Muppeturgy: A "The Muppet Show" Rewatch Podcast

Diana Ross Jul 18, 2024

When Diana Ross smiles at us, we go to Rio! We’re holding up little cards to rate this episode — and the whole season — this week. Did season 4 give us a love hangover, or leave us deep in our (whoa whoa whoa) feelings? We’re taking a post-season break so this will be the last time we saw him for a while. Reach out and touch that subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss our triumphant return. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/diana-ross

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Listen to Adam on Again with This! (Episodes 204-206)

Seriously, subscribe so you don’t miss when we come back from our between-season break!

Alan Arkin Jul 05, 2024

We learned a lot about Alan Arkin — and ourselves — this week, as very special guest star Chris Feil joined us to talk Jekyll & Hyde, potentially racist bunnies, devils going down to Georgia and letting people go, and Fozzie’s relationship to rhythm. Plus rearranging fat jokes on the Titanic. You’re no good if you don’t listen. (CW: Discussion of racist tropes such as minstrelsy.) https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/alan-arkin

Andy Williams Jun 20, 2024

Where do we begin? Ideally not here but it’s what we’ve got. This is a weird one, where Andy Williams’ face is waxier than the Muppet cheese and his joke delivery is cheesier than…also the Muppet cheese. It’s also our second week in a row with a Cronenbergian nightmare. But there’s also a puppy, and Frank Oz and Jim Henson remain very good at their jobs. Join us for this love story, won’t you? https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/andy-williams

Doug Henning Jun 06, 2024

Do you believe in magic? How about poofy 70s hair and giant mustaches? Sparkly pink overalls? Cronenbergian nightmares? Rabbis? You will after the Doug Henning episode! The master of illusion (and a question mark) joins the Muppets for some tricks and some schtick, and Fozzie tries to get in on the act with Tribble-esque results. We get in on Norma Rae, All That Jazz, Bugs Bunny, tissue puppetry, and so much more! Listen now…unless it’s all an illuuuuuuuuuuusiooooooooonnnnnnnn… https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/doug-henning

Carol Channing May 23, 2024

Ay ay ay it’s the Carol Channing episode! It will have you asking why it’s so cold in here, can a pig really have big feet (or wear high heels), if diamonds really are a girl’s best friend, and when did I have dead fish? Say hello, Dolly, and don’t forget to check out the website to lay those peepers and them there eyes on this week’s GIFs. Jeepers! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/carol-channing

Lynda Carter May 09, 2024

Hey y’all, prepare yourselves for the Lynda Carter episode of The Muppet Show! It has everything! Wonder Women, Wonder Pigs, Rubberband Men, giant chickens, cannibal tiki idols, backwards alligators, Whiffenpoofs in sheep’s clothing, failed skiffle outfits, and orange colored skies. Plus digressions into The Apple, postcard ads, very early HBO, and John Denver shooting puppies with a BB gun. Grab your tights and fight for your rights to listen! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/lynda-carter

Christopher Reeve Apr 25, 2024

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s the Christopher Reeve episode of The Muppet Show! WATCH his effortless charm! HEAR our hosts talk about Reeve-inspired sexual awakenings…some of them just this week! BRUSH up your Shakespeare! FLY east of the sun and west of the moon! TURN BACK TIME…but not with Somewhere in Time! Anyway…Christopher Reeve: Good at his job. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/christopher-reeve

Mark Hamill & The Stars of Star Wars Apr 11, 2024

It is a dark time for Muppeturgy. Mid episodes like Anne Murray, Phyllis George, and the sinister Jonathan Winters have taken a toll on the brave hosts.

During the battle, Disney+ managed to serve up a not-so-secret episode starring Mark Hamill and the stars of Star Wars, a cast with enough charm to destroy an entire planet.

Joined by the often mentioned, never before heard Todd Brian Backus, our heroes race home aboard their starship to record a podcast and restore freedom to the galaxy...

Show notes at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/star-wars

Get Todd's logo and more at our store!

Jonathan Winters Mar 28, 2024

Very special guest star Danny Lavery joins us to discuss a truly cursed episode of The Muppet Show, plus Mork & Mindy, racist tropes, surprise heterosexuality in the monoculture, and lions, tigers and aliens (oh my!) https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/jonathan-winters

Anne Murray Mar 14, 2024

We could blame Canada for this episode, but that would suggest they did something wrong, rather than give us the delightful Anne Murray (a Canadian working in the American idiom). Though a “middle of the middle” episode may suit the beigeness of Ms. Murray’s catalog a little too well, she’s a game guest star and everyone seems happy as a dodo to have her there. We also have a game guest star, the not-at-all Canadian Amy Spalding! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/anne-murray

Phyllis George Feb 29, 2024

And the winner is…Phyllis George! For the rest of us it’s a tie at best. We’re joined by Joe Reid to talk award shows, sportscasting, Miss America, and when a clip show isn’t a clip show. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/phyllis-george

Liza Minnelli Feb 15, 2024

We’ve made no secret about being Liza Minnelli fans and now the episode is finally here! Were we right to look forward to it all these weeks, or will we drink ourselves half blind over losing our love? It’s a quiet thing, but don’t worry, everything’s coming up roses and it’s gonna be a great day. With our very special guest star, Matt Baume! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/liza-minnelli

Dizzy Gillespie Feb 01, 2024

It’s a jazzy good time of an episode, despite a guest star who appeared to only show up for half of it. But he has fun and so did we! We’ll talk about extremely glamorous fish, baffling Arabian numbers, bullfrog’s cheeks (that’s a myth! a myth!), the canonically important appearance of Waldorf’s wife Astoria, and the sadly less canonically important appearance of the Mayhem’s bongo player. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/dizzy-gillespie

Programming note: There’s a discrepancy between the Muppet Wiki episode order and the Disney+ episode order starting at this point. If you’re watching along, we’ll be sticking with Disney+!

