Jim Henson's Odyssey!

I've been hearing a lot about this new movie called "The Odyssey." Apparently, it's based on a book of stories by a guy called Homer and not even the yellow one from Springfield.

Well, as usual, this Hollywood blockbuster is years behind Jim Henson and the Henson Company.

For you see, before there was Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," there was Henson and Hallmark's Odyssey Network.

What's a mere 3 hours when you have 24hrs a day 7 days straight!

So let's look back at the one, true original, Odyssey - The Odyssey Network!

The Odyssey Network began in 1998 after the Faith & Values Network cable channel was bought by The Jim Henson Company and Hallmark Entertainment.

In addition to airing classics like The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and Muppet Babies, the network also aired lesser known show like The Ghost of Faffner Hall, Aliens in the Family, The Secret Life of Toys, and Mother Goose Stories.

It was these airing of The Muppet Show were Brian Henson's introductions first appeared. 

Henson also produced new content including a continuation of the series Donna's Day (which previously ran for two season on PBS) as well as interstitials like Muppetisms and Movie Mania that aired during commercial breaks, many of which were later released as DVD bonus features.

And while not the same story as "The Odyssey" nor having aired on The Odyssey Network, Jim Henson produced a spin off to The Storyteller titled The Storyteller: Greek Myths that followed a Greek storyteller played by Michael Gambon and his talking dog retelling classic greek myths as "Perseus and the Gorgon", "Orpheus and Eurydice", "Theseus and the Minotaur", and "Daedalus and Icarus."

Just like Nolan's "The Odyssey" had exclusive popcorn buckets, The Odyssey Network had exclusive items given out to employees like this Applause Kermit plush with Odyssey tags, and Kermit adorned luggage. 

So if you're a fan of this new epic retelling of "The Odyssey," remember Henson did it first and longer - as well as some guy named Homer too, I guess.

And you should see Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," it's really good, even if it doesn't have any Henson connections. 

BoxLunch Sesame Street Exclusives!

Box Lunch has a whole bunch new exclusive Sesame Street items. 

The pop-culture retailer has dropped a sizable collection of exclusive Sesame Street items that prove the beloved children's show is just as relevant for adults as it ever was for kids.

The collection spans an impressive range of categories including housewares, collectables,  and apparel. 

For housewares, fans can pick up a Checkered Characters Mug, a Characters Green Checker Print Bowl, and a charming Letter Blocks Figural Salt and Pepper Shaker Set.

Sesame Street Checkered Characters Mug

Sesame Street Characters Green Checker Print Bowl

Sesame Street Title Street Sign

Sesame Street Building Scenes Coaster Set 

Sesame Street Floral License Plate Frame

Sesame Street Letter Blocks Figural Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

The apparel lineup is just as strong. Cozy options include Cookie Monster Striped Sleep Pants, a Women's Quarter Zip Crewneck, an Athletics Raglan Hoodie, and a Sesame Athletics Collared Long Sleeve. 

Sesame Street Cookie Monster Striped Sleep Pant

Sesame Street Sesame Athletics Collared Long Sleeve

Sesame Street Women's Quarter Zip Crewneck

Sesame Street Athletics Raglan Hoodie

Sesame Street Team Sesame Women's Denim Jacket 

For bag lovers, the collection includes a Characters Mini Backpack and an Oscar the Grouch Small Zip Wallet. 

Sesame Street Characters Mini Backpack

Sesame Street Oscar the Grouch Small Zip Wallet

There's also a character journal and pin set. 

Sesame Street Character Tab Journal - BoxLunch Exclusive

Loungefly Sesame Street Storybook Blind Box Enamel Pin

You can find all these at the links above and at Box Lunch. 

Disney Store Goes Patriotic with Sam Eagle Merch!

To help celebrate America's upcoming 250 birthday, Disney released a line of Sam Eagle merchandise as part of their Americana Collection. 

The line includes not only the previously announced Sam plush and keychain, but also a mug and shirt. 

Sam Eagle Plush Keychain Bag Charm

 

It's time to meet the Muppets as the curtain rises on our plush keychain series from Disney Store, each sold separately. With a soft, fluffy Sam Eagle mini plush attached to a split ring keychain and clasp, you can use him to hold your keys or as a bag charm. Please stand and salute!

Sam Eagle Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Sam Eagle is feeling ''Distinctly Patriotic'' as he celebrates the United States of America's ''Semiquincentennial'' with this travel mug. The proud preening Muppet is pictured on this stainless steel cup with handle and lid. Please stand and raise your cup as you join Sam in saluting this landmark anniversary!

