Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic Muppet series mixes stars and kid-friendly content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Muppet Show
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a classic mix of nostalgic humor and entertaining variety, though opinions vary on its suitability for younger audiences as some episodes feature darker themes and comic violence. The earlier seasons are generally recommended for all ages, while later ones may include more inappropriate content that warrants parental discretion.
- classic humor
- family friendly
- darker themes
- parental guidance
- nostalgic content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Taking their cues from harried host Kermit the Frog (voiced by Jim Henson), Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the rest of the Muppet gang put on a star-studded variety show in THE MUPPET SHOW, a family-friendly series that mixes puppetry with celebrity appearances and clever pop-culture parodies. The show premiered in 1976 and lasted for five seasons, winning four Emmy Awards and a slew of other honors.
Is It Any Good?
Most kids would be entertained just by looking at the Muppets, even if they never spoke, so it goes without saying that this skit-driven-show Show still succeeds at serving up laughs for all ages. Though, some of the celebrity guest stars -- and their era-specific hairstyles -- are a little dated. (Singer Anne Murray and illusionist Doug Henning come to mind.)
There's just something about Muppet humor that's inherently timeless, whether it's the Swedish Chef's spirited "bort-bort-bort!" or Dr. Bunsen Honeydew's accident-prone experiments with Beaker in the Muppet Labs. But the series' real genius lies in its tip-of-the-hat to parents at home with clever parodies of pop-culture touchstones, including the Lost in Space-inspired sci-fi spoof "Pigs in Space." It kind of makes you wish The Muppet Show was still on the air ... can you imagine the fun they'd have now?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the cartoonish violence in The Muppet Show and the role it plays in creating comedy. Why do we laugh when a science experiment blows up in Beaker's face, for example? Does the fact that puppets are getting hurt -- rather than people -- make a difference?
Do you think The Muppet Show and Sesame Street -- both of which feature Muppets -- were designed for different audiences? How can you tell?
How does The Muppet Show compare with other family shows that are on television today? Kids: Do you like it, and do the Muppets make you laugh? Parents: Is the show as good as you remember?
How does The Muppet Show promote gratitude, integrity, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 5, 1976
- Cast : Dave Goelz , Frank Oz , Jim Henson
- Network : Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Friendship , Puppets
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Integrity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 6, 2026
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