Lola Falana Jan 18, 2024

Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl...no, wait, that’s not right. I mean it is technically right but...you know what I mean. It’s Lola Falana! She does some disco! Chickens cluck Meredith Wilson and Rodgers & Hammerstein! Gonzo is sad because he’s leaving the show! In some ways it feels like they tailored this episode directly to our interests. In other ways...not so much. We’ll get into it, as well as what may possibly be the greatest New York Times article of all time. Oh what, oh wow! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/lola-falana

Kenny Rogers Jan 04, 2024

The oil crisis invades the Muppet Theater! It’s…not great! But Kenny Rogers is pretty great. (And is not Kenny Loggins, in case you were confused about that, which is crazy why would anyone be confused about that?) He knows when to hold ‘em, knows when to fold ‘em, knows when to walk away, and knows when to run, but we debate whether the puppets in the famous Gambler number are creepy, brilliant, or both. Along the way, we’ll put the lime in the coconut, fling some Muppets on trapezes, lift Mother Brown’s knees up, and of course, talk about chicken and (sigh) racism. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/kenny-rogers

John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together Dec 19, 2023

It’s a Very Muppeturgy Chrismukah! To celebrate the Winter Solstice, we muddle through this legendary — but definitely not timeless — 1979 network television special. Join us for a journey the uncanny valley of puppets whose faces don’t move and the uncannier valley of John Denver whose face doesn’t move, with stops at Christian hegemony, crimes against lyrics, how religious was too religious for television and elementary school assemblies in the 70s, if it is in fact in every one of us, a songwriter whose name is NOT Hans Gruber, extremely excellent sweaters, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. Badum-bum-bum! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/denver-xmas

Beverly Sills Dec 07, 2023

Anthony Strand joins us for a highly cultured episode to talk about racism disclaimers, Lobster Newburgh, 70s fashion, Johnny Cash being a giant, Conan O’Brien’s lip-sync “puppet” nightmares…oh yeah, and Beverly Sills is here! Was opera big in the 70s or was the monoculture small? Is this the weirdest episode? One of the best? Both? Do we, like the Muppets, wish we could hang out with Beverly Sills and practice our spoon-hanging? Let’s find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/beverly-sills

Arlo Guthrie Nov 23, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving! We definitely did this on purpose. We’re thankful for getting to spend this time together talking about baffling accents, even more baffling songs, waking death and Muppet mortality (totally normal holiday dinner table stuff), and of course Alice’s Restaurant! Stop by the woods on a snowy evening on your way to Hernando’s Hideaway and give us a listen! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/arlo-guthrie

Dudley Moore Nov 09, 2023

Mamma mia, this episode is weirdly prescient! We’ve got a show business labor dispute over replacing human artists (well, Muppet artists) with a robot…and also Dudley Moore is here! He’s pretty charming! This television is wonderful. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/dudley-moore

Linda Lavin Sep 07, 2023

Muppeturgy, this is your podcast! (Poof, you’re a podcast!) There’s a new girl in town and Linda Lavin is feeling, looking, and sounding good, but there are also some old friends coming to visit. Join us beyond the blue horizon for some clowning around and some frog kissin’. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/linda-lavin

This episode was released during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, shows like The Muppet Show wouldn't exist. You can learn more at sagaftrastrike.org and wgacontract2023.org. If you’d like to support the striking workers, please go to entertainmentcommunity.org.

Victor Borge Aug 24, 2023

Get ready, classical music lovers! This week, we go gaga for macho man Victor Borge, reconsider Bobby Benson and his attack babies, and have several outbursts of pedantry. Is this episode telling one story to the normies and another to the perverts, or did the Muppet guys not understand the significance of dressing the pigs in leather on a Greenwich Village set or did they really think they were making a sketch about “rival gangs?” What happens when you stick your hand inside a turtle shell…or a turtle? We have…no answers, only more questions. But we do have fun. Cluck our bodies and give a listen! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/victor-borge

This episode was released during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, shows like The Muppet Show wouldn't exist. You can learn more at sagaftrastrike.org and wgacontract2023.org. You can also support the striking workers via the Entertainment Community Fund if you’re so inclined!

Dyan Cannon Aug 10, 2023

The minute she walked in the joint we became Dyan Fannons. But is this episode all fun, laughs, good times, or has it gone to the dogs? Or the Congo? Is Foo-Foo secretly a Fosse dancer? Why would a Muppet set have a floor and a ceiling? If a cavegirl outfit isn’t designed by Bob Mackie, is it more problematic than Ally McBeal? And what’s the deal with Pogo?? We’ll answer these questions and more on this episode of Muppeturgy! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/dyan-cannon

This episode was released during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, shows like The Muppet Show wouldn't exist. You can learn more at sagaftrastrike.org and wgacontract2023.org. You can also support the striking workers via the Entertainment Community Fund if you’re so inclined!

Shields & Yarnell Jul 27, 2023

We just can’t stay silent about the Shields and Yarnell episode of The Muppet Show. We have a lot to say about 70s clown culture, mime weddings, and the sheer rage of hearing a mime speak in their act. But did they make ‘em laugh? Take a chance on us and listen! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/shields-yarnell

This episode was released during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, shows like The Muppet Show wouldn't exist. You can learn more at sagaftrastrike.org and wgacontract2023.org. You can also support the striking workers via the Entertainment Community Fund if you’re so inclined!

Crystal Gayle Jul 13, 2023

Hold on to your neck seams and take a walk down River Road with us to board the ship called the Alpha Centauri…which is also bound for Alpha Centauri. It's very confusing. Let’s hope we don’t run into Dearth Nadir on the way, or any Klingons…or the most feared things in the galaxy, Muppet nipples. Back on Earth, we’ve got a prairie dog glee club (it’s really more of a show choir), bankruptcy barrels, and unexpected Harry Belafonte. (CW: racism, minstrelsy, Al Jolson) https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/crystal-gale

John Denver Jun 29, 2023

It’s our official Season 4 premiere! Oh yeah and the Muppets’, too. Some country roads will take us, inch by inch and row by row, to get campy about camping. We hope there are neither any al-i-ga-tors when we get there, not a Muppet version of The Last of Us. After all, man is made of dreams and bones, which might explain why goats are out to get us. Hopefully we survive and can crash on grandma’s feather bed, the exact dimensions of which are very confusing. https://muppeturgy.com/john-denver

