As we begin 2025, let's take a look back at some of the best of worst things to happen last year (in no particular order).
BEST: Muppets Studio Celebrates The Muppets 70th Anniversary
From the eclectic mix of characters getting a weekly spotlight (hello Mo Frackle and Baby Skeeter) to each character getting their own exclusive limited edition magnet and digital trading card, The Muppet 70 campaign kicked off what is sure to be an even bigger celebration next year.
FYI, if you're planning a trip to either US Disney Park you can find the magnets at:
Disneyland Resort:
- Star Trader – Tomorrowland, Disneyland
- Ramones House of Body Art – Cars Land, Disney California Adventure
- The Collectors Warehouse – Avengers Campus, Disney California Adventure
- Tomorrowland Launch Depot – Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
- Marketplace Co-Op – Disney Springs
BEST: Jim Henson: Idea Man
It was great not only finally watch Ron Howard's long in development documentary, but see it win many Emmy awards as well.
BEST: Frank Oz becomes a Disney Legend
If you're following along Disney is celebrating The Muppets 70th Anniversary, has a hit documentary about Jim Henson, crowns Frank Oz a Disney Legend, and THEN ....
WORST: Disney Announcing Muppet*Vision 3D Closing
Why Disney? WHY? This announcement, especially coming just as the Muppets 70th anniversary kicks in and The Muppet Show celebrating it's 50th anniversary in 2026, make no sense. Having The Muppets take over Rock N Coaster adds insult to injury as most of that ride is in the dark most likely won't feature any animatronic characters.
Oh, and the fact that it's not just Muppet*Vision, but the entire Muppets Courtyard Grand Ave area - consisting of Muppet*Vision, PizzeRizzo, The Muppet-ized Stage 1 Company Store, Gonzo's Royal Flush restrooms, and the Muppet fountain is a travesty and easily makes this the worst and most frustrating news of 2024.
BEST: The Muppets Mayhem, Sesame Street, and Helpsters won Kidscreen Awards
BEST: The Muppets Take The Mahoning #2
I headed back to the Mahoning Drive-In for an another unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughter, and pure Muppet magic when The Muppets, once again, Took The Mahoning.
BEST: MOMI Celebrating Jim Henson's Birthday
The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens hosted a day full of events to celebrate what would have been Jim Henson's 88th birthday. Heather Henson and ToughPigs' Joe Hennes hosted a walking tour through New York City. Karen Falk discussed the reprinting of her book, "Jim Henson’s Imagination Illustrated" along with a special screening of rare clips by Craig Shemin. Craig also asked us to coordinate the first ever "Swamp Meet" full of Henson art and collectibles. The event was spectacular and it was truly an honor to be a part of of.
WORST: HBO not renewing their deal with Sesame Workshop
We don't yet know the full effect of Warner Bros. Discovery decision to not produce new episodes of Sesame Street, but it still stinks like Oscar's left out garbage.
BEST: Reuniting the Muppet Family
BEST: MOMI's Frank Oz Retrospective
The Museum of the Moving Image hosted a series of screenings featuring the work of Frank Oz, many with Frank in attendance.
BEST: More Fraggle Rock!
The second season of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock premiered, John Tartaglia was hired as Fraggle Rock's Creative Supervisor, and the touring production "Fraggle Rock Live"! was announced.
WORST: Owners of the Muppet History fan account outed as a serial sexual harasser.
When one of the biggest fan accounts "dedicated to the spirit of Jim Henson" is sending unsolicited pictures of their junk and other harassing messages to fellow fans - over a long period of time - seems hypocritical. The fact that they deleted their apology and seem poised to start up their social media accounts again is troubling at best.
BEST: The Muppet Fandom.
This year the Muppet fans really came together in so many ways. MOMI hosted many Henson events culminating in the already mentioned Henson birthday celebration, The Muppets Take Mahoning was bigger then ever, and we also showed that we stand up for each other in the wake of scandal and victimization.
BEST: It was another great year for Henson-related merchandise.
A few standouts include the Fraggle Rock: Back to The Rock plush, action figures - and in this age of less physical media - the first season on Bluray!, Muppet GikiTikis, Keychains, a Run Disney Race featuring the Swedish Chef, Sesame Sesame ReAction Figures, and the release of the long awaited Emmet Otter figures.
2024 had it all, Great news, bad news, and everything in between for Henson fans.
Here's hoping for more good news then bad for all us Muppet fans in 2025.
