Holding Company), a wholly owned subsidiary responsible for managing the characters and franchise. As a result, the term "Muppet" became a legal [[trademark]] of Disney; under license from Disney, Sesame Workshop continues to use the term for their characters, as well as archival footage of Kermit the Frog.

Henson retained the rights to several productions featuring the Disney-owned Muppet characters, including ''[[Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas]]''; ''[[The Christmas Toy]]''; ''[[Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting]]''; ''Henson's Place''; ''Billy Bunny's Animal Songs''; the original ''[[Dog City#Television film|Dog City]]'' special; and ''Donna's Day''. While some of these have since been released uncut, most current releases of ''Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas'' and ''The Christmas Toy'' omit the appearances by Kermit the Frog. The 2015 [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family]] airing, the 2017 DVD and the 2018 Blu-ray releases of ''Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas'' and the [[Amazon Prime Video]] release of ''The Christmas Toy'' reinstate Kermit's scenes.

After the acquisition was complete, Disney gradually began reintroducing the franchise to the mainstream, [[Corporate synergy|synergistically]] promoting the Muppets across different parts of the company.<ref name="NYFuzzy"/><ref name="WallStreet">{{cite news|last=Jurgensen|first=John|title=A Muppet Makeover|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903596904576514760501039394|access-date=24 July 2012|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=19 August 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510204459/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903596904576514760501039394.html|archive-date=May 10, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Muppets made appearances on [[Disney Channel]] and starred in the ABC television film, ''[[The Muppets' Wizard of Oz]]'' (2005).<ref name="NYFuzzy" /> A television special, ''[[A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa]]'', premiered on [[NBC]] on December 17, 2008.<ref>[http://ultimatedisney.com/ DVDizzy.com and UltimateDisney.com: The Ultimate Guide to Disney DVD and Beyond<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805040044/http://www.ultimatedisney.com/|date=August 5, 2009}}</ref> As a method of regaining a wider audience, Disney produced a series of vignettes for [[YouTube]] and [[Disney.com]].<ref name="NYFuzzy" /> A [[List of Bohemian Rhapsody cover versions|cover version]] of [[Queen (band)|Queen]]'s "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]" was among these projects and immediately went [[viral video|viral]], ultimately amassing 90 million views and winning two [[Webby Award]]s.<ref>{{cite news |first=Megan |last=O'Neill |title=How The Muppets Made A Comeback On YouTube |date=July 20, 2010 |url=http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/07/how-the-muppets-made-a-comeback-on-youtube/ |access-date=December 30, 2011 |archive-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125065747/http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/07/how-the-muppets-made-a-comeback-on-youtube/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2010, the Muppets starred in ''[[The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora]]'', which co-starred [[Cat Cora]] and showcased cooking demonstrations.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kasia |last=Pilat |title=Awesome of the Day: The Muppets Kitchen |date=September 18, 2010 |work=Paste Magazine |url=https://pastemagazine.com/blogs/awesome_of_the_day/2010/09/awesome-of-the-day-the-muppets-kitchen.html |access-date=December 30, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907012832/http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/awesome_of_the_day/2010/09/awesome-of-the-day-the-muppets-kitchen.html |archive-date=September 7, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> That same year, Disney used the Muppets to promote their [[Give a Day, Get a Disney Day|volunteerism program]] at the company's theme parks.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=January 14, 2010|title=Don't miss: VoluntEars Cavalcade|work=Orlando Sentinel|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-xpm-2010-01-14-os-cal-spot-disney-muppets-20100114-story,amp.html|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930213210/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-xpm-2010-01-14-os-cal-spot-disney-muppets-20100114-story,amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A Halloween special featuring the Muppets was developed during that time and expected to air on ABC that October, but was canceled.<ref>{{cite news |title=With new merch & a new movie in the pipeline, there's no stopping the Muppets now |first=Jim |last=Hill |date=April 29, 2010 |work=Jim Hill Media |url=http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2010/04/29/with-new-merch-a-new-movie-in-the-pipeline-there-s-no-stopping-the-muppets-now.aspx |access-date=December 30, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510102521/http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2010/04/29/with-new-merch-a-new-movie-in-the-pipeline-there-s-no-stopping-the-muppets-now.aspx |archive-date=May 10, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

===2010s–present: Renewed success; current projects===
[[File:Bret McKenzie Muppets Most Wanted Premiere (cropped).jpg|thumb|251x251px|Songwriter [[Bret McKenzie]] won the [[Academy Award for Best Original Song]] in 2012 for "[[Man or Muppet]]" from ''The Muppets'', winning the first [[Academy Awards|Oscar]] for the franchise.]]