The Muppets Go Hollywood Jun 01, 2023

From the glamorous Cocoanut Grove (where definitely no one was assassinated) in beautiful Hollywood (which definitely wasn’t a nightmare in 1979). it’s The Muppets Go Hollywood (which definitely won’t make you go “wow, TV in the 70s was...wow”). We watched this special promoting The Muppet Movie/grasping for ratings/beta testing Jim Henson’s idea for a live Muppet show so you don’t have to! There are definitely some high points: Rita Moreno, Dick Van Dyke, Christopher Reeve, Johnny Mathis, Liberace playing air piano, disco, Frank Oz being great at his job, Paul Williams making us cry…And some low ones: Robert Stack, a very confused Peter Falk, Animal being a creep, Johnny Mathis again depending on who you are, terrible ADR... Join us for a journey back to a time before (most people had) cable but everyone loved Dick. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/muppets-go-hollywood

Cheryl Ladd Apr 06, 2023

It’s our season finale, and we enjoy being a Muppet Show podcast with our own very special guest star, Danny Horn, of Tough Pigs, Muppet Wiki and Muppet Pictures. Yaaaaay! It’s a super-sized episode, because we needed extra time to go all in on queer theory, Miss Piggy as long-form drag performance, Muppet jobs vs. Muppet identities, dogs and cats and chickens living together, eyelid mechanisms, twoo wuv, Charlie’s Angels & jiggle television, Link’s nipples, and Rodgers & Hammerstein (okay, we would have gone all in on those last two anyway). Give a listen to the new sound made by this podcast, won’t you?

We’re taking a little break between seasons, so be sure to subscribe in your podcast app of choice and set those automatic updates so you don’t miss us when we come back! (Probably in June, but we may have something extra to tide you over.) And you can follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Now is a great time to tell your friends about us, or leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts!

Tons more, as always, at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/cheryl-ladd.

With OUR Very Special Guest Star…Danny Horn!

By day, Danny a Director of Product Management at the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization behind Wikipedia. By night and weekend, he promotes truth and justice through the unlikely medium of a blog about superhero movies. He’s also the creator of Tough Pigs and one of the founders of the indispensable Muppet Wiki, plus he has a new Muppet project, Muppet Pictures, on both Twitter and Facebook.

Lynn Redgrave Mar 23, 2023

Hooray, hooray, come cavort with the Muppets as they put on a play! Anything we do we do it for Lynn Redgrave, even watching an episode that sometimes feels like getting tortured with thumb screws. Listen as we and take aim at egregious Lady Kluck erasure, noted Yoda stan Frank Sinatra, and the enduring nature of the Robin Hood myth (yeth?). https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/lynn-redgrave

Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Mar 09, 2023

Hit those happy trails, we’re going deep in the heart of Texas where the stars at night are big and bright (👏👏👏👏) but there’s nothing but blue skies for the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans episode. Well…and some terrifying babies. And confusing horses. And a somewhat alarming amount of gunplay. Okay, there a few tumbling tumbleweeds. Still, join us at home on the range with some adorable prairie dogs and a whole bunch of cows. (Herd of cows.) [Of course I’ve heard of cows.]

https://www.muppeturgy.com/episodes/roy-rogers-dale-evans (The site seems to be having some trouble on mobile today, so if it glitches in your podcast app give it a try on desktop @ muppeturgy.com. Sorry about that!)

New merch! Just for the Halibut shirts and stickers/pins/etc.

Roger Miller Feb 23, 2023

Well dang us, this is a clucking good episode of The Muppet Show that charmed even the country music skeptics among us. Is it because Roger Miller is such a charmer, or because everyone is turning into a chicken? Why not both? Can a penguin rollerskate to Alabamy in a buffalo herd? Do they only wear hats in the summertime? Is cluckitis an STD? Will it make your weasel pop? Do wacka do listen for all these answers and much much more! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/roger-miller

Sylvester Stallone Feb 16, 2023

Hey it’s a guest star we don’t have to explain! He’s on a TV show right now! And also, like, super duper famous. But what’s it like to go back 45 years to peak Rocky Balboa and watch Sylvester Stallone…fight a lion in a gladiator sketch? And fend off groupies including Scooter? And sing music hall while looking like the opening credits from Cheers? Because we’re us, we’ll also manage to talk about two Disney parks attractions, Animaniacs, show choir, and so much more. Join us in the ring! (Or the Enchanted Tiki Room.) https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/sylvester-stallone

Elke Sommer Jan 26, 2023

However you pronounce it, Elke Sommer seems delightful, so it’s unfortunate that she’s overshadowed by the Bobby Benson Baby Band. Give those kids some animal crackers and row row row them out to sea! Backstage, Beau and Beaker hammer out their new relationship and the Pigs in Space explore Koozebane in sneakers and tights. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/elke-sommer

New shirt! Just for the Halibut!

Leslie Uggams (and Big Bird of Sesame Street) Jan 12, 2023

It may be January but June is busting out all over and we’re huckin’ the bejeepers with Leslie Uggams and Big Bird (of Sesame Street, maybe you’ve heard of it). We have our quibbles (here we come again) but what a delight after a couple of episodes we weren’t super into to have not one but two guest stars who are charming and charismatic and seem to really want to be here! Does Gonzo try to have sex with Big Bird, who is technically supposed to be a six-year-old child? Sure! Does he do it while on a date with Camilla, who he’s also weirdly coercive with? Do we have thoughts about Leslie Uggams’ lack of pants? Look, not everything can be perfect, okay? We get a Captain and Tennille number, some Dolly Parton, a dash of Noel Coward, Beaker lighting water on fire, Kermit throwing shade, the premiere of Bear On Patrol, and some real weird digressions into Leonard Nimoy, Bigfoot, Colonel Sanders’ herbs and spices, and a whole lot of 1979 TV. Listen and let love keep us together! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/leslie-uggams

Merch! https://muppeturgy.com/store

Spike Milligan Dec 29, 2022

Content warning: This episode of our podcast contains discussions of racist tropes and inappropriate depictions of races and cultures because this episode of The Muppet Show contains those things and, well, that was kind of Spike Milligan’s whole deal. It’s a small world after all, and he offended most of it, including Britain and America (I know you do!). There are arguably (and we will argue about it!) some salvageable bits here, like a trip to Disneyland by way of Oklahoma and Brazil, cute dogs, Mah Nah Mah Nah in a grass skirt, bagpipes getting destroyed, and, as always, Frank Oz being very good at his job. But we definitely think you should listen to us talk about this episode rather than watch this episode. And if you don’t feel like doing that either, come back in two weeks for one that’s almost as confusing definitely less racist! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/spike-milligan

