With few exceptions, The Muppets have always been presented as real living characters within the universe of their productions. The Muppet characters have also made many appearances as "real" characters on real-world, non-fiction programs, often appearing as celebrity guests or acts on talk shows, variety shows, game shows, cooking shows or documentaries. But rarely have Muppet characters appeared in programs of fiction, such as sitcoms, dramas or films. In many cases when they are referenced in outside fiction, they are presented just as they are in real life -- as a group of fictional puppet characters performed by puppeteers. (One exception is Greg the Bunny, where they are frequently referenced as real living characters.) However, there are some instances in which the Muppets have been featured as independent living characters in outside fiction.

Muppets presented in fiction as real living characters

• The Electric Company (In separate appearances in different episodes, Big Bird meets Fargo North, Oscar the Grouch sings with Crank, and Grover meets Crank and Vi at Vi's Diner)
• Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Kermit the Frog appears as a patron of the magical toy store)
• Marvel Comics (Sam the Robot appears as a sidekick in "Spidey Super Stories #32")
• Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (Big Bird appears as a character in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe)
• Between the Lions (Bert, Ernie, Big Bird and Elmo made guest appearances during the second season)
• Reading Rainbow (LeVar Burton finds Kermit the Frog in the pig section of the library mysteriously)
• 30 Rock Kermit the Frog appears as a part of Jack's eulogy to his mother; Miss Piggy appears in a magazine picture from an apparent event she attended.

Muppets presented in fiction as characters of a famous puppet act

• Soul Man (Big Bird appears as himself)
• The West Wing (Sesame Street Muppets as themselves)
• Rocky III (The Muppet Show appears)

Muppets presented in fiction as famous characters in personal fantasies

• The Torkelsons (Elmo appears as a brought-to-life Elmo doll in a dream sequence)
• The Cosby Show (Muppets appear as characters in a dream sequence)
• Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue (Baby Kermit, Piggy, and Gonzo appear as brought-to-life toys, posters and merchandise alongside other fictional cartoon characters)
• Scrubs (Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Grover and Ex Ray appear in fantasy sequences)
• Good Luck Charlie (Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Animal, and chickens appear in Teddy's dream)