Coming "Not-Too-Soon" Season 2 of Elmo’s Not-Too-Late Show!

The new season of The Not-Too-Late-Show with Elmo premieres "Not-Too-Soon" on HBOMax. I say "Not-Too-Soon" because it's "Not-Too-Soon," it's available now!

This season switches formats from talk show to game show and is retitled The Not-Too-Late-Show with Elmo: Game Edition

Check out the teaser trailer below:

Not only that, if you if you don't have HBOMax you can watch the entire season premiere featuring Drew Barrymore and Keedron Bryant, below via Sesame Street’s YouTube channel.

 

Other celebrity guests this season include Seth Meyers, Aidy Bryant, Tamron Hall, Busy Philipps, Kelly Rowland, Juanes, Tori Kelly, Leslie Odom, Jr., AJR, Amber Ruffin, Brady Noon, Jenna Bush Hager, Madison Reyes, TAZ, and Hello Sunday.

Below is the official press release:

Put your paws, claws, and hands together … everyone’s favorite three-and-a-half year old monster is back for a game-filled season of The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo! Playtime is front and center as Sesame Workshop’s preschool variety series returns to Cartoonito on HBO Max on Thursday, September 30, with more games, more songs, and more opportunities to get up and play along at home.

“Inspired by classic game shows, this season of The Not-Too-Late Show encourages not just co-viewing but co-doing. Real kid contestants and their caregivers will take part in themed challenges with all their Sesame Street friends—with lots of encouragement for families at home to join in the fun,” said Ben Lehmann, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Vice President, Head of Live Action. “Educational moments are built into each game, whether contestants are reinforcing bath time routines while racing to wash a giant squid or exploring musical instruments by cooperating to play a giant keyboard on the floor. We’ve also dialed up the backstage antics—a fan favorite last year—tying them to each episode’s theme.”

“Our host with the most is back for a second round of belly laughs in this new interactive format for everyone in the home,” said Amy Friedman, Warner Bros. Head of Kids & Family Programming. “Our partners at Sesame Workshop are true experts, and as one of our premiere Cartoonito debut shows, they have delivered, yet again!”

From familiar faces to rising stars, Elmo’s celebrity visitors dive straight into the action this season! Guests include: actors like Drew Barrymore, Aidy Bryant, and Busy Philipps; musical performers including Kelly Rowland, Juanes, Leslie Odom, Jr., Tori Kelly, and AJR; and fellow hosts Seth Meyers, Tamron Hall, Jenna Bush Hager, and Amber Ruffin. Up-and-coming talent like Brady Noon, Madison Reyes, Hello Sunday, and TAZ showcase young voices and make for particularly engaging and aspirational viewing for little ones.

“Children learn best through play, and those effects are amplified when caring adults watch and play along,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content. “Anchored in familiar topics like pets, cooking, bath time, and arts and crafts, The Not-Too-Late Show’s memory games and matching games strengthen kids’ working memory, focus, and ability to follow directions—all important executive function skills that support school readiness.

The first three episodes are available today, subsequent episodes will be released Thursdays on HBOMax.

Take a Virtual Tour of Jim Henson's Office!

Yahoo teamed up with the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Jim Henson Company to offer fans a virtual tour of Jim Henson's office. 

You can scan the QR code below or follow these links to explore Jim's office and see the Storyteller's Dog. 

In addition to the virtual tours, they also interviewed Lisa and Brian Henson about many of the objects in Jim's office, how the Storyteller's dog came to be, and how he was operated. 

You can read Yahoo's article on Jim Henson's virtual office here. 

Rumor: Emmet Otter Merch Coming Soon!

In addition to the stage version of Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas making its return this winter, our sources are telling us to be on the lookout for Emmett Otter merchandise this winter as well. 

We hear that licensed art posters and even action figures may be on the horizon for fans of the beloved special. 

Besides copies of the special on various media over the years, and the soundtrack released last year, this would mark be the first time widely released merchandise based on the special will be released.

If our sources are accurate we all better start doing some odd jobs now or else we may have to put a hole in our washtubs to pay for everything. 

Animal Appears in New GEICO ad!

Insurance company GEICO has a long history of using famous licensed characters in their ads and now it's The Muppets turn to shill for your 15 minutes to save to 15%. 

Animal appears in the first ad titled "There's An Animal In The Attic."