Danny Kaye Dec 16, 2022

We’re so grateful to have very special guest Noah Diamond, who really appreciates Danny Kaye with us this week because we…did not. But you don’t come to us to treat beloved national treasures with kid gloves, you come to us for deep dives into the music theory of why “Inchworm” is creepy. Plus disco oddities, possible child refugees, amazing outerwear, formally dressed hippies, dancing fruit, and municipal codes written in Sharpie. Let the sunshine in…but don’t tell anyone, this is a podcast episode just for friends. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/danny-kaye

Lesley Ann Warren Dec 01, 2022

We love Lesley and/or Warren just the way she is, but is it the last dance for the Muppaphone? Is the Muppets’ take on Beauty and the Beast ahead of its time or a shreky misstep? Does Gonzo’s feat of lunatic daring succeed, or die like disco? Can Sam handle Dr. Teeth being curt and vile? Don’t get hit by dummo rays, listen to our latest episode and find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/lesley-ann-warren

Special Announcement: We have merch! Get it in time for the holidays at https://www.teepublic.com/stores/muppeturgy?ref_id=27676

Harry Belafonte Nov 10, 2022

Leggies and jenglefins, come let us tally the ways we love this episode! It would be a real (drum) battle to narrow it down, but so is life. This banana boat stops at Beetlejuice, Dreamgirls, and witnesses the birth of C-SPAN?? Turn your podcast player around and join us! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/harry-belafonte

Helen Reddy Oct 27, 2022

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Starting this week, we’re going to be releasing new episodes every other Thursday. But we didn’t decide that until after we recorded, so you’ll hear us say “next week” at the end of the episode. And also at the end of the next episode, when it will actually be three weeks because of Thanksgiving. We’re sorry for lying to you but if you’re anything like us you’re probably behind on your podcasts anyway.

We are just embryos with a long long way to go, but we know too much to go back and pretend that this is anything but a B- episode. Still, we’re always reddy for some Muppets falling down, Bee Gees songs you can do CPR to, backup singers who look like blow-up dolls, contemplating our own mortality, and World War I flying aces. CW: Brief mention of pedophilia at 59:00.

https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/helen-reddy

James Coco Oct 13, 2022

We’re back from a little break, ready and…somehow not at all rested. But that’s okay because James Coco brings us a fairly languid episode, despite all his talk of pace pace pace! Maybe his energy was low because of his severe diet. Fortunately there’s also some underwater delights from a failed skiffle outfit, a Droop sighting, short people, and Wayne and Scooter finally acknowledge their forbidden love. Oh, and puppet holes. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/james-coco

Raquel Welch Sep 17, 2022

Baby, it’s Raquel Welch! We’re pretty mixed on this episode, which has some wild gender politics along with some wild spiders, and the horniest Muppets we’ve seen to date. And what’s more troubling, Miss Piggy frying up bacon in a pan, or pondering Gonzo’s living situation? Only one of them is a W-O-P-I-G, and only one of us saw Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark three times, so put on your Bob Mackie cavewoman outfit and confide in us for a sexational episode of The Muppet Show. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/raquel-welch

Marisa Berenson Sep 08, 2022

Drink every time we say “beautiful” or “socialite” and maybe Miss Piggy will be able to successfully trick you into marriage! This episode is a mixed bag but we’re all quite taken with its beautiful socialite guest, our first look at a certain boomerang fish act (they’re coming back!), some nifty Muppet choreography, and a fun twist on a musical theatre classic. Plus bad Zoom backgrounds, a rare case of wanting Muppets to be more dead, Tetris, and sports! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/marisa-berenson

Liberace Sep 01, 2022

This week’s episode goes out to all the hatchlings and all the eggs. We go behind the Muppet candelabra for an in-depth look at the geography of the Muppet theater, Fletcher Bird’s possible side-hustles (as it were), new Popes, litigious homosexuality, incongruous cruising piers, and Gillian Lynne bird sex parties.

And we swear, we’re still not a Little House on the Prairie podcast.

https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/liberace

Loretta Lynn Aug 18, 2022

Muppvengers Assemble! Get ready for the most important summit of all time when worlds collide at a strangely rural train station. We’re joined this week by Matthew Gaydos and Sam Schultz from the Kermitment podcast to talk about the most awarded lady in country music, dogs with jobs, birth control, railroad logistics, improv games gone wrong, dancing hobos, fumigation, theatrical geography, and horrifying babies. Will we stay on track or get derailed as we take a sentimental journey through this high-concept episode of The Muppet Show? Hop on your handcar to find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/loretta-lynn

Alice Cooper Aug 11, 2022

It’s a spooky, scary episode of The Muppet Show with demented, sick, degenerate, barbaric, naughty, doofy, moist weirdo Alice Cooper! Welcome to my nightmare: We’ll travel over the rainbow, all the way to Monkeypox, Tennessee, where school’s out forever, noted Joe Raposo stan Frank Sinatra’s recording history is disputed, and you and me can lounge on a bunch of pillows talking about Yip Harburg, Walter Cronkite, Star Trek, cave teeth, Satan, the Great Pumpkin, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Wait, this is no nightmare, it’s just a typical episode of Muppeturgy! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/alice-cooper

Jean Stapleton Aug 05, 2022

Jean Stapleton is just wild about Harry and we're just wild about...The Hanna-Barbera Happy Hour, Little House On The Prairie, Pocahontas 2, Murder She Wrote, You've Got Mail, and the Good Neighbor Policy? Look, it was the 70s, those things were all in the family. On the actual Muppet front, we've got creepy two headed twins, a pig throuple, Mexican jumping beans, waltzing walnuts, some melodrama involving Annie Sue, a truly delightful Fozzie duet, an inexplicable Crazy Harry invention, and the worst music hall number yet! But did we like it? You'll have to listen to find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/jean-stapleton

Pearl Bailey Jul 28, 2022

Hello, Pearlie, it’s so nice to be up to one of our all-time favorite episodes of The Muppet Show! We’ve got the horse right here with more musical theatre shenanigans than you can shake a jousting lance from Camelot at, and a boy like that who’ll turn your avocado critic into guacamole for a picnic in the good old summertime, leaving no soul as a witness. Don’t be shellfish, put on your pantsuit and grab a plate of Duncan Hines and listen to our episode! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/pearl-bailey

