Saturday, December 31, 2022

RIP Barbara Walters (1929-2022)

Journalist and television personality Barbara Walters has died.


Walters was known for her hard-hitting questions and in-depth reporting on a wide variety of topics.


She appeared in two Sesame Street specials, the Sesame Street, Special (1988), where she represented a news correspondent as a "person in your neighborhood" with Bob as well as inn the celebrity version of "Put Down the Duckie."):

 

And Stars and Street Forever! (1994), where Walters reported from her 20/20 set on Sesame Street with Sully.



in 2005, Walters hosted the Sesame Workshop Benefit Gala


Walters was also known for her talk show The View, where Kermit and Miss Piggy made frequent appearances.


You can read more about her life here

Barbara Walters was 93. 

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Muppet Stuff - Kentucky Collection Part 1: Christmas

We acquired a large amount of items from a Muppet collector in Kentucky.

So join us from the Muppet Stuff Museum as we take a look at just the Christmas stuff in part 1 of our look at items from... "The Kentucky Collection."


Be sure to check out more Muppet Stuff videos on our Youtube Channel.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Fun.com Finds it Way to Sesame Street!

FUN.com has an exclusive new line of Sesame Street winter hats and ties for adults. (After all, why let the kids have all the fun?) 


Check out there initial offerings below:
Winter Wear On Sesame Street

What do you think the yearly weather is like on Sesame Street? We know that it at least gets cold enough to snow in the winter! Although most of the monsters on Sesame Street have furry coats, others probably need to add more layers to their outfits when it gets cold out. And even the fuzziest monsters have been known to put on a hat or a scarf if the occasion calls for it!

Unfortunately, most of us don't have warm fur like Elmo and the rest of the monsters, so we definitely have to bundle up in winter weather! There's nothing that helps us feel cozier than a cute knit hat, and if you're a fan of Sesame Street, you should consider adding this one to your collection!

Fun Details

You'll be ready for cooler weather when you put on our Elmo Pom Hat! This cheerful accessory is officially licensed and Made By Us to look just like our favorite small red monster. Elmo's smiling face is
Best Served Warm

It's true. Cookie Monster loves all cookies. But we all know that chocolate chip cookies are best served warm. You know, when they're ooey gooey, and fresh out of the oven. Preferably with an ice-cold glass of milk (oat or dairy, your choice). Even Cookie Monster would agree! Now, there's way to help give you that "fresh out of the oven" kind of feeling when you head outside during winter weather.

Fun Details

This Winter Pom Cookie Monster Hat is inspired by the iconic Sesame Street character, and is designed to help you feel warm and toasty. The knit hat comes with embroidered details to make it look like Cookie Monster! It has his eyes and mouth in the front, along with a fluffy pom on the very top. The hat stretches to fit and has a one-size-fits-most fix.

Whether you want to feel like a warm cookie, or you just want to bring Cookie Monster with you everywhere, this hat is an easy choice!


All Around Fly

We always wondered what Big Bird did in the wintertime. Most birds fly south for the winter to take advantage of the warm winter climate of the southern hemisphere, but Big Bird is kind of big. If he actually took to the sky, Sesame Street would probably have to call air traffic control. Now that we think about it, does Sesame Street have its own airport? Hmm, until we figure this out, think about pitting on our exclusive Winter Big Bird Pom Hat, made by us.

FUN Details

This officially licensed Winter Big Bird Pom Hat is perfect for Sesame Street fans looking to rock their favorite friendly bird. No, he can't fly, but he's had us emotionally soaring for decades. Our designers ensured to include Bird Bird's iconic look and color scheme in the bird pom. We know all know who is really the flyest on the street. Let the street know and put your Winter Big Bird Pom Hat.

 Sesame Street Elmo Necktie




A Great Tie-M

Elmo has been a great friend to a generation of kids. Sesame Street has been around so long we don't think there is one person who hasn't seen the iconic television show. He has taught us all sorts of things like sharing and good manners—now it's time to teach you how to tie a tie! Make sure you have the right accessories for lesson time and pick up this exclusive Sesame Street Elmo Necktie, made by us.