Sure, maybe there’s an Animal in your attic. And maybe that Animal has been working on that drum solo all night. But at least you can bundle and save with GEICO.

I'm going to go out a limb and guess we'll be seeing Kermit as a non-sequitur "frog in someone's throat", or Miss Piggy's "hamming it up" in future spots. But hey, anything that keeps the characters we love in their preverbal 15 minutes of fame, can't be all bad just as log as they don't lose 15% of their charm along the way. 

Happy 85th Birthday, Jim Henson!

Today we celebrate what would have been Jim Henson's 85th birthday! 

Since his creations are owned by three different companies we thought we'd see how each one are celebrating and keeping his visions alive. 

Disney has been heavily promoting The Muppets first Halloween special Muppets Haunted Mansion (debuting Oct. 8th on Disney+), 

including edible promotional eclairs at Disney World. 

Sesame Workshop continues to expand the legacy of their work on Sesame Street (now in its 52 season!), with even more global outreach,newer series like Helpsters and The Not Too Late Show with Elmo, and Emmy winning specials like The Power of We. 

Today, we honor our friend Jim Henson, and the legacy of joy, love, and laughter that he shared with the world. ❤️ #JimHensonBirthday pic.twitter.com/Z6cmjDLVYW

— Sesame Workshop (@SesameWorkshop) September 24, 2021

With the right support from caring adults, children can overcome many of life’s challenges.@SesameCommunity is our hub for resources crafted by experts to support the families, caregivers, and professionals who need them most. Click here to learn more: https://t.co/cwvrMrEpR0 pic.twitter.com/Ga67Q3keLZ

— Sesame Workshop (@SesameWorkshop) September 18, 2021

The Jim Henson Company has been busy licensing Henson owned properties like Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and even classic Henson doodles too.

Little Shop of Pins: Jim Henson's sketches Pins

 They even brought a Fraggle Rock theme to the navigation app Waze.

Speaking of Fraggle Rock don't forget the reboot was been filmed and is being prepared to stream on Apple TV+.  

And the stage version of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas returns this year to New York's New Victory Theater. 

The Henson Company has also been sharing classic clips, posting messages from his children, and sharing other ways you celebrate Jim's 85th birthday. 

Lisa Henson (at Jim’s original desk!) on her father’s artistic legacy on his 85th birthday. Catch Lisa at 12pm (PT) tomorrow, Friday @hensoncompany for our LIVE Twitter Party celebrating Jim Henson’s 85th Birthday! #JimHensonBirthday pic.twitter.com/f6YvCDLDPa

— The Jim Henson Company (@hensoncompany) September 24, 2021

In his Academy Award-nominated 1965 short film, Timepiece, Jim Henson’s Everyman tries to escape the passage of time.#JimHensonBirthday pic.twitter.com/N3ydz1kdMI

— The Jim Henson Company (@hensoncompany) September 20, 2021

Lisa Henson (at Jim’s original desk!) on her father’s artistic legacy on his 85th birthday. Catch Lisa at 12pm (PT) tomorrow, Friday @hensoncompany for our LIVE Twitter Party celebrating Jim Henson’s 85th Birthday! #JimHensonBirthday pic.twitter.com/f6YvCDLDPa

— The Jim Henson Company (@hensoncompany) September 24, 2021

Fraggles live to play. Doozers live to work. #JimHensonBirthday pic.twitter.com/DzVh6SmQfH

— The Jim Henson Company (@hensoncompany) September 21, 2021

Heather Henson (with her crane in her garden) celebrates her father’s creativity, encouraging each of us to respect the connection we share with all living things. #JimHensonBirthday pic.twitter.com/kArEQPidUI

— The Jim Henson Company (@hensoncompany) September 24, 2021

They are even hosting a Twitter party today! where you ca chat live with Cheryl, Lisa & Brian Henson, & puppeteer Karen Prell. They'll be discussing Jim Henson’s legacy, & taking questions about Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, & Fraggle Rock! 

Additionally English Heritage recently bestowed a famous "blue plaque" on Jim Henson's London home. 

"I love my work, and because I enjoy it, it doesn't really feel like work." -Jim Henson#JimHensonBirthday pic.twitter.com/UY9NeohOuX

— The Jim Henson Company (@hensoncompany) September 24, 2021

Happy 85th Birthday, Jim Henson!

Muppets Haunted Manion Trailer Features Many Hidden Gags and the Return of a Few Old Friends!