Gilda Radner Jul 22, 2022

The plot stickens, and you say ALLENTOWN?!? This episode has it all: Gilda Radner, Emily Litella, Bunsen Honeydew at his most patronizing, a truly horrifying Muppet Labs accident, Eskimo pigs, a penguin who’s going out there a youngster and coming back a star, Peter Friedman, the Milford Plaza (is the lullaby of all Broadway!), Gilbert and Sullivan, Aaron Sorkin, Kevin Kline’s mustache, Uncle Deadly at the Boom-Boom Room, Jerry Orbach’s eyes, AND the most famous Muppet of all: a 7-foot tall talking carrot! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/gilda-radner

Roy Clark Jul 14, 2022

Hee-haw and hubba-wha, it’s the Roy Clark episode of The Muppet Show! It’s not going to set the world on fire but it’s a pretty fun time, with dogs and frogs and pigs and chickens and ducks and foxes and…mustachioed flutists and empowered sex workers? Throw in the Grand Old Opry, Fallout, and some serious concerns about fire code violations, and you’ve got yourself a Muppeturgy! https://muppeturgy/episodes/roy-clark

Leo Sayer Jul 07, 2022

We meet Annie Sue for real in this bird-forward episode that made us feel like dancing but also raised a lot of questions about the definitions of rock ‘n’ roll and disco, clowns vs. mimes, upsetting dwarves, unexpected Ghostbusters, and why a light rock hit that is definitely not not about masturbation is staged as a forest orgy with Emmet Otter. Oh, and Christie’s mom is here! Do you need us to feel like dancing? Listen to the show going on! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/leo-sayer

Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge Jul 01, 2022

We took a little break between seasons, just for the halibut, but we're so happy to be back. With a bit of a whimper of a Muppet Show episode to be honest, but if you've been dying to hear us talk about the 1978-79 TV season, A Star Is Born, A Joyful Noise, Disney's Pinocchio, terrifying Muppet eyes, salad cream, Danish butter cookies, protruding nipples, and, uh, Jonestown, you're in luck! Grab your skinny mic and join us for season 3. We promise it’s not hoopless! Yaaaaaayyyyyyy! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/kris-kristofferson-rita-coolidge

Cloris Leachman Apr 21, 2022

For the second time in a row, scheduling and technical issues delayed our season finale, but we hope we’re getting it to you just in time. We think it was worth the weight ($1.69 a pound at Zabar’s!) for the legendary Cloris Leachman and…a violent hostage situation led by revolutionary pigs? You know, for kids! Put on your best polka dot scarf (other clothing optional) and start marking the days on the wall in chalk until season three! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/cloris-leachman

John Cleese Mar 28, 2022

This! Is an ex! …tremely funny episode of The Muppet Show! At least some of us thought so. As is so often the way with these things, John Cleese’s modern shenanigans have given us some mixed feelings about him, but he was at his prime here and his comic sensibility wasn’t at all a stretch for the Muppets, leaving no souls lost. You don’t have to pirate this episode, listen now! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/john-cleese

Teresa Brewer Mar 18, 2022

We sure hope you like our podcast episode better than we liked this Muppet Show episode, which had us shaking with rage at Kermit, Scooter, diet culture, and whoever thought this swill was a good idea, even in 1977. This backstage plot really takes the cake and you’re just going to have to lettuce workout our feelings about it. We promise to get back to less weighty matters less week. It's not all bad… There are some cute songs, a fourth-wall-breaking Pigs in Space, and we have our own very special guest star, Tough Pigs’ Joe Hennes! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/teresa-brewer

Bob Hope Mar 10, 2022

We’ve lost all hope…but we’ve found Michal’s sister! Also some hillbilly ding dongs, the components of a horse, an unusually prescient Muppet Labs invention, and a whole lotta puns. Stop! Hey, what’s that sound? It’s our podcast episode about the Bob Hope episode of The Muppet Show! Quit loafing around and give it a listen. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/bob-hope

Petula Clark Mar 03, 2022

When you're alone and life is making you lonely, you can always join the Mickey Moose Club and give your heart gladly to our Petula Clark episode! Will our rowboat sink or will the sun come out tomorrow? I’m tired already. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/petula-clark

Peter Sellers Feb 25, 2022

We have questions about this episode. Mostly: Why? Peter Sellers famously said (to Kermit!) “You see, there is no me, I do not exist,” and it’s sort of fun to see him prove that by only appearing in character on The Muppet Show, we just wish those characters were less creepy and/or racist. When Kermit has a nervous breakdown in Muppet Labs, it’s easy to see why. Content warning: this episode contains discussions of brown-face makeup, an offensive word, and content warnings. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/peter-sellers

Jaye P. Morgan Feb 17, 2022

We confess we didn’t know much about Jaye P. Morgan before (we definitely knew she was not a railroad heiress…definitely) but after watching this explosive episode we’re super into her! Come for the horny, chaotic Studio 54 energy, stay to hear us slander Morris dancers! Plus incredible hats, deeply weird birds, and Dr. Teeth bringing new meaning to The Gong Show. We know you won’t be really indifferent, give it a listen! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/jaye-p-morgan

Julie Andrews Feb 10, 2022

High on a hill was a lonely podcast…If you’ve ever listened to us before, you can safely assume we have positive feelings about Dame Julie Andrews. But have we loved this episode since it was a tadpole and we were a fish, or think it should be egregiously overlooked? Do we have beef with the live cow backstage, or will somebody dance to a happy tune? We have here a list of a few of our favorite things, so do (re mi) give it a listen, won’t you? Super! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/julie-andrews

Cleo Laine Feb 03, 2022

We’re down a panelist but up a puppeteer for the Cleo Laine episode of The Muppet Show. Yay? How low can you go? If depressing Japanese death puppet narration isn’t low enough for you, perhaps we can interest you in an extra helping of colonialism? Does Fozzie’s mom have that swing in her first appearance or does she not mean a thing? Is it weird that Fozzie is in drag in an episode featuring a character who is also Fozzie in drag? And just what IS Link’s deal? Listen and find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/cleo-laine

Lou Rawls Jan 28, 2022

Is Lou Rawls the one who’ll make us feel like groovy people, or did this episode have us saying “bye bye (blackbird)?” No need to be a pig, we will definitely say it all (Budweiser may or may not be involved) with our very special guest star, Tough Pigs’ Becca Petunia! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/lou-rawls

