RIP Jesse Jackson (1941 - 2026)

Sad news as acclaimed civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died.

Jackson was a politician, activist, and Baptist minister, who in 1984 became the second African-American to declare candidacy for the office of President of the United States. 

Muppet fans may recognize Jackson from his 1971 appearance on Sesame Street where he recited three of his poems "I Am - Somebody", "I Can Do", and "Nation Time." According to Muppet wiki, of them, only the first clip is known to survive.

"I Am - Somebody" was included as a bonus segment Sesame Street Old School: Volume 1 DVD, and was sung as song a few other times on the show. 

That same year, Jackson founded Operation PUSH, which stood for People United to Save Humanity. Its initial membership list included Apollo Theatre manager Peter Long, and his wife Lorretta Long, who played Sesame Street's Susan. The organization is now known as Rainbow/PUSH.

Over the years Jackson helped negotiate the release of several detained and captured Americans around the world and in part due to these efforts, in 2000, Jackson was awarded
the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Bill Clinton.

You can read more about Jesse Jackson's life at Time.

Jesse Jackson was 84. 

"Street Gang" Sequel "Street Fight" Coming this Fall!

Michael Davis announced a sequel to his 2008 book "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" is coming this fall.

While the original was a New York Times best-seller and was made into an award winning documentary, there's still a lot more stories and details to share. 

Davis shared the news via LinkedIn:  

"Greetings, "Street Gang" fans. I'm excited to let you be among the first to know that a second volume on Sesame Street's history and impact will be published this fall, entitled "Street Fight." The book will especially delight GenXers and Millennials, but there will be delicious dish and untold tales for every generation. Cookie Monster's early review: "Me like."

 Stay tuned as further information is reveiled.  

Muppet Stuff - Zolocon 2025!

Welcome to the Zolocon 2025!

Join me as I explore the floor, check out incredible toy displays, and highlight some of the many Henson collectibles for sale. From vintage favorites to modern releases, this video captures the excitement that makes Zolocon a must-attend event for toy fans. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love awesome toys, there’s plenty here to enjoy.

Tickets and info for this year's show: Zolocon.com

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube channel.

New Henson Series "Wowsabout" coming to PBS!

The Jim Henson Company is producing Wowsabout, a new live-action 22-minute preschool special starring new puppet characters and celebrating the power of awe, which will debut on PBS KIDS later this year.

Created and written by Halle Stanford, and Dorien Davies, executive producer, writer, and principal puppeteer, Wowsabout is about the unlikely friendship of Ronald, a fastidious little pig, and Roxy, a musical hedgehog, as they explore the "wows" of one of America's most extraordinary places: Sequoia National Park.

The new special pairs two very different explorers on an unforgettable adventure. Roxy, a free-spirited dreamer, is on a quest to find the park's legendary "magical giants." Ronald, meticulous and rule-following, is determined to achieve his carefully planned goal of becoming a junior ranger. At first glance, they couldn't be more opposite but the awe and wonder of the natural and cultural world shows them that they have more in common than anyone thought. Together they find themselves on a "Wowsabout" full of music, art, and hysterical adventures!

Wowsabout is rooted in a rich curriculum developed by Dr. Dacher Keltner, one of the world's foremost emotion scientists and author of "AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life." The special, shot on location in breathtaking Sequoia National Park, aims to help children recognize and name the feeling of awe by experiencing moments of wonder alongside Roxy and Ronald. Through nature, music, storytelling, and friendship, children learn how awe sparks curiosity, creativity, kindness, and a desire to explore and care for the world around them. The special inspires children to notice awe in everyday moments and begin their own "Wowsabouts," fostering connection to others and to the planet.

"Wowsabout brings The Jim Henson Company's rich legacy of puppetry into the natural world and Roxy and Ronald are sure to become guides for a new generation of viewers, encouraging greater awareness and stewardship of the environment and the world we all share," says Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company and Executive Producer on the special.

"In Wowsabout, our mission is to spark wonder and awe in kids and inspire them to care for each other and the world. We're thrilled to partner with PBS KIDS to bring this vision to life. With the comedic brilliance of the performances from my co-creator Dorien Davies as Roxy and our director John Tartaglia performing Ronald, and a top-tier creative team, this is a fresh, one-of-a-kind special—an open invitation for families to discover awe in the national parks and go on their own Wowsabouts together!" said Halle Stanford, Co-Creator, Writer and Executive Producer of the special.

