When The Muppet Show first debuted in syndication, original promo spots were filmed to promote each show. These promos often featured Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear, though others occasionally appeared to promote the upcoming shows.
These spots were often improvised on the spot. Dave Goelz served as Fozzie's right hand during these spots and was dubbed "prop beagle," finding random objects Frank Oz would use during the shoot. For one unaired spot, Goelz found a spare Kermit puppet, which was manipulated by Fozzie.[1]
A handful of promos from the first season were included in The Muppet Show: Season One.
Individual Promos
Season One | |||
Picture | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
Kermit and Fozzie show clips from the show's first season and Kermit asks viewers to tune in. "Actually, he's begging," Fozzie remarks. (YouTube) | |||
Episode 104: Ruth Buzzi (YouTube)
Fozzie pats Kermit while he talks about the show. A clip of Ruth Buzzi from the set of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" is shown. | |||
Episode 107: Florence Henderson (YouTube)
Kermit and Fozzie appear on the Koozbane set. Fozzie wipes his eyes with a handkerchief explaining that he loves promos. | |||
Episode 108: Paul Williams
Fozzie pats Kermit's head and rubs his stomach while he talks about this week's show. After a clip of Paul Williams on the Talk Spot set is shown, Fozzie begins patting Kermit to the stage floor. | |||
Episode 112: Peter Ustinov
Kermit and Fozzie appear in the "At the Dance" ballroom, and after a clip of Peter Ustinov is shown, Fozzie starts tickling Kermit. | |||
Episode 113: Bruce Forsyth
Kermit mentions this week's guest star as Fozzie uses his hat as a puppet. | |||
Episode 114: Sandy Duncan
A clip from the "A Nice Girl Like Me" number is shown, and Kermit says to start the show off with a bang. | |||
Episode 115: Candice Bergen
Fozzie tickles Kermit while he talks about this week's show. | |||
Episode 118: Phyllis Diller
Kermit and Miss Piggy talk about this show at the Panel Discussions set. | |||
Episode 120: Valerie Harper
Waldorf announces this week's guest star as Statler scrunches his face. | |||
Season Two | |||
Picture | Description | ||
Episode 204: Rich Little
Fozzie pats down Kermit's tuxedo as Kermit announces this weeks guest. A clip from the Hollywood musicals medley is shown. | |||
Episode 210: George Burns
Kermit introduces a clip of "It All Depends on You," while Fozzie mills around in the background in silhouette. He steps into the light and tells Kermit not to leave him in the dark. | |||
Episode 221: Bob Hope
Kermit introduces a clip of "Don't Fence Me In," while Fozzie is on the telephone saying You don't say. (YouTube) | |||
Season Three | |||
Picture | Description | ||
Made only for ITV and shown after the Danny Kaye episode on Christmas Day, Santa Frog tells the viewers that the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever and Morecambe & Wise are on next. (YouTube) | |||
Episode 309: Liberace (YouTube)
Fozzie is standing in front of Kermit onstage and mimes to Kermit's voice. A clip of Liberace dancing with Fletcher Bird is shown. | |||
Season Four | |||
Picture | Description | ||
Episode 401: John Denver (YouTube)
Kermit talks about the show while Fozzie examines Kermit's arms. | |||
Episode 402: Crystal Gayle (YouTube)
Kermit's attempts to talk about the show are hampered by a Prairie Dog who imitates Kermit. A clip from "River Road" is shown. | |||
Episode 408: Arlo Guthrie (YouTube)
The Swedish Chef is dancing around Kermit in The Swedish Chef's kitchen. A clip of "Grocery Blues" is shown. | |||
Episode 411: Lola Falana (YouTube)
Gonzo tries to tell Kermit something while he talks about this weeks show. When Kermit finally asks Gonzo what he wants, Gonzo says that he's quitting. A clip from "He's the Greatest Dancer" is shown. | |||
Season Five | |||
Picture | Description | ||
Episode 502: Loretta Swit (YouTube)
Kermit talks about the show while Fozzie holds onto balloons. | |||
Episode 506: Brooke Shields
Kermit introduces a clip of "Falling Song" (sans laughter track) while The White Rabbit hops by in the background. He finally stops and Kermit tells him he's late. A shorter promo features the two, as the Rabbit hops wildly. Kermit joins, falling down the rabbit hole. | |||
Episode 509: Debbie Harry
The Frog Scouts appear on-stage with Kermit. A clip from "Call Me" is shown. | |||
Episode 512: Melissa Manchester
Kermit speaks in a hoarse whisper and says this week's guest star is a big surprise. The rest of the Muppets appear and shout her name. In a longer promo Gonzo leads a cheer, but misspells Melissa's name. A clip of "Whenever I Call You Friend" is used. | |||
Episode 520: Wally Boag
Kermit introduces a clip of Boag's "Highland Fling," while Fozzie wiggles his ears and dances around in the background. |
Sources
- ↑ Museum of the Moving Image "The Muppet Show 40th Anniversary Muppetational Celebrational" screening, November 20, 2016