Elton John Jan 21, 2022

Hello, Yellow Brick Road! Did this episode go breaking our hearts, or did it…rock our crocodiles? Okay, that got very tortured very quickly. We know you lead elaborate lives so we won’t keep you in suspense: we didn’t really feel the love tonight for this episode, which was both a surprise and a bummer because we, like the Muppets, are fans of Sir Elton John! Sorry (seems the be the hardest word), Elton! I guess that’s why they call it the blues. But we would never let the sun go down on our very special guest stars, Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting, who took time out of their busy schedule talking about songs with each other to talk about songs and puppets with us! https://muppeturgy.com/elton-john

Rudolf Nureyev Jan 13, 2022

Baby, it’s problematic outside…and we love it? Sam may not be happy about Rudolf Nureyev’s decision to mostly avoid classical ballet on The Muppet Show, but we think it makes him an all-time great guest…if maybe not an all-time great actor. Will he tap dance his way into your heart or is something missing? Put on your tux and listen to our latest episode! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/rudolf-nureyev

Bernadette Peters Jan 06, 2022

If you’ve listened to our podcast even a little bit, it doesn’t take a little one step two step three step of logic to know that we’re pretty big Bernadette Peters fans. So did just four people believe in her Muppet Show episode? Grab some Apple Jack and your littlest frog and listen to find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/bernadette-peters

Bonus Episode: Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas Dec 25, 2021

Hubba-wha?! A bonus episode? We couldn’t afford to get you a proper store-bought present but you know how we love a jug-band (which we’ve only just realized is spelled with a hyphen, apparently), so we’re here to remind you of the mess Pa left when he went away. Listen as we row our little boat down the long and winding river of our feelings about the classic 1977 TV special, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and its newer live stage adaptation. Adorable forest creatures! Super catchy songs! Cottage-core outfits to die for! Late-stage capitalism to literally die for! Merry Christmas from all of us at Muppeturgy! https://muppeturgy.com/emmet-otter

Dom DeLuise Dec 17, 2021

No one had to pay us off to (mostly) like the Dom DeLuise episode! We’ve got a full backstage plot, a game guest star, a group singalong, some of our favorite monsters, and some of the best fashion of the season. Stick an apple in your mouth and listen! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/dom-deluise

George Burns Dec 10, 2021

Did this episode make us love it? It all depends on your feelings for old jokes and even older guest stars. Everyone loves OUR guest star, Anthony Strand, who joins us while George Burns to discuss runaway trains, conniving little twinks, the short but powerful life of Fleet Scribbler, and how many teats Miss Piggy might show on Page Three. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/george-burns

Madeline Kahn Dec 03, 2021

This episode may seem pedestrian, but it’s really quite a happy feat, with the great Madeline Kahn jumping in to a sweet and sad backstage plot with Gonzo, some questionable but fun toe-tapping with the Mutations, and a role in a classic Muppet variety show sketch. Plus one of Kermit’s most iconic numbers, some space feminism, and…gun-toting lobsters? We’re on a roll! https://muppeturgy.com/madeline-kahn

Steve Martin Nov 19, 2021

We weren’t wild and crazy about this episode, or about Kermit’s baffling inability to properly schedule what is presumably a weekly show, but we were intrigued by the experimental format that had us feeling the ribbit of the night from some rats straight out of the Moulin Rouge, along with Mary Louise (and friend), various forms of performing food, and old friends Marvin Suggs and Baskerville. Statler and Waldorf even show their legs! Do we get to the bottom of the full-screen Disney disclaimer or just create our own problems? Listen and find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/steve-martin

Edgar Bergen Nov 12, 2021

Read our lips: We consider ourselves to be fans of this episode! We’d be dummies not to enjoy something that gives us labor organizing, two chicken numbers, some extremely 70s styling, Fozzie at his most vulnerable, and even cameos from Uncle Deadly and Droop! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/edgar-bergen

Nancy Walker Nov 05, 2021

Here’s our Nancy Walker episode, I guess. This one isn’t exactly a bounty, but it does have Sweetums dancing, some decent puns, Fozzie and Scooter being adorable, a naked eagle, and a guest star who’s clearly game for anything. Quick! Pick up your podcast player and cover your mouth while you listen! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/nancy-w-alker

Judy Collins Oct 29, 2021

Just in time for Halloween, unhinge your jaw and send in the most seventies clowns that ever seventiesed. We had a good time this week and we hope you will too, as we talk about folk bullshit, Stephen Sondheim, canonical throuples, Link Hogthrob’s chest hair, and of course, folk bullshit. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/judy-collins

Rich Little Oct 22, 2021

We didn’t get the best impression of the 70s from this episode, and some people even say it’s the worst Muppet Show episode of all time. But we won’t count our chickens before they’re hatched on that front. We will, however, get into all the ways we hated Rich Little…and maybe a couple of things we liked? https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/rich-little

Milton Berle Oct 15, 2021

Are you not entertain…ered?! This was a weird one: creepy clowns (no, not those creepy clowns yet, another one), the same song twice that we didn’t like the first time, and a sometimes challenging guest. But then there’s Fozzie at his most joyful, the very first Pigs in Space, and a very cute owl. We guess that MAKES UP for it. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/milton-berle

Bonus Episode: Muppets Haunted Mansion Oct 10, 2021

It’s a booooooooooooo-nus episode about the new Disney+ special, Muppets Haunted Mansion! Join your grim grinning hosts as we try to make sense of our feelings about this very strange mix of Disney Parks commercial, classic Muppet bits, highly specific references that may or may not be jokes aimed directly at the venn diagram of our interests, and…Gonzo confronting his mortality in deeply upsetting ways? You know, for kids! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/haunted-mansion

Zero Mostel Oct 08, 2021

Balancing all the elements in a Muppet Show episode is tricky. Some might say it’s as shaky as King Henry the VIII…wait, what? This wasn’t any of our favorite episode but it did have its high points, like Muppy being adorable, and the first appearance of Beaker! Plus our own very special guest star, Ben Liebert! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/zero-mostel

Don Knotts Oct 01, 2021

We’re back! It’s season two and The Muppet Show is starting to take the form we all remember. 15 seconds to curtain! The arches! Gonzo’s trumpet! Beaker! (Next week.) Uh…nightmare gingerbread people? Horrifying music hall numbers? Deeply stressful mental breakdowns? Hey look, a puppy! Aw, a tribble/fizzgig thing! We’re gonna be okay. Let’s pour one out for Mildred, George, Wayne, and Wanda, and welcome TV legend Don Knotts for season two of The Muppet Show — YAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY! (A thing Kermit doesn’t actually say yet.) https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/don-knotts