[[File:Rainbow Connection Kermit the Frog with Banjo (10229136905).jpg|alt=A statue of Kermit at BrickCon 2013|left|thumb|245x245px|Kermit statue, [[BrickCon]], 2013]]
In 2011, the Muppets were featured in an eponymous seventh film ''[[The Muppets (2011 film)|The Muppets]]'', intended to serve as a "creative [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]]" for the characters.<ref name=VarMojo/> [[Walt Disney Pictures]] had been furthering development on a Muppets film since 2008, when it considered adapting an unused screenplay by [[Jerry Juhl]]. Directed by [[James Bobin]], written by [[Jason Segel]] and [[Nicholas Stoller]], and starring Segel, [[Amy Adams]], [[Chris Cooper]], and [[Rashida Jones]], ''The Muppets'' was a critical and commercial success, becoming the [[List of highest-grossing puppet films|highest-grossing puppet film of all time]] and winning the [[Academy Award for Best Original Song]] for [[Bret McKenzie]]'s "[[Man or Muppet]]".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fleming|first1=Michael|title=Segel and Stoller take on Muppets|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/news/segel-and-stoller-take-on-muppets-1117982291/|access-date=August 28, 2020|work=Variety|date=March 12, 2008|archive-date=November 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104065144/http://variety.com/2008/film/news/segel-and-stoller-take-on-muppets-1117982291/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the film's publicity campaign, the Muppets appeared in promotional advertisements and marketing efforts by Disney and were also featured in a promotional video for [[Google+]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8981219/Google-gets-Muppets-boost.html |title=Google+ gets Muppets boost |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Christopher |last=Williams |date=December 9, 2010 |access-date=January 10, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109091904/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8981219/Google-gets-Muppets-boost.html |archive-date=January 9, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In March 2012, the Muppets received a collective star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref name=HollywoodWalk>{{cite news|last=Gorman|first=Anna|title=Muppets to get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/muppets-to-get-star-on-hollywood-walk-of-fame-.html|access-date=27 April 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=20 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506105451/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/muppets-to-get-star-on-hollywood-walk-of-fame-.html |archive-date=May 6, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That year, the Muppets hosted a ''[[Just for Laughs]]'' comedy gala in [[Montreal]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Vlessing|first=Etan|title=Just For Laughs Fest Books Chelsea Handler, Aziz Ansari and The Muppets |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/just-for-laughs-comedy-festival-chelsea-handler-aziz-ansari-muppets-322603|access-date=16 September 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=9 May 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823050355/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/just-for-laughs-comedy-festival-chelsea-handler-aziz-ansari-muppets-322603|archive-date=August 23, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Following the release of ''The Muppets'', Disney announced an eighth film in 2012, with Bobin and Stoller returning to direct and write, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://vulture.com/2012/03/new-muppet-movie-in-the-works-but-without-jason-segel.html |title=New Muppets Movie Going Ahead, But Without Jason Segel As a Writer |first=Claude|last=Brodesser-Akner|date=March 1, 2012|work=[[New York Media|Vulture]] |access-date=March 1, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302173400/http://www.vulture.com/2012/03/new-muppet-movie-in-the-works-but-without-jason-segel.html |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[Muppets Most Wanted]]'' was released in 2014 and starred [[Ricky Gervais]], [[Tina Fey]], and [[Ty Burrell]].<ref name="LATimes">{{cite news|last=Fritz|first=Ben|title=Disney cancels 'Little Mermaid 3-D,' dates 'Pirates 5' for 2015|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-disney-cancels-little-mermaid-3d-pirates-5-2015-20130114,0,6139988.story|access-date=14 January 2013|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=15 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115182307/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-disney-cancels-little-mermaid-3d-pirates-5-2015-20130114%2C0%2C6139988.story|archive-date=January 15, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Tina Fey in Talks to Join Disney's 'Muppets' Sequel (Exclusive) |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tina-fey-disneys-muppets-sequel-409623 |access-date=9 January 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=8 January 2013|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110033320/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tina-fey-disneys-muppets-sequel-409623|archive-date=January 10, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The film received positive reviews but was a commercial disappointment at the box office.