FUN Details

Are you ready to bring Elmo into your everyday wardrobe? Then check out our exclusive Sesame Street Elmo Necktie! This polyester satin tie features all-over graphics of everyone's favorite red monster, making it the perfect accessory for any Sesame Street fan. Tie it around your collar as desired, and you're good to go! It measures approximately 56" long. Check out this officially licensed Sesame Street Elmo Necktie if you are a fan of everyone's favorite puppet on the street.


Sesame Street Style

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?

You've sung the song and asked the question. And amazingly, you have the answer! You've been let in on the secret of how to get to Sesame Street, and you're planning to head there right away. There's just one problem, though—now you have a new question! Can you tell me what to wear to Sesame Street?

Fortunately, Sesame Street is an extremely friendly place. No matter what you wear, everyone will love it (except maybe Oscar the Grouch)! However, there's nothing wrong with wanting to look extra nice, either. And when you have this Sesame Street Neck Tie, you'll fit right in with all the other residents of our favorite neighborhood!

Fun Details

You'll be ready to visit all your favorite characters when you add our Sesame Street Neck Tie to your outfit! The satin-finish fabric features a repeating print of Ernie, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Big Bird, and even Slimy Worm!


You can find your way to these Sesame Street items at Fun.com.

Friday, December 16, 2022

Rare Muppet Clips Vol 3 #8 - The Muppet Christmas Carol!

We're back with another batch of rare Muppet performances.


Again, we do not own these clips, nor do we make any guarantees to how long they'll be available, so watch them while you can!

With The Muppet Christmas Carol celebrating its 30th Anniversary, this installment is filled with nothing but rarely seen footage from, and promoting, the holiday classic. 


The Muppet Christmas Carol Original Trailer:
(Check out that Beetlejuice music!)

  

The Muppet Christmas Carol: ET - RARE On Set Interviews!

   

"Marley & Marley" Extended Version: 
Check out the full version of the song as heard on the soundtrack, 

 

The Muppet Christmas Carol Bloopers: 

 

The 'When Love Is Gone' recording session:

   

Oh My Disney Brian Henson and Dave Goelz Watch Muppet Christmas Carol (2017):


 The Muppet Christmas Carol - Book and Cassette: 

 
 The Muppet Christmas Carol VHS Trailer (1992):

   

and finally The Making of The Muppet Christmas Carol:

 

We hope you enjoyed these rare Muppet clips celebrating The Muppet Christmas Carol's 30th Anniversary. Join us next time as we present more rare Muppet clips! 

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Gonzo the Great: A Career Retrospective!

Disney+ honored Gonzo's illustrious Hollywood journey with "Gonzo the Great: A Career Retrospective" featuring the daredevil himself reminiscing about his film and TV career.


"Dive inside the mind of the one and only Gonzo the Great as we reflect on his decades-long career. Finding fame on The Muppet Show in 1976, Gonzo catapulted (sometimes quite literally) into icon status, starring in classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol (which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year!), and new Disney+ Originals, including #MuppetsHauntedMansion and #MuppetsNow. From motorcycles to tapioca, hear about his greatest moments and achievements."

    

Conveniently they don't mention any of the titles NOT owned by Disney like The Muppets take Manhattan and the VERY Gonzo centric Muppets From Space, but it's still great to see Disney put an effort into showcasing Gonzo and the Muppets accomplishments.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Toys For Tots!

It's time once again give a toy to a kid in need. This year we donated items from across the Henson spectrum to Toys for Toys. 


As you can see toys and products from Sid the Science Kid, Muppet Babies, Dinosaur Train, Sesame Street and The Muppets are all off to kids in need. 

If you have a new Henson (or even a non-Henson) toy to spare please donate them to your local Toys for Tots

Monday, December 12, 2022

Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock’ Renewed For Season 2!

We've heard rumors for months, but today it was officially announced that Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock was renewed for a second season by Apple.


According to Deadline

In Season 2, big changes affecting the Rock, the Fraggles, Doozers, and Gorgs will force them to confront their past and celebrate their interdependence, as they move through challenges together with hope, silliness, and brand new songs, all while dancing their cares away…down at Fraggle Rock.