Mummenschanz Aug 13, 2021

This episode is super late! We weren’t abducted by Swiss mimes, nor did they put us off this project entirely, we just had some scheduling issues. And now we’re back and super excited to bring you this extra dose of pedantry and fish puns. This episode is packed with 70s nightmare fuel (but you know, for kids!), plus Gonzo is horny for Piggy, Scooter is horny for Floyd, Statler is horny for Waldorf, and we all have some feelings about microscopic water bears. Listen and learn! GIFs and more tardigrade facts at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/mummenschanz

And now that we’re back…we’re taking a little break before season 2. So make sure to subscribe so you get the next episode as soon as it drops!

Kaye Ballard Jul 23, 2021

We’re not gonna lie: we’re tired this week, and we wonder if the Muppet People were too as they got to the end of this season in 1976. This episode should work. It has a classic backstage plot and a game guest star. But like one of Vend-A-Face’s customers, the parts don’t quite come together and it’s all a little…one note. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/kaye-ballard

Ethel Merman Jul 16, 2021

As you may have heard, there’s no business like show business. Kermit and Fozzie lean into the business side with some intense contract negotiations, while the legendary Ethel Merman brings the show. It’s a surprisingly sweet episode for a guest star known for being so brassy, and the Muppets petty starstruck by the living legend in their presence. Are we starstruck by our guest, award-winning actor/singer/writer/comedian Larry Owens? Listen and find out! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/ethel-merman

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Twiggy Jul 08, 2021

You might not expect an episode featuring British supermodel, actress and pop star Twiggy to also feature what our esteemed guest, NPR’s Glen Weldon, called “a disquieting gay pride Langolier,” a potentially nightmare-inducing (for small children or fans of continuity) Uncle Deadly threatening to literally murder Kermit, and (sigh) the Gogolala Jubilee Jugband, but here we are. Okay, it doesn’t sound like it but we really liked this episode! It’s so much fun it should be…ill eagle. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/twiggy

Valerie Harper Jul 02, 2021

Valerie Harper proves she’s a Broadway Baby and a total Muppet freak while Statler fails to prove worthy of her love…and also Tarzan’s? Rhoda expert Jennifer Keishin Armstrong joins us for some frank talk about creepy Muppets and how Rowlf makes us feel (spoiler: not creepy). As always, tons more at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/valerie-harper

Vincent Price Jun 25, 2021

Just in time for Pride, 2021 or Groundhog Day, 1977 it’s…a super spooky Halloween episode? Whatever the season, we loved this episode, the first theme episode of The Muppet Show’s run. Vincent Price is a great guest, fully embracing the Muppet ethos and bringing his own creepy/campy/fun sensibility. Plus the first appearance of Uncle Deadly and a Droop sighting! We wouldn’t have minded some better singing but at some point beggars can’t be choosers. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/vincent-price

Phyllis Diller Jun 18, 2021

The backstage plot could stand to have some work done, though as always we love Hilda just the way she is. We also love the great Phyllis Diller, who is our favorite Muppet of the week despite quite clearly being a human. Her chemistry with Fozzie and Rowlf is a joy to behold, and her laugh is infectious. We loved this episode. Just don’t ask about the feet. https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/phyllis-diller

Ben Vereen Jun 11, 2021

We were hoping Ben Vereen would have more magic to do with the Muppets, but he mostly dances around them in a way that suggests he has too much something on his mind, and it’s not Heaven. (It might be quaaludes but who are we to say?) At least our beloved Droop doesn’t say bye bye love, and Fozzie’s big act is only visually like Pippin’s. Show notes and many many Droop GIFs at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/ben-vereen

Avery Schreiber Jun 04, 2021

ToughPigs’ delightful Anthony Strand joins us this week and we sure hope he’s willing to come back after we mostly crap on his favorite episode of Season 1. Oops! Of all the Muppet Show guests we’ve discussed so far, Avery Schreiber might be the most 1976. Or the most 1926. His face could be in silent movies, or on a Pringles can, or…a Muppet! Plus we’ve got dogs, cats, gorillas, koozebabies and…boobs? Something here isn’t kosher. Check out the even-weirder-than-usual show notes at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/avery-schreiber

Candice Bergen May 28, 2021

The Muppet Show tries to do a feminism and takes an unexpected turn into distinctly yee-haw territory, always expected praise for Dorothy Fields, and off-brand Droop. This may not be our favorite episode but Ms. Candice Bergen is one of our favorite guest stars — and frankly still one of our favorite actors. Never mind that jazz, listen to this episode and let us know if it’s better than a pie in the face! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/candice-bergen-fixed

Sandy Duncan May 21, 2021

This was only the fourth episode we recorded, before Disney+ changed the order on us. We’re excited to finally share to with you! But we also think, like Fozzie, our act has gotten better over time, so please be gentle with us. Fortunately this is a pretty great Muppet Show episode in this stretch of season one we’ve been not-so-hot on. Perky is kind of Sandy Duncan’s whole brand, and she absolutely earns that here, and, well, makes us feel good all over. She’s a nice girl who absolutely belongs in a place like The Muppet Show and we’re thrilled to have her, along with our guest David Beukema! Yaaaaaaay! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/sandy-duncan

Bruce Forsyth May 14, 2021

It's another very British guest star, but this time all-singing, all-dancing, all…duckling? We are definitely feeling mixed here in the middle of the season, but this episode has some delightful puppetry, Miss Piggy coming into her full star power, and an extremely memorable duck. And snerfs! Snerfs? https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/bruce-forsyth

Peter Ustinov May 07, 2021

We found this episode insufficiently arresting, but still had a lot to talk about even with one of our usual panelists missing. Will you want to hang your hat on Peter Ustinov's talents, or will they send you running through the Field of Angst to the Forest of Despair? Is it easier bein’ green or getting through this episode? Listen and find out! https//:muppeturgy.com/episodes/peter-ustinov

Lena Horne Apr 30, 2021

Unsurprisingly, miss Lena Horne is a gracious, charming, and classy guest. It's a little bit surprising just how well she gets the Muppets, no not when you consider that this is not her first time working with them. She fits right in, and we loved this episode though we're a bit divided on her 70s-tastic clothes. Listen to our conversation including a much-too-deep dive on "Sing," proto-yays, and general pedantry, and check out the GIFs, videos, and more at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/lena-horne and let us know what you think!