<ref name="NYTProd">{{cite web|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|date=September 7, 2015|title=On 'The Muppets', Miss Piggy Has a Talk Show and a Chatty Staff|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/arts/television/on-the-muppets-miss-piggy-has-a-talk-show-and-a-chatty-staff.html|access-date=September 7, 2015|work=The New York Times|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818045550/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/arts/television/on-the-muppets-miss-piggy-has-a-talk-show-and-a-chatty-staff.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Disney Theatrical Productions]] announced in 2013 that a live show based on the Muppets was in active development and that a 15-minute show had been conducted by [[Thomas Schumacher]] to see how the technical components would work.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Gordon|title=Disney Theatrical Eyeing Muppets On Stage|url=https://variety.com/2013/legit/news/disney-theatrical-eyeing-muppets-on-stage-exclusive-1200495467/|access-date=12 June 2013|newspaper=Variety|date=11 June 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613044908/http://variety.com/2013/legit/news/disney-theatrical-eyeing-muppets-on-stage-exclusive-1200495467/|archive-date=June 13, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Muppet Moments'', an interstitial television series, premiered on [[Disney Jr.]] in April 2015. The short-form series features conversations between the Muppets and young children.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|last1=Kelley|first1=Seth|title=Kermit Talks to Kids in Disney Junior's 'Muppet Moments'|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/disney-junior-muppet-moments-kermit-the-frog-1201454397/|access-date=March 19, 2015|work=Variety|date=March 17, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319003341/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/disney-junior-muppet-moments-kermit-the-frog-1201454397/|archive-date=March 19, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

After the release of ''Muppets Most Wanted'', Disney was interested in expanding the Muppets' presence across other media, particularly in television.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lynch|first1=Jason|title=Inside The Muppets' Decade-Long Journey Back to Prime-Time TV ABC places its biggest fall bet on Kermit and Miss Piggy|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/television/inside-muppets-decade-long-journey-back-prime-time-tv-167031|access-date=October 1, 2015 |work=Adweek|date=September 20, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001214918/http://www.adweek.com/news/television/inside-muppets-decade-long-journey-back-prime-time-tv-167031|archive-date=October 1, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Discussions for a new [[Prime time|primetime series]] began internally within The Muppets Studio.<ref name=VarMojo>{{cite news|last=Setoodeh|first=Ramin|title=How Kermit and the Muppets Got Their Mojo Back |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-muppets-talk-about-comebacks-and-their-relationship-with-disney-1201128921/|access-date=12 March 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=11 March 2014|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311192102/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/the-muppets-talk-about-comebacks-and-their-relationship-with-disney-1201128921/|archive-date=March 11, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> By April 2015, [[Bill Prady]] was commissioned to write a script for a pilot with the working title ''Muppets 2015''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley |title='Muppets' Revived at ABC With 'Big Bang Theory' Co-Creator |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/muppets-revived-at-abc-big-786193|access-date=April 6, 2015|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 3, 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405185857/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/muppets-revived-at-abc-big-786193|archive-date=April 5, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In May 2015, ABC commissioned [[The Muppets (TV series)|an eponymous series]], co-developed by Prady and [[Bob Kushell]] and directed by [[Randall Einhorn]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Andreeva|first1=Nellie|title=Comedies "The Muppets", "Dr. Ken" & "The Real O'Neals" Get ABC Series Orders"|url=https://deadline.com/2015/05/the-muppets-dr-ken-the-real-oneals-abc-series-1201422682/|website=Deadline|date=May 8, 2015|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=8 May 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510164538/http://deadline.com/2015/05/the-muppets-dr-ken-the-real-oneals-abc-series-1201422682/|archive-date=May 10, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Wagmeister">{{cite news|last=Wagmeister|first=Elizabeth|title='The Muppets,' Comedy from 'Community' Star Ken Jeong Among ABC Orders|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/the-muppets-the-real-o-neals-dr-ken-abc-comedy-series-1201490465/|access-date=7 May 2015|newspaper=Variety|date=7 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509023433/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/the-muppets-the-real-o-neals-dr-ken-abc-comedy-series-1201490465/|archive-date=May 9, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Developed as a [[parody]] of other [[mockumentary]]-style series such as ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'', ''[[Modern Family]]'', and ''[[Parks and Recreation]]'', ''The Muppets'' portrayed the everyday personal and professional lives of the Muppets in [[Los Angeles]] as they produced a [[late-night talk show]] hosted by Miss Piggy.<ref name="NYTProd" /> The ABC series portrayed the characters in more adult situations than previous incarnations, including depictions of alcohol consumption, sexual innuendos, and mild profanity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |date=September 22, 2015 |title=Muppets Under Fire: EP Insists 'Adult' Jokes Will Always 'Work on Two Levels |url=https://tvline.com/news/muppets-abc-controversy-mature-perverted-humor-643919/ |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=TVline.com |archive-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419040529/https://tvline.com/news/muppets-abc-controversy-mature-perverted-humor-643919/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The series premiered on September 22, 2015, in the United States,<ref>{{cite news|last=Friedlander|first=Whitney|date=June 10, 2015|title=ABC Sets Fall Premiere Dates for 'Muppets,' 'Wicked City,' 'TGIT' & More|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/abc-sets-fall-premiere-dates-for-muppets-wicked-city-more-1201516557/|url-status=live|access-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611043325/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/abc-sets-fall-premiere-dates-for-muppets-wicked-city-more-1201516557/|archive-date=June 11, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and received mixed reviews, with critics praising the show's adult humor but criticizing the writing and characterization.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Poniewozik|first=James|date=September 21, 2015|title=Review: In 'The Muppets' on ABC, Kermit Is in a Mundane Midlife Crisis|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/arts/television/review-muppets-abc-kermit-ms-piggy.html|access-date=August 3, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802115620/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/arts/television/review-muppets-abc-kermit-ms-piggy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Muppets'' was canceled after one season, which concluded on March 1, 2016.<ref name="SeriesEnd">{{cite news|last1=Holloway|first1=Daniel|date=May 12, 2016|title='The Muppets' Canceled by ABC|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/the-muppets-cancelled-by-abc-1201773341/|url-status=live|access-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513113031/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/the-muppets-cancelled-by-abc-1201773341/|archive-date=May 13, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On September 24, 2016, The Muppets were featured in a benefit concert called "Puppets for Puppetry," hosted by the [[Jim Henson Company]] for the [[Center for Puppetry Arts]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-jim-henson-company-hosts-puppets-for-puppetry-fundraiser-to-honor-the-esteemed-puppeteer-dave-goelz-on-september-24-2016-300316988.html | title=The Jim Henson Company Hosts, "Puppets for Puppetry" Fundraiser to Honor the Esteemed Puppeteer Dave Goelz on September 24, 2016 }}</ref> This concert honored Puppeteer [[Dave Goelz]] and celebrated the 30th anniversary of ''[[Labyrinth (1986 film)|Labyrinth]]''. Musical guests [[Gerard Way]] and [[Ray Toro]] of [[My Chemical Romance]], along with [[Jarrod Alexander]], [https://x.com/mattgorney?s=21 Matt Gorney], and [[Jamie Muhoberac]] performed a tribute to ''Labyrinth'' with a medley of songs including "[[Underground (David Bowie song)|Underground]]" and "[[As the World Falls Down]]".