The Emmy-winning series' second season will include guests 
Ariana DeBoseBrett Goldsteinand Catherine O’Hara, as well as Daveed Diggs who return as the voice of Jamdolin. 
No release date has been announced but Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock and the Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Night of the Lights holiday special are now streaming on Apple TV+.

Henson Shows Win Children and Family Emmys!

The inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys were held over two night over the weekend.



JoJo Siwa hosted the Creative Arts ceremony on Night 1 and Jack McBrayer hosted Night 2 with the remainder the categories.

And the winners were:


OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM:

Muppet Babies (Disney Junior)
Writers: Max Beaudry, Hanah Lee Cook, Sarah Eisenberg, Ghia Godfree, Francisco Paredes, Becky Wangberg
Story Editor: Robyn Brown



OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG:

Sesame Stree
t (HBO Max)
“Friends with a Penguin” 
Composers: Kathryn Raio-Rende, JP Rende
Lyricist: Ken Scarborough

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN:

Muppets Haunted Mansion (Disney+)
Production Designer: Darcy Prevost
Art Director: Kathryn Molenaar
Set Decorator: Jeanine Ringer
Virtual Production Art Director: Mark D. Allen
Virtual Production Art Directors, CG Supervisors: James Dastoli, Robert Dastoli


which tied with.....

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (Apple TV+)
Production Designer: Tyler Bishop Harron
Art Directors: Brentan Harron, Bill Ives
Set Designer: Evan Spence
Set Decorators: Paul Healy, Alan McCullagh, Ian Nothnagel



OUTSTANDING PRESCHOOL SERIES:

Sesame Street (HBO Max)
Executive Producers: Benjamin Lehmann, Kay Wilson Stallings
Supervising Producer: Sal Perez
Senior Producers: Karyn Leibovich, Stephanie Longardo
Coordinating Producer: Mindy Fila
Producers: Michael J. Cargill, Todd E. James, Andrew Moriarty, Ken Scarborough, Matt Vogel, Kimberly Wright, Autumn Zitani
Associate Producers: Christina Elefante, Kelly Ferrara, Bryce-Loren Walker
Line Producer: Aimee Blackton


During the ceremonies Sesame Street cast members Alan Muraoka and Martin P. Robinson introduced the “In Memoriam” segment by sharing personal memories of Bob McGrath and Emilio Delgado.

Sesame Street Muppet Performers Frankie Cordero and Haley Jenkins presented with Donkie Hodie characters. 


and Gobo (John Tartaglia) and Red Fraggle (Karen Prell) joined NATAS Chairman Terry O'Reilly then cam back to close the show with Jack McBrayer  to sing "Magic be with you."


Night Two highlights: 

1:10- Gobo & Red

1:37 - In memoriam

2:39 - Gobo & Red return to sing "Magic Be with You"


You can watch both nights of the ceremony at the Emmys.tv.

Friday, December 9, 2022

Muppet Stuff - Exclusives, Cast & Crew Items, a Grail and More!

Join in our latest video from the Muppet Stuff Museum as we look at some cast & crew items, exclusives, a grail find, and more!


Be sure to check out more Muppet Stuff videos on our Youtube Channel.

Henson Company's Fraggle-y Yule log!

The Jim Henson Company unveiled their new 2022 yule log video.


This year's video features the citizens Fraggle Rock!

Happy holidays from The Jim Henson Company! It’s a wintry night, and Sprocket is happily snoozing by the fire. But there may be a few special Fraggle-y visitors stopping by to help celebrate this special time of year.



Below is the full version will be available December 8th-31st.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Kermit Joins the Disney Mirrorverse!

Kermit has been added to Disney's Mirrorverse game. 


To celebrate, Disney announced the following in game events. 

Magic Moments: Ballad of the Swamp King Event Quest
November 21, 18:00 UTC – December 5, 18:00 UTC

Kermit the Frog is ready to show off his masterful banjo skills to all his fans. Make sure to attend with your “Goofball” Guardians and take in all the tunes! There might be some crazy fans in the crowds with you though, so be prepared!

 
Kermit’s Merch Table

Gather Concert Wristbands by playing the Event Quests and trade them in at Kermit’s Merch Table for some concert memorabilia including Crystals, resources and more! Too bad you can’t wear Avatar items as pajamas.


