One of the many variety shows of the 1970s, The Flip Wilson Show was hosted by comedian Flip Wilson and ran from 1970 to 1974 on NBC.

The Muppets appeared on four episodes:

• Episode #1: Big Bird appeared as a guest on the first episode, on September 17, 1970. He sang "ABC-DEF-GHI" with Flip.

• Episode #5: Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Loretta Long all appeared on another episode October 15, 1970. According to Caroll Spinney's book The Wisdom of Big Bird, this was the very first time a green Oscar puppet appeared on TV. In this book, Spinney also describes a rare event connected to this appearance: Big Bird's unexpected on-screen fall during his entry.

• Episode #35: Bert and Ernie performed "Clink, Clank." Bert sang, Ernie and Flip did the sound effects. Also performed on this August 14, 1972 episode were "Dancing Frogs" and "Ballroom."^[1]

• Episode #53: Nov 11, 1971:The Muppets perform Java. Kermit pretended to be an enchanted Flip Wilson in order to be kissed. Dom Deluise and Flip talk to a drunk Muppet called Marcus Welby performed by Frank Oz. In the same episode, Flip gave two Whatnots (performed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz) their faces and sang "Consider Yourself" with them.

Gallery

Big Bird talks with Flip in the first episode.

Big Bird's unexpected fall as he enters the stage in Episode #5

All four Episode #5 skits that Big Bird appears in

The very first green Oscar, as he appeared in Episode #5

Big Bird -- still googly eyed like Cookie Monster in Episode #5

Bert and Ernie appear in Episode #35

Kermit begs for a kiss from Diahann Carroll in episode #53

Flip makes some Muppets in episode #53

Kermit and a Whatnot appear at the end of #53

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Sources

1. ↑ Jim Henson's Red Book, 8/7-11/1972 ‘In LA Flip Wilson Show – “Dancing Frogs”, “Ballroom” and “Clink Clank”.’