 The trailer for Muppets Haunted Mansion was released today and it's a doozy!

Check out below: 

The trailer seems to be tailor made for those fans complaining about there being too many celebrity cameos and not enough Muppets in recent promotion. 

Below are just a few highlights. 

Bobo and Fozzie signing together:

Bunsen and Beaker as busts: 

The Electric Mayhem playing a a ghostly jam:

The human and celebrity cameo ghosts medley: 

Janice and Link as the stretching paintings:

Pops Kermit and Sam singing: 

Rowlf:

Sam and the Swedish Chef (Check out the Sam Eagle woodwork):

Sweetums delivering room service:

The return of Dr. Phil Vanneuter:

As well as the return of Johnny Fiama and Sal! (and Beauregard with a mustache):

And did you notice the Mahna Mahna candle holder with Snowth candles!!

Wow. This is looking better and better! 

I can't wait to see what other Halloween treats (seems odd to say Easter Eggs) we have in store when Muppets Haunted Mansion starts streaming October 8 on Disney+.

Coming Soon: The Dark Crystal Adventure Game!

As we told you about last December River Horse games has a new role player adventure game based The Dark Crystal.

Since then we now have a few more details and photos of the game. 

In the hardback book (Approx. 290+ full-color pages) you will find:

• High-quality cloth-bound hardback with three ribbons to help you keep track.
• Easy to learn rules, perfect for the first-time player.
• Massive 200-page adventure for you to explore with your friends.
• Unique transparent overlay pages with hidden information.
• Fold-out scenes for epic locations from Dark Crystal lore.
• Handy double-sided reference bookmark and a map of Thra.
• Illustrations by Brian Froud, Chris Cæsar, and Iris Compiet.

As you can see, the game will include characters and settings from both The Dark Crystal and Age of Resistance. 

River Horse's The Dark Crystal Adventure Game is scheduled to be released December 31st and cane be pre-ordered now through Amazon and River Horse directly. 

Final (?) Two Muppets Haunted Mansion Celebrities Announced!

Two more celebrities have been announced for Muppets Haunted Mansion. 

First up is a Henson! No, not one of the Jim's kids or relatives, but actress Taraji P. Henson as The Bride, Constance Hatchaway:

And as "your host – your Ghost Host" Will Arnett:

With just over two weeks left before Muppets Haunted Mansion premieres these may just be THE FINAL two announcements but you never know! 

Muppets Haunted Mansion starts streaming October 8 on Disney+.

Kermit & Miss Piggy to Sing Carols at Disneyland!

In the ramp up to the holiday season Disneyland will be offering a ticketed after-hours event called Disney Merriest Nites and The Muppets are joining the fun. 

Kermit, Miss Piggy, and some Muppet chickens will perform Christmas Carols on a special coach on Main Street USA. 

Below is Disney official announcement: 

As the host of the party, Mickey Mouse will welcome you to the party on Main Street, U.S.A. with Victorian flair, and Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their friends join in the fun, traveling in a special coach with Christmas carol sing-alongs, Muppet antics, and a few chickens! Over in New Orleans Square, Princess Tiana plans to ring in Noel with guests at her bayou-inspired celebration. 

In Frontierland, Miguel from the Disney and Pixar film “Coco” will be wishing everyone Feliz Navidad while you kick up your heels during a jolly dance-filled fiesta. Three more character-hosted holiday parties await you with a tropical party hosted by Lilo & Stitch in Adventureland, a wintertime celebration with Elsa in Fantasyland, and Buzz Lightyear taking the holidays to new heights over in Tomorrowland.

Your friends and family will enjoy enhanced entertainment such as themed photo backdrops and character sightings, and themed specialty food and beverage offerings within the event.

 
Disney Merriest Nites will run the following nights:

• November 11
  
  
• November 16
  
  
• November 30
  
  
• December 7
  
  
• December 9
  
  

The Muppets haven't been featured at Disneyland since Muppet Vision 3D closed at California Adventure. So, these will probably be the Disney Park Muppets as seen at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom “Great Moments in American History” live show. But you never know, Disney may just surprise fans with the actual Kermit and Miss Piggy.

Tickets to "Disney Merriest Nites" are now on sale at Disneyland.

Muppet Stuff: Amazing Finds and Grails Acquired at Farpoint, Ocean Grove & Dragon Con 2021!