Banjo Bonanza Calendar

Each day for the next 28 days, you’ll be able to collect a reward upon logging into the game! Please keep in mind, It is possible to miss a reward given out on a certain day so make sure you login every day to make the most out of your Banjo Bonanza Calendar!

Concert Swag

Starting on November 21, 18:00 UTC make sure to login for a total of 7 days before the event ends to grab all the swag Kermit the Frog is giving away for attending his show, including Orbs and Crystals!

Banjo Bonanza Objectives

During the Banjo Bonanza event upgrading any of the new Guardians will get you some sweet extra rewards! Take advantage while you can!


You can check out Kermit's abilities in the game here

Kermit will be available to unlock via Famed Crystals for a limited time beginning November 21.

Download Disney Mirrorverse today!

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Animal to Present at The Game Awards!

Animal will be a be a presenter at The Game Awards



Geoff Keighly, who produces the awards show, posted the announcement on Twitter 
stating "It's time to play the music It's time to light the Lights It's time to bring back @TheMuppets to #TheGameAwards."







Animal follows previous Muppet Game Award presenters such as Pepe, Bunsen & Beaker, and the Swedish Chef. 

UPDATE: You can watch Animal and Geoff Keighley presents the award for Best Score and Music below:


 

The Game Awards will air Thursday December 8th at 7:30PM EST / 4:30PM PT / 12:30A+1 GMT on Youtube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and many more.

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Plastic Meatball's New Emmet Otter Items!

Plastic Meatball has a new batch of items' celebrating the 45th anniversary of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas including a shirt and limited edition posters and action figures. 


45th Anniversary Acton Figure Set

Jim Henson's celebrated holiday classic comes to life for the first time ever with this set of officially licensed action figures from Plastic Meatball!


Now Emmet and Ma Otter can take their rightful place amongst your holiday decor with this made to order, commemorative 45th Anniversary set!

Ma Otter stands 5.5" and comes with a basket of laundry and washtub bass:

 

Emmet Otter stands 4.5" and comes with Pa Otter's tool box, saw, hammer and Christmas Branch

 


This set is made to order.

NOTE: PRE-ORDERS ACCEPTED UNTIL 12/31/22 with the set SCHEDULED TO SHIP IN Q4 2023 - So you will have them for NEXT Christmas. 

Celebrating the uplifting ending of Jim Henson's enduring classic Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, comes this 18" x 24" screen printed "gig" poster by artist Dave Perillo.


This 6-color, hand-printed "gig" poster perfectly captures the spirit of the classic holiday special!

The officially licensed screen print measures 18"x24" and is a limited edition of 125
This 6-color, hand-printed variant poster, printed on actual wood veneer with visible grain, perfectly captures the rural environment of Emmet Otter and his woodland friends.


This officially licensed screen print on wood veneer measures 18"x24" and is a limited edition of 77.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the grain in the wood veneer material, there will be some variability to the prints. 

You asked for it. You got it!

The requests to put Dave's artwork from last year's RiverBottom Nightmare Band "gig" poster on a shirt were so overwhelming we had no choice but to do it for the 45th anniversary of Jim Henson's beloved holiday classic.



Capturing the hard-rocking attitude of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band with a distinctive 70's retro flair (and referencing the special's original December 4, 1977 premiere date), this "Concert T" from the Waterville Christmas Talent Contest is just what you need to usher in the holidays.

Officially Licensed Screen-Printed Design 3/4 length sleeve raglan "Concert T"
100% 30/1 Ring-Spun Cotton (we didn't know what 30/1 meant either - turns out it's apparel industry jargon for "SUPER SOFT") 

And that's not all, in case you missed out on Dave's RiverBottom Nightmare Band "gig" poster last year, Plastic Meatball has a VERY limited quantity of the "Timed" release version available. 

Riverbottom Nightmare Band Gig Poster by Dave Perillo

VERY LIMITED QTYS AVAILABLE

Straight from Jim Henson's enduring classic "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas," comes this 18" x 24" screen printed "gig" poster by artist Dave Perillo.