In September 2017, the Muppets performed a live concert series at the [[Hollywood Bowl]], hosted by [[Bobby Moynihan]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-muppets-bowl-20170910-story.html |title='The Muppets Take the Bowl' captures the zany, all-inclusive spirit of the puppets at their best|last=Martens|first=Todd|date=September 9, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 14, 2017}}</ref> This performance was followed by a second event in July 2018 at London's [[The O2 Arena|O2 Arena]], their first outside of the United States.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Beaumont-Thomas|first1=Ben|title=It's time to light the lights! Muppets to play first ever UK shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/feb/23/the-muppets-first-uk-live-shows-london-o2-arena|access-date=March 12, 2018|work=The Guardian|date=February 23, 2018}}</ref>

In February 2018, Disney announced that a [[streaming television]] reboot series was in development for [[Disney+]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|date=February 21, 2018|title=Disney Planning Another 'Muppets' Reboot for Its Streaming Service|language=en|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/disney-planning-muppets-reboot-streaming-service-1086800|access-date=August 26, 2018|archive-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222112002/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/disney-planning-muppets-reboot-streaming-service-1086800|url-status=live}}</ref> The project, known as ''Muppets Live Another Day'', was intended as a [[limited-run series]] set in the 1980s after the events of ''[[The Muppets Take Manhattan]]'' and depicted Kermit recruiting the Muppets to locate [[Rowlf the Dog]] after his disappearance.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=September 9, 2019|title=The Muppets Comedy Series Reboot Not Going Forward At Disney+|work=Deadline|url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/the-muppets-reboot-comedy-series-muppets-live-another-day-not-going-forward-dead-disney-plus-josh-gad-adam-horowitz-and-eddy-kitsis-1202730154/#comments|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref> The series was intended to be directed by [[Jason Moore (director)|Jason Moore]]; written by [[Josh Gad]], [[Adam Horowitz]] and [[Edward Kitsis|Eddy Kitsis]]; produced by [[ABC Signature|ABC Signature Studios]] and [[The Muppets Studio]], and feature original music by [[Robert Lopez]] and [[Kristen Anderson-Lopez]].<ref name=":7" /> After an executive change at The Muppets Studio that prompted a different creative direction for the Muppets, Disney canceled development on the project in September 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title=Muppets Series From Josh Gad, Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis Scrapped at Disney Plus |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/muppets-series-josh-gad-adam-horowitz-edward-kitsis-disney-plus-1203330138/ |access-date=September 12, 2019 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=September 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|date=September 9, 2019|title='The Muppets' Disney+ Comedy Series Scrapped|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/muppets-disney-comedy-series-scrapped-1238475|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803131648/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/muppets-disney-comedy-series-scrapped-1238475|url-status=live}}</ref> A second Disney+ series, ''[[Muppets Now]]'', a short-form [[improvisational comedy]] series, was announced in August 2019 and was released on July 31, 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|date=August 23, 2019|title='Muppets' Shortform Series a Go at Disney+|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/muppets-shortform-series-a-go-at-disney-1234166|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-date=August 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824002359/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/muppets-shortform-series-a-go-at-disney-1234166|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Nakamura|first1=Reid|title='Muppets Now' Short-Form Series to Debut on Disney+ in 2020 |url=https://www.thewrap.com/muppets-now-short-form-series-to-debut-on-disney-in-2020/|access-date=September 12, 2019|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=August 23, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Muppets Haunted Mansion]]'', a Halloween special based on the Disney attraction [[The Haunted Mansion|of the same name]], was released on October 8, 2021.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Del Rosario|first1=Alexandra|title='Muppets Haunted Mansion': Disney+ Sets First-Ever Muppets Halloween Special|url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/muppets-haunted-mansion-disney-plus-muppets-halloween-special-event-1234751284/|access-date=May 7, 2021|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=May 7, 2021|archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510160526/https://deadline.com/2021/05/muppets-haunted-mansion-disney-plus-muppets-halloween-special-event-1234751284/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A third Disney+ series ''[[The Muppets Mayhem]]'', was ordered in March 2022. The series was developed and written by [[Adam F. Goldberg]], [[Bill Barretta]] and Jeff Yorkes and starred [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem]], alongside [[Lilly Singh]] and [[Tahj Mowry]].<ref>{{cite web|title='The Muppets Mayhem' Comedy Series Ordered By Disney+; Lilly Singh Stars, Adam F. Goldberg EPs|url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/the-muppets-mayhem-comedy-series-disney-plus-lily-singh-stars-adam-f-goldberg-1234972429/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=March 7, 2022|access-date=March 7, 2022|archive-date=March 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307154614/https://deadline.com/2022/03/the-muppets-mayhem-comedy-series-disney-plus-lily-singh-stars-adam-f-goldberg-1234972429/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='The Muppets Mayhem': Tahj Mowry Joins Lilly Singh For Disney+ Comedy Series|url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/the-muppets-mayhem-tahj-mowry-lilly-singh-disney-comedy-series-1234994836/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last=Del Rosario|first=Alexandra|date=April 5, 2022|access-date=April 5, 2022|archive-date=April 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405211819/https://deadline.com/2022/04/the-muppets-mayhem-tahj-mowry-lilly-singh-disney-comedy-series-1234994836/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series received five [[Emmy Awards|Emmy Award]] nominations at the [[Children's and Family Emmy Awards]], winning one for Outstanding Children's or Family Viewing Series.