Check out the AMAZING finds and grails acquired from Farpoint Toys & Collectibles' Toy Show, Ocean Grove NJ’s town-wide yard sale, and vintage items right from the Henson archives at Dragon Con with special guest MegaPodTastic's “Krazy” Joe!

Check out more from "Krazy" Joe at MegaPodTastic. Be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel more videos

Even More Muppets Haunted Mansion Cameos Revealed!

When the Muppets tweeted "more surprise guests to be revealed soon" they weren't kidding. 

We now have three more (non-ghostly) celebrity appearances:

John Stamos (Full/ Fuller House)

Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) as the Hearse Driver:

Kim Irvine (daughter of original ride Imagineer/performer Leota Toombs and current eExecutive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering) as a maid:

As well a new image of previously announced gust Darren Criss:

Seeing as their latest announcement (below) didn't say to expect more, this might be last leaked cameos before the special premiers next month, but you never know!

Meet the new members of our boo crew: Yvette Nicole Brown @YNB, @JohnStamos, @DarrenCriss, and Kim Irvine (Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering)! See them in #MuppetsHauntedMansion, an Original Special, streaming October 8 only on @DisneyPlus. #Hallowstream pic.twitter.com/UqadNnDnHu

— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) September 15, 2021

Muppets Haunted Mansion starts streaming October 8 on Disney+.

Drive Your Cares Away with Red Fraggle!

One of the "WAZE" The Jim Henson Company is celebrating what would have been Jim Henson’s 85th birthday next week is by bringing a Fraggle Rock theme to the navigation app Waze.

For a limited time, Waze users on Android and iOS can activate a Fraggle Rock theme.

To turn it on:

1. Open the Waze app
2. Tap My Waze
3. Tap the Fraggle Rock banner

Once enabled, you’ll be able to use the voice of Red Fraggle and the Fraggle theme song to navigate. The feature also has new Fraggle Waze Moods, including Red, Boober, Mokey, Gobo, Wembley, a Doozer, and even Junior Gorg.

You’ll also be able to change your car’s icon to vehicles inspired by the Doozers.

Funny to think that many silly creatures will soon be getting directions from a Fraggle that has barely left Fraggle Rock and the one who has (Uncle Traveling Mat) isn't included (except mentioned in Red's directions). 

Well if you get lost, just write a postcard to your loved ones telling them you were led astray 

by a Fraggle. I'm sure they'll understand. 

Muppets Haunted Mansion Confectionery and More Cameos Revealed!

Disney recently served Muppet fans with two different types of marketing to promote Muppets Haunted Mansion.

At Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios Pizzerizzo customers can literally take a bite out of the marketing for Muppets Haunted Mansion as Disney is serving up Muppets Haunted Mansion eclairs. Yes, that right Muppets Haunted Mansion eclairs. 

The chocolate filled confectionery feature the Muppets parodying the famous stretching portraits.

Crazy Harry as the Dynamite Man and Janice as the tightrope walker:

Link, Dr. Strangepork and Miss Poogy as the quicksand trio and Muppets take on Mansion's iconic wallpaper:
 

Here you can see the inside:

In addition to confectionary Disney has revealed a few more famous cameos we can expect from the upcoming special. 

The signing busts are: 

Pat Sajak (Wheel of Fortune):

Justina Machado (One Day at a Time):

Skai Jackson (Jessie):

Geoff Keighly (video game journalist):

Craig Robinson (The Office, Hot Tub Time Machine):

Celebrity with also be making cameos as ghost paintings as well:

Jeannie Mai (How Do I Look?):

Chrissy Metz (This is Us) as the Opera Singer:

Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air):

Shasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live):

and constant Muppet prisoner Danny Trejo (Machete, Muppets Most Wanted)

In their social media post announcing some of these cameos The Muppets proclaimed that "more chilling cameos will be revealed soon."

It's has now also been reveled that legendary actor Ed Asner (Mary Tyler Moore) will appear posthumously as well. 

Asner's involvement in the special was teased somewhat when they posted the following about his recent death. "Ed Asner was a great friend of The Muppets. Few have ever been as funny, talented, and kind as he was. We will miss him dearly."

Ed Asner was a great friend of The Muppets. Few have ever been as funny, talented, and kind as he was. We will miss him dearly.

— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) August 29, 2021

And that's not all, with the announcement of Asner, The Muppets tweeted, that even "more surprise guests to be revealed soon."

Muppets Haunted Mansion starts streaming October 8 on Disney+.