Capturing the hard-rocking attitude of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band with a distinctive 70's retro flair (and referencing the special's original December 4, 1977 premiere date), this 6-color, hand-printed piece is a definite conversation starter.

This officially licensed screen print Measures 18"x24"

This "Timed Edition" was limited to the number of orders received in December 2022. We had some cancelled orders and are making those available for those who may have missed out last year.

These items can be both pre and ordered via the links about and at Plastic Meatball

Sunday, December 4, 2022

RIP Bob McGrath (1932 - 2022)

Very sad news to report as Bob McGrath, known to fans around the world as "Bob" on Sesame Street has died.


Bob was one of the original "people in our neighborhood" having been with the show from it's premier to 2019.

Before "coming to play" on Sesame Street, McGrath performed record producer/singer Mitch Miller' chorus eventually becoming a featured soloist. During this time the troupe were invited to perform in Las Vegas and Japan.

While on tour in Japan Bob developed a sizable teenage following, where he was known as Bobu Magurasu and had eight hit albums and more than 30 hit singles. After three years sellout crowds he was given the opportunity to move to Japan. However, he decided to stay in the US and be close with his family.

Not soon after Bob heard about a little children's show called Sesame Street and the rest is history. Since join the show he appeared in countless Sesame productions including  the feature films Follow That Bird and Elmo's Adventures in Goochland, holiday specials, video games and more. 

One of the last times Bob was on the street was for the show's 50th Anniversary special in 2019.

The news of Bob's passing came from his family via social media where they also shared a look at a digital scrapbook of his career.

Hello Facebook friends, the McGrath family has some sad news to share. Our father Bob McGrath, passed away today. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family ❤️

 

Sesame Street released the following statement regarding Bob's passing. 




 

 

Below are a selection of interviews and clips from Bob McGrath's time on Sesame Street.

"People in Your Neighborhood"  

Bob McGrath on why Jim Henson was a great leader - TelevisionAcademy.com:
  

"Good Morning, Starshine" (1969):

Bob Goes To Grouchytown:
  

Bob helps Elmo read SESAME STREET:
 

Bob's music lessons:  
 
Bob Throws a Party:  

Mr. Hooper Oversleeps:  

Bob and Gordon Paint an I (1969):
  

Bob joins Placido's animal opera:  

Bob Talks About the time a Frog peed on Jim Henson:  

"I Am Your Friend"  

"Keep Christmas With You"  


Bob McGrath was 90 years old.

Friday, December 2, 2022

Disney "Best in Snow" Featuring Kermit!

The Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock "Night of the Lights" holiday special isn't the only new Henson content.


We told you back in September, Kermit appears on Disney's Best in Snow.

Our favorite flippered friend even made the poster for the special which you can see above and the the trailer with you can watch below.  


You can see all the spectacular snow sculptures and musical performances as Best in Snow is now streaming on Disney+ 

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary Pins!

To further celebrate The Muppet Christmas Carol's 30th Anniversary, Disney Store released some exclusive limited edition pins! 



The Disney Store The Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary Limited Release Pin features Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Rizzo in a wreath.
Bring home Kermit, Miss. Piggy and friends with this The Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary Pin! Featuring all of your favorite characters, the charming pin will make a wonderful addition to your collectibles.


There's also a set of Disney Store The Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary Mystery Pins as well.




Celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol with this mystery pin! Each box contains one of nine designs.

Each box contains 1 randomly selected pin from 9 overall designs. You won't know which pins you have until you open the box. 

 

         Pins include: Bunsen & Beaker, Rizzo & Gonzo, Ghost of Christmas Present, Statler &            Walforf, Fozzie, Swedish Chef, Sam Eagle, Kermit & Robin, and Miss Piggy.




For some reason the official description says "Each box contains 1 randomly selected pin", while the box says "Each box contains 2 randomly selected pins"

These are exclusive to Disney Stores, but for some reason are not yet available on the US ShopDisney site. 

However, UK fans can order these using the links above. The non-mystery Limited Release Pin was spotted at Disneyland, so i's possible they will be showing us at other Disney Resorts and at Disney brick and mortar/ online stores soon.