Sam Eagle Plush

Stand and salute for our 16" plush Sam Eagle. This ever-serious symbol of freedom may seem to have a stern expression but he's really a softy underneath. Just ask any of The Muppets. Sam's simulated feathers, tail, claws and trademark unibrow are sure to get him voted as most likely to be selected by you! After all, ''It's the American Way!''

Sam Eagle America Since 1776 Independence Day T-Shirt

On the Fourth of July or any patriotic occasion, celebrate the USA with this official The Muppets t-shirt, featuring a star-spangled red, white and blue image of Sam the American Eagle with his name and the message "Since 1776 -- America". A great Independence Day gift for a Disney, The Muppets or Sam Eagle fan, and perfect for wearing matching The Muppets USA t-shirts with friends or family groups at your 4th of July parade, cookout, or summer vacation trip to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or another fun travel destination.

You can order these and more from Disney's Americana Collection at the links above from The Disney Store. 

New Disney Store Muppet Plush and Plush Keychains!

The Disney Store is has a new collection of Muppet plush and plush keychains. 

The plush and keychain collection will officially launch April 15th on the Disney Store website, but the plush are available now via special TikTok Shop pre-release event though April 14th. 

The line includes six full-size plush:
($29.99 each):

Kermit the Frog
Miss Piggy
Swedish Chef
Gonzo
Animal
Fozzie Bear

Five plush keychains:
($16.99, except for Kermit, which is $17.99 for some reason):
Kermit the Frog
Miss Piggy
Fozzie Bear
Rowlf
Sam Eagle

Apparently the Sam Eagle keychain won't be in this drop, but will be available later this year. 

Here are the links to the TikTok Shop pre-release and The Disney Store's Muppet section. 

Muppet Stuff Video: UK Exclusive Christmas Unboxing!

In our latest video, I’m diving into a festive haul of UK-exclusive Muppet items from Asda George, along with some brand-new Muppet Christmas Carol goodies you won’t want to miss!

Whether you're here for nostalgia, shopping inspiration, or to see what Disney and the UK retailers have cooked up for Christmas, this video has all the cheer and chaos you'd expect from a Muppet haul!

If you’re a Muppet fan, collector, or just love a bit of Christmas magic, this unboxing is for you.

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

EPCOT Food and Wine 2025 Muppet Labs Collection!

Get a sneak peek at this year's EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2025 Muppet Labs Collection!

Muppet Labs will once again have a presence at this year's EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival and while we don't know if another photo up will constructed, or what type of gastronomy they have planned, we now have our first look at the exclusive Muppet Labs merch. 

This year guests will be able to find a Muppet Labs shirt with Bunsen and Beaker inside lab equipment like bunsen burners and beakers. 

There's also a tumbler with Bunsen and Beaker peaking out around a large beaker shaped like EPCOT's iconic Spaceship Earth. 

As well as a backpack with a similar design.  

These and more non-Muppet Labs items will be available at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival August 28 through November 22, 2025.

UPDATE:

There is also a individual pin and one in a set with the other Foo & Wine characters.

There's also a kids t-shirt and Lug Bag:

We now have a closer look at the other, previously revealed items including the lunch bag, that has Beaker on the back!

As well as the adult size shirt and tumbler. 

We also have your first look at this year's Muppet Labs Photo Op. Hopefully it'll last longer then last year's. 

The event is free with an EPCOT park ticket. More Information at DisneyParks. 

New Box Lunch Muppet Exclusives!

Box Lunch has a few new exclusive Muppet items, including pins and an air freshener.

Disney The Muppets Framed Characters Blind Box Enamel Pin — BoxLunch Exclusive

Some Muppets mayhem is about to hit your collection! Each of these pins features a classic character within a colorful frame, and with six to collect, which one will you get? It's a surprise!

Kermit Evil Froggin Vanilla Scented Air Freshener

Show off your Muppets addiction with this air freshener! Designed with Evilen Froggin's "Wanted" poster, this air freshener brings a vanilla scent to your car, bedroom, or workspace.

The Muppets Multi-Piece Enamel Pin Set — BoxLunch Exclusive

Add some mayhem to your collection with The Muppets! These pins are designed like Kermit, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, the title lettering, and a colorful background—easily displayed separately or combined together for the perfect scene.

You can order these and more at BoxLunch.