"There is so much research about the benefits of exposing children to awe, and Dr. Keltner's studies about this emotion make it very clear that awe is a pathway to collaboration and compassion," said Dorien Davies, Co-Creator, Writer, Executive Producer, and Puppeteer of Roxy the hedgehog. "I'm excited to be playing Roxy and to help kids tap into this powerful emotion. Awe can be such a uniting force and it's something we need a lot more of today."

Wowsabout is created by, written by, and executive produced by Halle Stanford and Dorien Davies. The special is executive produced by Lisa Henson for The Jim Henson Company. John Tartaglia serves as co-executive producer, director, and puppeteer for Ronald. Dr. Dacher Keltner is also a co-executive producer with Jaime Burke and Amy Kim producing.

Wowsabout was shot on location at Sequoia National Park, with strategic project advisor support from The National Park Foundation.

Wowsabout was made possible by a grant from The Gambrell Foundation and with support from Christina and Evan Sharp.

Late Night "Muppet Show" Capsule!

Late last night, after ABC premiered The Muppet Show, Muppets Studios and Mickey's of Glendale released a capsule of products tied to the special.

This "Most Celebrational" release consisted of shirts, a hat, pins and more!

Short sleeve shirts for both kids, men, and women:

Long sleeve shirts:

A hoodie with a raised "Muppet Show" logo:

A Muppet Show hat, plush Kermit keychain, and Armadillo sticker. 

Ringer tee featuring Bunsen and an eyeless Beaker, and one of the more strange items - a Beaker eye stress ball:

And of course, pins featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy in a toga, Gonzo in his stunt attire, Fozzie wearing his thinking cap, Bunsen & Beaker with eyeballs, Statler & Waldorf in their balcony, and Kermit's tea cup and banjo all with a limited edition size of 750. 

If you missed out, don't feel bad, Disney dropped the link at 1AM EST. I'm pretty sure they meant to set it for 1PM by accident.

As of this post the pins and some of the larger size shirts are sold out but there is still many other items available using this link.  

Miss Piggy and Kermit Promote "The Muppet Show"!

Miss Piggy and Kermit made the rounds to promote The Muppet Show special.

Including talking with Vogue about her outfits over the years,

Chatting with Entertainment Tonight,

Stopping by Good Morning America, 

EXTRA:

TV Insider:

E! News:

On Demand Entertainment:

Glamour:

And even our friends over at ToughPigs:

The Muppet Show 50th Anniversary special is on Disney+ now and premiers on ABC at 9PM EST!

RIP Catherine O'Hara (1954 - 2026)

Sad news as comedic actress Catherine O'Hara has died.

O'Hara first gained fame starring and writing on SCTV, for which she won an Emmy. She starred in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice, it's sequel, voiced Sally The Nightmare Before Christmas and multiple characters in Frankenweenie.

She played Kate McAllister in both Home Alone it's sequel, and in four of Christopher Guest's mockumentary films.

From 2015 to 2020, she starred in the sitcom Schitt's Creek for which she won another Emmy. 

O'Hara worked with The Jim Henson Company voicing Judith in 2009's Where the Wild Things Are and as the Leader of the Lost Fraggle in Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock

Catherine O'Hara was 71.

Watch Kermit The Frog on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Last night Jimmy Kimmel welcomed Kermit the Frog to promote the upcoming The Muppet Show special. 

Kermit talks about coming back to television with “The Muppet Show” on ABC and Disney+, guest hosting for Johnny Carson, vacationing on Magic Johnson’s yacht, meeting Kaley Cuoco backstage, working with Seth Rogen, what he would do if he hadn’t gotten into show business, having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and advice he would give to young people trying to make it in Hollywood.

We even get a brand new clip from the special! Check it out below:

Be sure to watch The Muppet Show 50th Anniversary special on Disney+ and ABC Feb 4th!

New Henson Series "Lore Olympus" Coming to Prime Video!

Prime Video announced it has ordered Lore Olympus, a new adult animated series from The Jim Henson Company based on the global hit WEBTOON webcomic created by Rachel Smythe.

Lore Olympus will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

In Lore Olympus, witness what the gods do…after dark. The friendships and the lies, the gossip and the wild parties, and of course, forbidden love. Because it turns out, the gods aren’t so different from us after all, especially when it comes to their problems. Stylish and immersive, this is one of mythology’s greatest stories — The Taking of Persephone — as it has never been told before.

Adapted from one of the most-read webcomics in the world, Lore Olympus brings a vibrant, modern retelling of Greek mythology to life with a bold visual style and emotionally rich storytelling. Lore Olympus’ current global view count on WEBTOON is more than 1.8 billion global views.

“I am beyond thrilled to partner with Prime Video, The Jim Henson Company, and WEBTOON on the series adaptation of Rachel Smythe’s wildly popular webcomic, Lore Olympus,” said Julia Cooperman. “My fascination with Greek mythology has spanned grade-school libraries and college seminars. Reading Lore Olympus, I was reminded of the enduring power of these tales, which echo through so much of our modern-day storytelling. We can’t wait to share this frisky, soulful, and timely reimagining of Persephone and Hades’ story with new audiences and longtime readers alike.”

“With stunning artwork, rich storytelling, and unforgettable characters, Lore Olympus and Rachel Smythe have built a passionate global fandom clamoring for more,” said David Madden, President of WEBTOON Productions. “Lore Olympus is a title that will continue to speak to readers for generations, and this new animated adaptation will bring the story to more fans around the world in a new format. Together with the creative powerhouses we have in our partners at Prime Video, The Jim Henson Company, and showrunner Julia Cooperman, we’re thrilled to kick off 2026 with this incredible project.”

“Through her beautiful and creative Lore Olympus, Rachel Smythe has created a new approach to the Greek myth of Persephone that is as relevant today as ever, and features the kind of vibrant world building that we find deeply inspiring. It is a true privilege to be partnering with WEBTOON on one of their most popular titles, which marks The Jim Henson Company’s first-ever adult animated series,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company and an executive producer on the show.

“Lore Olympus redefined what mythology can look and feel like for a new generation, and we’re thrilled to bring this beloved story to our global Prime Video audience,” said Melissa Wolfe, Head of Animation, Amazon MGM Studios. “Julia’s vision, combined with Rachel Smythe’s iconic world and our extraordinary collaborators at WEBTOON Productions and The Jim Henson Company, makes this an exciting addition to Prime Video’s growing animation slate.”

Julia Cooperman serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. David Madden and Sydney Bright of WEBTOON Productions, along with Aron Levitz, are executive producers. For The Jim Henson Company, Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford serve as executive producers. Henson’s Delaney Shiokari serves as executive in charge of the production.

We'll keep you posted as new info about Lore Olympus is released. 

Muppet Stuff - The Muppet Show Anniversary Special Trailer Deep Dive!

Join me as I take a deep dive into The Muppet Show's 50th anniversary trailer. We'll look at all the hidden references, characters, jokes, and even a few mistakes!

From blink-and-you’ll-miss-them references to beloved characters popping up, we’ll break down every joke, Easter egg, and callback packed into this trailer.

I’ll also point out a few curious mistakes you might not have noticed—because even the Muppets aren’t immune to a little chaos.

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube channel and watch The Muppet Show 50th Anniversary special on Disney+ and ABC Feb 4th!

Jim Henson's Creature Shop Offering Weekly Tours!

After making tours available for the first time last fall for their 70th anniversary, The Jim Henson Company will offer weekly tours beginning next month!

Jim Henson's Creature Shop is opening its doors for a truly unique opportunity to tour its elite puppet-building workshop in Queens, New York City, where legendary characters from film and television have been created and built for decades. 

The 80-minute tours take place multiple times throughout the day each Saturday, beginning on February 14, 2026. Tickets include a walk-through of the award-winning Creature Shop, founded by legendary puppeteer and director Jim Henson, as well as special photo opportunities of beloved and iconic characters, a puppetry demonstration from an actual Henson puppeteer, a meet and greet with one of the Creature Shop's talented puppet builders, and special surprises. 

Tickets are $150 (plus tax and fees) and are on sale now. 

Visit www.JimHensonExperiences.com for tickets and additional information.

Muppet Stuff - Jim Henson's Birthday 2025 - Part 3 Haul!

The celebration isn't over yet! In the third and final installment of our Jim Henson birthday adventure, I'll show you on all the amazing items I picked up over the weekend. 

Prepare to be blown away and the sheer volume of amazing items including press kits, new old stock, cast & crew gifts, promotional items, factory sealed vintage toys and much, much, more! This was one our biggest and most epic haul's yet!

If you haven't seen Part 1 or Part 2 of this year's Jim Henson Birthday Celebration in New York be sure to watch them as well even more videos on our Youtube channel.

2025 Muppet Holiday Gifts!

Time once again for our annual tradition as our fellow fans show off their Henson-related holiday gifts.  

Alix

Got Sesame and Muppet Squishmallows, The Muppet Christmas Carol plush and pins advent calendars, Sesame VHS, a Muppet Loungefly bag, and Muppet, Sesame and Bear pins. 

