Series synopsis
Muppets Tonight is an American comedy family television series that premiered on ABC on March 8, 1996. It ended on February 8, 1998. It stars Kevin Clash, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz and Dave Goelz.
Muppets Tonight is a live-action/puppet television series created by Jim Henson Productions and featuring The Muppets. Much like the "MuppeTelevision" segment of The Jim Henson Hour, Muppets Tonight was a continuation of The Muppet Show, set in a television studio, rather than a theater. It ran on ABC from 1996 to 1998 and reruns ran on Disney Channel from 1997 to 2002. As of 2013, it is the last television series to star The Muppets characters.
Premise
Muppets Tonight is a live-action/puppet television series created by Jim Henson Productions and featuring The Muppets. Much like the "MuppeTelevision" segment of The Jim Henson Hour, Muppets Tonight was a continuation of The Muppet Show, set in a television studio, rather than a theater. It ran on ABC from 1996 to 1998 and reruns ran on Disney Channel from 1997 to 2002. As of 2013, it is the last television series to star The Muppets characters.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Kevin Clash as Clifford / Mulch / Bad Polly / Craniac
- Steve Whitmire as Kermit / Rizzo / Andy / Beaker / Pighead / Poodlepants
- Frank Oz as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / George the Janitor
- Dave Goelz as Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen / Waldorf / Randy / Beauregard / Bill
- Brian Henson as Sal Minella / Seymour / Dr. Phil Van Neuter
- Bill Barretta as Pepé / Bobo / Johnny Fiama / Clueless / Carl / Snookie / Howard
- Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as Floor Manager
- Jerry Nelson as Statler / Jowls / Mama Fiama
Supporting cast
- Drew Massey
- John Henson as Sweetums
- Joseph Wapner as Self
- Martin Short as Self
- Micky Dolenz as Self
- Tony Bennett as Self
- John Goodman as Self
- Garth Brooks as Self
- Jason Alexander as Self
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Self
- Heather Locklear as Self
- Coolio as Self
Guest cast
- Joseph Wapner as Self
- Martin Short as Self
- Micky Dolenz as Self
- Tony Bennett as Self
- John Goodman as Self
- Garth Brooks as Self
- Jason Alexander as Self
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Self
- Heather Locklear as Self
- Coolio as Self
- Daryl Hannah as Self
- Andie MacDowell as Self
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 30 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 8 | July 1, 2010 | July 1, 2010 |
| Season 1 | 10 | March 8, 1996 | July 14, 1996 |
| Season 2 | 12 | September 13, 1997 | February 8, 1998 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Viral Videos: Pöpcørn The Muppets recorded a cover of the song Popcorn featuring it as the theme of a new Swedish Chef sketch, hence its naming as Pöpcørn |
July 1, 2010 |
| 2 |
Viral Videos: Ode to Joy Beaker performed the movement in an online virmup video. To be more specific, six Beakers perform the number: one on violin, one on timpani, one keeping time with the metronome, and three vocalists, all replacing the lyrics with extended "Meemeee"-ing. Inevitably, disaster ensues. The video was nominated in the Music category of the 2009 Webby Awards, as well as the 'People's Voice' award. Beaker won the Webby Award, and accepted the award at the June 8th ceremony. |
July 16, 2008 |
| 3 |
Viral Videos: Habanera The Swedish Chef and Beaker perform the "Habanera" aria from Georges Bizet's opera Carmen. Animal provides assistance and the Chef eats Beaker at the end. |
July 16, 2008 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Michelle Pfeiffer The Muppets have a new show at the KMUP network and a new host, Clifford (no one else wanted the job). In need of a big star for the first episode, Clifford accidentally agrees to both Michelle Pfeiffer and Miss Piggy guest staring without them knowing. |
March 8, 1996 |
| 2 |
Garth Brooks Garth Brooks surprises everyone when he says he'll be doing something different for the show and won't sing any country music songs. |
March 15, 1996 |
| 3 |
Billy Crystal As the show goes on with Billy Crystal, new securtity guard Bobo the Bear keeps other guests from entering the station, including a jazz band for the show's last number. |
March 22, 1996 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Artist Formerly Known As Prince The Artist Formerly Known As Prince comes to guest star and gives some song suggestions. |
September 13, 1997 |
| 2 |
Rick Moranis Rick Moranis prepares for his big musical number as the usual chaos goes on in the studio. |
September 14, 1997 |
| 3 |
Heather Locklear Heather Locklear assures the Muppets she is perfectly normal. But when she eats some experimental food from Bunsen and Beaker, things go crazy. |
September 21, 1997 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | ABC |
|---|---|
| First aired | March 8, 1996 |
| Last aired | February 8, 1998 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Status | ended |