Harvey Korman Apr 23, 2021

A guest star we love in other places, one of our favorite monsters, and a truly great Kermit/Fozzie bit somehow didn’t add up to much, in an episode that mostly had us waiting for Chekhov’s balloon guy to go off. But we made our own fun with our very special guest star, Tough Pigs’ Ryan Roe! https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/harvey-korman

Charles Aznavour Apr 16, 2021

It's a very French episode of The Muppet Show with a French guest, French lessons, French dancers (a muppnage à trois is implied, anyway), and even some French bread! Plus a musical theater classic, Gonzo in drag, some strong feelings about chewing gum, and our very special guest star Gregory Maupin! https://www.muppeturgy.com/episodes/charles-aznavour

Paul Williams Apr 09, 2021

We were a little (not a short joke) punchy this week, and we hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording. This is a cute episode of The Muppet Show, with a guest who basically defined 70s pop music. Though somehow we managed to spend as much time talking about meat tenderizer and pounding chickens as we did about Paul Williams. We don't think Dr. Bunsen Honeydew (who makes his debut this week) would object. https://www.muppeturgy.com/episodes/paul-williams

Florence Henderson Apr 02, 2021

You surely know Florence Henderson best as Carol Brady, but did you know she’s actually a ghost made of butterflies? That’s one of our theories, anyway. This week we’re joined by our own very special guest star, novelist Amy Spalding, who is extremely lovely but in ways quite different from Rowlf. We’re baffled by one song, delighted by another, digress into butts in white satin (who hasn’t?), and have some strong feelings as things really get started on Kermit and Piggy’s backstage romance/HR violation. https://www.muppeturgy.com/episodes/florence-henderson

Jim Nabors Mar 26, 2021

We were mixed on this episode, but gol-ly, Jim Nabors is charming! Along the way, we question the realism of Muppet biology (as we do), fact-check some operetta, meet Scooter and his sense of entitlement for the first/third time, visit our friend the Loud Lady, and get a hearty helping of yee-haw. Lots more at https://muppeturgy.com/episodes/jim-nabors

TW: This episode (of The Muppet Show, but excerpted on our show) contains some potentially offensive language about Asians and Native Americans, and a joke about the flu that does not play particularly well in March of 2021.

Ruth Buzzi Mar 19, 2021

Although we were not a-buzz about this episode (sorry), there’s still a lot to talk about, including some delightful puppetry, classic Statler & Waldorf, some boys from Jersey, and fame in the 70s. This episode also, fittingly, gives us Piggy’s first karate chop, as we metaphorically beat up some fat-shaming writers and diet culture. Much more at https://www.muppeturgy.com/episodes/ruth-buzzi

Joel Grey Mar 12, 2021

National treasure Joel Grey brings the old razzle dazzle and Fozzie invents improv comedy tonight on the third-produced episode of The Muppet Show. Your hosts found Fozzie, Gonzo, and a banana endearing, but the episode on the whole a bit lackluster. Plus: racism, homo- and/or trans-phobia, Wayne & Wanda, and...Muppet concentration camps?? Lots more at https://www.muppeturgy.com/joel-grey

Connie Stevens (and Ernie & Bert) Mar 05, 2021

This week we start to wonder just how many very special guest stars dated Elvis and/or Sinatra, manage to talk about presidents Ford and Trump, get in the weeds on what is and is not a Muppet and what constitutes “special Muppet dancing,” and accidentally body-shame a felt pig (we’re sorry, Lydia, you’re beautiful). Lots more show notes at https://muppeturgy.com.

Juliet Prowse Feb 26, 2021

We tried to game the system (we tried to light the lights?). We over-thought everything and recorded a bunch of episodes, guessing at which order Disney+ might choose to post The Muppet Show in. And we were right to do it! When the show went up last week it was in the New York air order, which makes a lot of sense because that’s how people first saw it and while there’s not a ton of continuity, the Muppet People did go back and add scenes to episodes so that characters are introduced in the right order and what-not (and What-Nots). And then this week, for reasons known only to them, the Disney+ order changed to the production order like it was on the DVDs we’d been watching before February 19. We know it doesn’t really matter but we figure you’re watching along and we want it to make some kind of sense so we’re following Disney’s lead, which means we’re back where we started recording with Juliet Prowse! Yaaaaaaay!

This was the first episode of The Muppet Show made but actually the last of the season aired in New York, on April 23, 1977. It’s definitely piloty, but for an episode that’s a little off, this has a ton of Muppet hallmarks, including Mah Nah Mah Nah, Muppets making jokes about being puppets, Kermit hitting on a guest, Gonzo bombing, a dancing bear, and a glee club made up of frogs, pigs and chickens. Lea Michele could never. We sort of weren’t sure what to make of it, but we think we mostly liked it. Bear-and-frog with us as we, too, are a little piloty, and are figuring out what we’re doing.

More show notes at https://muppeturgy.com.

Rita Moreno Feb 19, 2021

Perfect guest Rita Moreno is perfect on an episode that has us mostly gushing over this collection of highly memorable sketches and firsts, including Veterinarian’s Hospital, Marvin Suggs and his Muppaphone, Sweetums, and of course Animal. Along the way we’ll talk about accents, learning to read, the many voices of Miss Piggy, pseudonymous songwriters, and if it’s possible for the Talk Spot to ever not be creepy. Lots more show notes at https://www.muppeturgy.com

The Muppet Valentine Show Feb 14, 2021

The Muppets did a weird and sort of formless pilot episode so we did too! While we wait for the actual Muppet Show to drop on Disney+, here’s a podcast episode about The Muppet Valentine Show, a 1974 special that served as a sort of backdoor pilot for The Muppet Show. Head to http://muppeturgy.com for a ton of links, GIFs, and more info.

It’s Time To Meet The Podcasters Feb 10, 2021

Hi ho! We thought we’d get things started by telling you a little about who we are, how we feel about The Muppets (spoiler: we like ‘em), and what we’re planning to do here. Welcome! muppeturgy.com

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