Corby received a Sesame Street Count blanket hoodie that folds up into a Count plushie, A Super7 Count, a huge Fraggle Rock Sprocket plushie, 2 Muppet enamel pins from Not Cool and a vintage Muppets chess board!

David Beaucar got Bert & Ernie socks and original "John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together" LP, Kermit hoodie and The Muppets (2011) figures for his daughter as well as a hardcover "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" book and a softcover book of "The Muppet Christmas Carol."

David Solove

Received Muppet RSVLTS shirts, Overloard Boober hat, 2025 Kermit Hallmark ornament, Muppet Crochet book, Miss Piggy Pigs in Space Funko Pop, Pigs in Space glass, Muppet PJs, and Kermit and Miss Piggy Cast Bolo Lanyard.

Jayden Libran

Got an Animal Squishmallow, Muppet Funko Pops, Australian Muppet stamp set, Muppet Movie international poster print, Jim Henson Company jacket, and a Muppet periodic table shirt. 

Josh Hankemeier got a Super7 Roosevelt Franklin ReAction figure, The Sam & Friends Script Book by Craig Shemin, and a Dark Crystal shirt featuring SkekUng the Garthim Master.

Julio Robles found The Muppets Clue game under his tree. 

Kelly Kate's Christmas haul included a Sesame Street mystery pin, a Kermit bag, Big Bird and Kermit figurines, Time Magazine Muppet issue, and Before You Leap!

Kelly Nicole Chavez’s hubby gifted me this wonderful 1995 Muppet PVC figures, Sunkisses Hawaii Pen and Topper set:

The Muppet Collection Page's Lucas Ervin received hand made the plates. I love the shirt, the Kermit and Piggy Squishmallows, Jonathan Melville’s “Rainbow Connections” book, and Kermit Santa soap dispenser.

Chris Harris received the Muppets Mystery Box from Stylin Boxes from his wife.  It included an Animal crossbody bag, belt, lanyard, wallet and small Kermit plush. His niece bought him a Cookie Monster mug and plate, and his mom gave me him a Cookie Monster blanket.

Michael Wermuth got a Cookie Monster toy and funko pop mug

Mupcakes got a Muppet tote bag, Muppets magnet set, and Muppet mad Libs. 

Muppet Attic got a ASDA George Christmas Animal plush

Sylvia Alexis Munoz got the Statler and Kermit Palisades figures; Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2025 Muppet Labs tumbler and bags; Muppet Vision 3D figures; Loungefly Crossbody bag; Muppets from Space VHS; A green and red Christmas vinyl; Kermit singing figure; Pigs in Space glass; the Muppet Movie picture book; Time magazine; Before you Leap book; Pigs in Space and Mahna Mahna patches; the Muppets studio and Box Lunch Christmas pins; Kermit varsity jacket; Kermit pajamas and a costume-made 2026 calendar. 

MuppetHollz got the Fraggle Rock Classic Storybook Collection, 2025 Kermit Hallmark ornament, and a Sesame Street Old School DVD. 

 

The Muppets and Henson Fan Page got some Sesame Street Grolier ornaments, Sesame socks, Oscar and Elmo mugs, and Little Tikes Sprocket and Gobo plush

Nene Tucker got her son a Kermit squishmallow, Rainbow connection Kermit plush, Mini kermit, 1980’s McDonald’s Muppet Babies plush, and Muppet Christmas Carol plush advent calendar. 

Muppet Man Max got a VERY large Nanco Gonzo plush 

Nancy Eilers-Hughes received a Kermit Sideshow bust, Jack-in-the-box, Christmas ornaments, and a tambourine. 

Noel MacNeal got a Lego Sesame Street set, and a Steamboat Willie set - two products related to his recent work on Last Week Tonight and Sesame Street. 

Muppet Marissa got massive haul including Bert and Ernie figures, Muppet Funko Pops, Mystery Pins, Vintage See N' Say, Palisades Rainbow Connection Kermit, Muppet chess, Loungefly bag, Jack-in-the-box, and Vintage View-Master sets. 

Andy Haywood got "A Very Fraggle Holiday" and Craig Shemin's "Sam & Friends Script Book"

As for us, Chris Stulz got the 2025 Kermit and Elmo Hallmark ornaments and treating himself to the early present of seeing the final performance of Rob Lake Magic Featuring The Muppets where we picked up this show poster, got it signed by the cast, and spent a day feeling the magic with Muppet friends - which is the best present of all. 

We hope everyone had a great holiday and thanks for sharing your amazing holiday gifts.