Submitted by LyingPug t3_123rgmj in television
LiveFromNewYork95 t1_jdvz43w wrote
The 2015 Muppets series on ABC was a gem
DrengisKhan t1_jdw4gaz wrote
Yeah I thought it was such a clever reinvention of the show. You read the wiki page and it’s pretty decent reviews across the board then I got to the part that reminded me it got Karen’d out of existence:(
“The group One Million Moms, an offshoot of the American Family Association, began protesting The Muppets, citing it as "unsuitable for family viewing", and calling for boycotts against it immediately after ABC picked it up, long before the series debuted.[63][64][65] The Muppets later parodied One Million Moms' critique in their twelfth episode, "A Tail of Two Piggies", as the One Million Angry Parents Association represented by three protesters.[66][third-party source needed]
The Parents Television Council also criticized the series for not meeting "family viewing" guidelines and suggested a boycott, based on the mockumentary format of the series including mentions of plastic surgery, "inside" business language being used in a crude manner, and the Muppets in a bar consuming alcoholic beverages.[67]
Seeking_the_Grail t1_jdw83w7 wrote
Is that really why it failed? I remember liking it was was bummed it was dropped so soon. The first few episodes where rough, but I fel like it picked up.
AlanMercer t1_jdwn44s wrote
The protests from the parent groups were just dumb. It was three kids in a trench coat trying to look important. People had forgotten that there were racy jokes on the Muppet Show and even some stuff on Sesame Street that they used to throw in for the parents.
DisturbedNocturne t1_jdx8wyv wrote
When that show debuted, it was definitely a little frustrating to hear people talk about how awful it was that they were gearing the Muppets more towards adults... as if that wasn't how they were initially. One of the earliest Muppet specials was titled Sex and Violence, because they wanted to make it clear that it was geared more towards adults.
Though, I suppose, it just goes to show you how Disney has bungled their ownership and how much they frequently misunderstand them.
KiritoJones t1_je1kd6g wrote
So weird because growing up I always thought muppets = for adults and sesame street = for kids. Maybe that's just because sesame street was something I actively watched and the only reason I knew what muppets was was because my mom had some old muppets merch. It's strange but not surprising that soem group would get all up in arms about it though, especially since it was still just a ABC sitcom, so it's not like it was that vulgar.
JohnnyAK907 t1_jdwvhxi wrote
No. The fact that the ratings were dogshit for a series of that pedigree and a production/promotional budget of that scale is why it was cancelled.
OneGoodRib t1_jdx1vpa wrote
I don't think so, those angry parent groups were complaining about it before it even aired and it went on for 15 episodes. It just wasn't pulling in viewers.
I mean if ABC pulled every show that had angry parent groups upset, there'd be nothing on the network.
Muppet productions are expensive - the Muppets themselves cost a lot to make and maintain, not to mention if they need different costumes - and if the show just isn't pulling in ratings it's not worth it to keep it on the air.
jelatinman t1_jdwes67 wrote
Haha yes the episode when they get drunk is funny.
I liked the show and it may have a cult following. However, it didn't connect with the public and setting up shots for continuous puppet action can't be easy.
AnotherSoulessGinger t1_jdx6mrn wrote
The same people would also freak out to learn The Muppet Show pilot was titled “Sex and Violence”. The Muppet Show was never intended to be a children’s show, from the jump.
elmatador12 t1_jdym1bm wrote
Jim Henson and Roald Dahl are known for their kids stuff but both have an amazing collection of things geared toward adults. Weird as shit, but awesome.
ckingdom t1_jdx85ka wrote
The writing was actually great. I read the scripts before watching and laughed.
Watched the show, and the timing and delivery fell flat. Format did not work. Low energy and bad pace for Muppet characters and jokes.
214ObstructedReverie t1_jdzslr7 wrote
> Low energy and bad pace for Muppet characters and jokes.
They needed to channel 30 Rock to make that show work, and it feels like they didn't even try.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments