Top 10 Muppets Facts That Will Ruin Your Childhood
#10: A Very Special “Muppet Babies”
“Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue” (1990)
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If you were a kid in 1990 tuning in for your Saturday morning cartoon fix, you’ve probably had this show etched into your mind ever since. Introduced by the then-first couple, George H. W. and Barbara Bush, this show taught children “Wonderful Ways to Say No.” The story focuses on a teenage boy called Michael who indulges in various substances and questionable behaviors. His sister’s animated friends come to life to stage an intervention. Among those are the Muppet Babies, who take Michael on a tour of a brain impacted by drugs. It’s hard to believe this show actually exists; the whole thing felt like one big psychedelic trip. And doesn’t that kinda defeat the point?
#9: Miss Piggy’s Difficult Past
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This character is a pretty pig deal. She’s sassy, stylish, and headstrong. However, in a 1979 interview with The New York Times, Frank Oz shared that things weren’t always so fabulous for this beloved diva. He revealed that she grew up in a small town in Iowa and lost her father at a young age. She and her mom had a strained relationship, so Piggy became a pageant girl just to get by. She then escaped to the city, vowing that her life would be different than her mother’s. In 1993, Miss Piggy told Larry King the two of them don’t have a relationship. It’s a sad story, but it explains why this little pig is always so feisty.
#8: Jim Henson’s Rejected Muppet Show
“Inner Tube” (1987)
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The Muppets have brought happiness, laughter, and great entertainment to audiences of all ages around the world. This might not have been the case had Henson’s failed pilot for a series called “Inner Tube” come into fruition. The idea was that a guest star would get sucked into their television every episode and essentially channel hop their way back out through a procession of satirically bad cable shows. However, there was some concern about Henson’s cynical approach, and not everyone found it so funny. Producer Larry Mirkin described it as “Dark, victimized, and pessimistic.” It was reworked several times, eventually becoming the “MuppeTelevision” segment of the “The Jim Henson Hour,” which was one of Henson’s rare flops.
#7: The Hensons Wanted Steve Whitmire to Hop Off
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After 27 years of voicing Kermit the Frog, Steve Whitmire was suddenly fired. Understandably he was hopping mad, calling the decision “a betrayal” and claiming he’d been given no forewarning. Although it was seemingly Disney who chose to let him go, they did so with the Hensons’ blessing. Whitmire did an excellent job of keeping Henson’s Kermit alive, but for a long time behind the scenes, things were a little less “Rainbow Connection” and a little more dark clouds. Apparently, the Hensons hadn’t been happy with the actor’s attitude and “unprofessional conduct” for a long time. Brian Henson also accused Whitmire of making “outrageous demands and often [playing] brinkmanship.” Well, Kermit did tell us, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.”
#6: Some Questionable Guest Appearances
“The Muppet Show” (1976-81)
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As one of the must-see shows of the 70s and early 80s, it’s no surprise that many celebs wanted a piece of that Muppet action. However, we feel someone should have given the guest star list a second glance before okaying the lineup. For instance, we’re not sure many kids would’ve been familiar with the king of horror, Vincent Price. Watching former James Bond, Roger Moore, attack Muppets was probably rather upsetting, while in another episode, Johnny Cash and Rowlf get off on the wrong paw. And who approved this sketch where Alice Cooper tries to convince The Muppets to sell their souls to the devil? Think that’s bad? At least none of these episodes were banned.
#5: The Banned Episode
“Sesame Street” (1969-)
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Last we heard, the Wicked Witch of the West melted after Dorothy doused her in water. However, in 1976 she blew across the rainbow and unleashed havoc on Sesame Street. The episode intended to teach children about facing their fears, but many parents thought it was too scary. PBS became inundated with complaints and decided to pull the episode after its first and only airing. It was stored in the Library of Congress archives, but many believed it to be “lost media.” However, it has resurfaced and can now be watched fully on YouTube. If you grew up watching “Sesame Street” in the 70s and thought this episode was nothing but a fever dream, you now know the truth.
#4: Big Bird Almost Boarded the Challenger Space Shuttle
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Ahead of the Challenger launch in 1986, NASA wrote to Big Bird actor Caroll Spinney and made a once in a lifetime proposal. The idea was ultimately scrapped, partially due to the struggle of squeezing a more than eight-foot-tall Big Bird costume on board. Instead, Christa McAuliffe, a teacher and trained payload specialist, took his place. On the day of the launch, the “Sesame Street” team gathered to watch the Challenger take off. Horrifically, the shuttle broke apart just 73 seconds into its flight, tragically killing everyone on board. Like many others, Spinney watched in shock.
#3: A Very Adult-Themed Pilot
“The Muppet Show” (1976-81)
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Henson never shied away from blurring the lines between children’s and adult entertainment. But he might’ve taken that a smidge too far with this pilot that eventually morphed into “The Muppet Show.” This version, centering on a “Seven Deadly Sins Pageant,” sought to mock the ever-rising presence of adult themes on TV. Integrating beloved characters with new Muppets, it was edgier, more daring, and even sexier. Henson once said that all Muppet sketches end with “Either someone gets eaten or something blows up.” Even so, most of his content was arguably pretty tame compared to this original plan. We’re glad things turned out the way they did, but we can’t help but wonder what might’ve been.
#2: “Mahna Mahna” Origin Story
Perhaps the catchiest earworm in Muppet history, you might be surprised to learn that it isn’t a Henson original. It’s actually a popular Italian number composed by Piero Umiliani, originally featured in the 1968 adult movie “Sweden: Heaven and Hell.” Yes, you heard us correctly; that ditty you’ve been humming along to since childhood has an X-rated background. The film explores Swedish sexuality through nine vignettes, and this song plays over a steamy sauna scene. The song became a hit entering various charts and peaking at no.55 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It later featured on “Sesame Street” and “Benny Hill” before becoming a Muppets staple. Now we know its racy roots, we’ll never hear “Mahna Mahna” the same way again.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
OG Kermit, “Sam and Friends” (1955-61)
Kermit’s Ugly Duckling Phase Courtesy of an Old Coat & Two Ping Pong Balls
Miss Piggy's Denny's Commercial
Was the Cruel Irony Lost on Them, or Does Miss Piggy Not Know Where Bacon Comes From?
Not So Child-Friendly References, “Sesame Street” (1976-81)
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#1: The Rain-Bomb Connection
“The Muppet Movie” (1979)
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Typically rainbows follow storms, not create them. Yet, in 1996 in Wanganui, New Zealand, a fervent 21-year-old fan stormed into a local radio channel called Star FM and demanded they play Kermit’s version on repeat. At this point, the station didn’t have the song in its catalog, but he took the poor radio manager hostage, insisting he play the number 12 times in a row or he’d blow up the station. Luckily, the police arrived quickly and arrested the unidentified individual before anything more sinister could happen. CNN claimed the bomb was just a hoax, and the culprit was later charged with kidnapping. Needless to say, it was a day they’d never frog-et.
