John Tartaglia Named Henson VP of Development and Production!

The Jim Henson Company promoted John Tartaglia to Vice President of Development and Production. 

In this role, Tartaglia, the Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning creator, producer, writer, director, and puppeteer, will develop and produce projects across all media, with a primary focus on television and theater, and he will continue to creatively supervise the Company's popular Fraggle Rock franchise. 

"Over the many years that John has been a key partner on projects like the Emmy-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Splash and Bubbles, Wowsabout, and the newly released Jim Henson's Monster Dance, he has proven to be a true 'quadruple threat.' As an award-winning producer, an exceptional director, a prolific writer, and a gifted puppeteer, John makes each project better and adds a joyful creative spirit to our team," said Lisa Henson.

Tartaglia has been a long-time collaborator with The Jim Henson Company on a variety of projects, chief among them serving as an executive producer, writer, director, and puppeteer (Gobo Fraggle, Sprocket, and multiple other characters) on the Emmy-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. Other projects include directing and performing lead character Ronald in the recent PBS KIDS special Wowsabout, and co-creating and executive producing the newly released Amazon Kids+ series Jim Henson's Monster Dance. Other television projects include the TV series Splash and Bubbles for PBS KIDS (for which he served as Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, and Emmy-nominated puppeteer), and development projects like The Kissing Hand. As a puppeteer, Tartaglia has been featured in a range of projects for the Company including Word Party, Julie's Greenroom, Slumberkins, Happytime Murders, and the live show Puppet Up!.

Tartaglia has also produced, written, and directed several live shows for The Jim Henson Company. Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE is currently having its New York City premiere at The New Victory Theater through June 21st, with a second national tour launching in the fall. Other stage credits include Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and Jim Henson's Inspired Silliness for Princess Cruises, Sid the Science Kid Live, and Dinosaur Train Live.

John serves as Vice President of Development & Production for The Jim Henson Company, serving as the creative supervisor of the iconic brand Fraggle Rock, including the Emmy-winning reboot Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, for which he is also an Executive Producer, Writer, and Puppet Captain, and performs Gobo Fraggle, Architect Doozer, Gunge, Barry Blueberry, and Sprocket the Dog. Other television credits include the upcoming Jim Henson's Monster Dance for Amazon Kids+ (Co-Creator, Executive Producer), Wowsabout (Co-Executive Producer, Director, Puppeteer of Ronald), several seasons of Sesame Street, Johnny and the Sprites (Emmy-nominated, creator, star and co-executive producer), Ugly Betty, Bear in the Big Blue House, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Silent But Deadly, Hollywood Squares, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Animal Jam, Blues Room, Sesame English, and JoJo's Circus.

Jim Henson’s Monster Dance Coming to Amazon Kids+!

The Jim Henson Company has begun production on Jim Henson’s Monster Dance, a new 10-episode CGI animated series of three-minute shorts for Amazon Kids+.

Early work in progress production image. Design not final.

In Jim Henson’s Monster Dance, kids are invited to let their inner monster out on the dance floor where they can express big emotions through physical movements. Carrying on Jim Henson’s legacy of creating loveable monsters, the shorts feature a new cast of colorful animated monsters inspired by his original designs that are brought to life by the award-winning Henson Digital Puppetry Studio.

“Jim Henson’s Monster Dance lets The Jim Henson Company break new ground with the shorts format and continues to push innovation by bringing these fun, vibrant monsters to life with the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio,” says Lisa Henson, Executive Producer and CEO of The Jim Henson Company.

“As someone who performed in three Broadway shows and worked with dancers and choreographers of the highest caliber to tell stories, I know the unique communicative power dance carries between performers and audiences,” says John Tartaglia, the show’s Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning Co-Creator and Executive Producer (Avenue Q and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock respectively).  “With top-notch music and ferociously choreographed dance numbers crafted by top industry talent, Jim Henson’s Monster Dance exposes kids to talent rarely seen in children’s television.”

“Jim Henson’s Monster Dance’s fun, loveable monsters are the positive allies kids need that give them permission to express their most monstrous emotions in ways words cannot in a safe, accepting environment,” says Russell Hicks, Co-Creator and Executive Producer.

Jim Henson’s Monster Dance is Executive Produced by Lisa Henson for The Jim Henson Company. The series is created by John Tartaglia (Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Splash and Bubbles) and Russell Hicks (Nickelodeon) who also executive produce along with Halle Stanford (Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance).  Tom Keniston will serve as Producer. Samantha Berger is Head Writer. Sam Hollander is Executive Music Producer with choreography by Mandy Moore (Dancing with the Stars, Taylor Swift’s The Eras World Tour).

The series will be seeking international distribution partners throughout the world while Amazon Kids+ will be distributing in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.

Look for Jim Henson’s Monster Dance on Amazon Kids+ in 2026!

Shop Henson Unveils “70th Anniversary Collection"!

As part of their, 70th Anniversary celebration The Jim Henson Company unveiled the new “70th Anniversary Collection” on their official online shop. 

For 70 years, The Jim Henson Company has brought some of the world’s most memorable and adored characters to life. Celebrate this special anniversary with an exclusive collection featuring some of our beloved productions.

Highlights include mugs and shirts from classic shows and specials The Storyteller,

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, The Christmas Toy and The Hoobs, all stamped with the milestone branding on the back.

There's also a keyring, magnet, notepad, canvas totebag, and postcard with the anniversary logo.

A real standout in collection is a "Directed by Jim Henson" T-Shirt:

You can shop the entire The Jim Henson Company “70th Anniversary Collection” via Shop.Henson.com

Little Shop of Pins' Henson License Set to Expire!

Little Shop of Pins' license to make Jim Henson Company products is set to expire at the end of the year. 

Little Shop of Pins started their Henson collaboration in 2021 to create merchandise featuring  “Labyrinth,” “Fraggle Rock,” “Sid the Science Kid,” “The Jim Henson Signature Collection” and “The Dark Crystal.” 

In that time they've created many pins and stickers from those iconic franchises save for Sid the Science Kid. 

The company made the announcement on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Jim Henson Company (@hensoncompany)

 

Did you know that our Jim Henson Collection will be leaving Little Shop of Pins at the end of the year? Yes, sadly, our contract is up and we are moving on. It has been such a pleasure working with @hensoncompany and we will miss bringing all of Jim's beloved characters to life again. It truly was such an honor. ❤️

 

You can get Little Shop of Pins' Henson products till the end of the year, many on sale, as they clear out their inventory on their website. 

Muppet Fan Emily Engel Raises $10K For PBS!

Massachusetts-based Muppet fan Emily Engel was so angry that President Donald Trump is trying to defund public television that she ran a sewing campaign to help PBS, raising over $10K in the process. 

Photo: Staasi Heropoulos, The Republican

Engel uses her skills as a fabric artist using tools like fabric, needle and thread to create not just art art, but replica dolls of characters from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. 

She found her niche rejecting replicating main characters like Kermit, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, for less produced secondary, fan-favorite, characters. 

When interviewed about her accomplishment by The Republican, Emily said, “People have that one character they connected with. Sometimes it is a main character, but other times it’s one in the background. People might also feel they were in the background."

Though The Muppets have been appearing on Sesame Street for decades, many people fear 

Trump's plan to defund PBS will have dire consequences for the non-profit network. 

“What ‘Sesame Street’ represents is so important, because it was created for inner city children who did not have great schools or access to proper materials and books. They could watch educational programming for free and learn stuff they were not getting in their own school system,” said Engel.

Photo: Staasi Heropoulos, The Republican

Engel reached out to her social media followers, telling them if they each donated $10 to PBS, she will give them a 25% discount on their next purchase of her dolls.

Each donor also was eligible to win a $400 doll of their choice from a group of nine that she selected..

The fundraiser ended Sunday and raised $11,000. What struck her is who wants to help the American TV network with entries from 47 states, all over Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

Though she's been a seamstress for years, Engel made her first plush (non-Muppet) replica in 2010 for a friend with no patterns or training.

“I got some materials and did it from sight ... and it just came together beautifully. That’s how I discovered my ability to replicate visually, with just needles, thread and fabric,” she said.

Photo: Staasi Heropoulos, The Republican

While the characters are owned by Sesame Workshop and Disney, Engel said she has never had a run-in with their lawyers.

“There’s a ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ situation going on. I don’t make $44 billion a year off of this. I’m not competition with Disney. I’m not picking from their pocket. We coexist peacefully. They know about me. I’m hiding in plain sight. Jim Henson’s daughter even has one of my dolls,” she said.

Photo: Staasi Heropoulos, The Republican

Over the years, Engel has used her dolls to raise thousands of dollars for charities and nonprofit groups, including $6,500 for the Indian Orchard Food Bank, $10,000 for the presidential campaigns of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and $800 for the Trevor Project, which counsels LGBTQ+ youth.

You can follow Emily's work on Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and on her website.

RIP David Lazer (1936 - 2025)

More sad news as longtime Henson/ Muppet producer David Lazer has died. 

David Lazer started his career with Henson in 1965 after being an executive at IBM where he helped develop the Muppet Meeting films. A Muppet likeness of him appeared in many of these films and in The Muppet Movie finale. 

Lazer served as executive producer for The Muppet Show where he also acted as a liaison for the show's guest stars. He would show the guest star how to walk on the elevated sets, how to speak to a Muppet (as opposed to the performer), and would make sure the star was comfortable with the very different production atmosphere.

His death, which had not been widely reported, was confirmed by Doyle Newberry, a manager of Mr. Lazer’s estate. He did not cite a cause.

Lazer also produced the films The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, The Dark Crystal, The Muppets Take Manhattan and Labyrinth, and the 1979 TV special, The Muppets Go Hollywood.

He can be made a cameo in The Muppets Take Manhattan escorting Liza Minnelli into Sardi's before she found that her caricature on a wall has been replaced by Kermit the Frog’s.

After the death of Jim Henson in 1990 Lazer was instrumental in keeping the Henson  Company going. 

From May to December of 1990, Lazer came out of semi-retirement to serve as acting CEO of Henson Associates.

Brain Henson said said of him: "David sort-of came and lived with us for a while there just to help figure it all out. I'd say that David Lazer was probably the biggest influence, through that period, to help figure out how we were going to go forward."

“During that period he was very much like a father figure to me,” Brian Henson said. “My father was my mentor in puppetry, animatronics and directing puppets, but David was my mentor in terms of running the business.”

After Brian Henson was named president in early 1991, Mr. Lazer became vice chairman, a post he held until his retirement in 1994.

Lazer died on April 10 at his home in Vero Beach, Fla. He was 89.

The news saw first reported via The New York Times.

David Lazer was 89.

BREAKING: Diamond Select Toys Shut Down!

According to various sources, Diamond Select Toys was reportedly shut down over the weekend.

The company was going through through a bankruptcy process that eventually lead to Ad Populum buying Diamond Select Toys Diamond Comics, and their related assets.

Ad Populum, owns NECA, Kidrobot, WizKids, Chia Pet, Rubies, Smiffys, Enesco, and Graceland. They might be interested in transferring licenses to their other divisions, but no word yet.

While their website is still up, all Diamond Select Toys staff were laid off as part of the new owner's immediate restructuring measures and we don't yet know how this will effect the release of their Uncle Deadly and Pepe, Sweetums and Robin, and Lips and Lew Zealand figures. 

Our contact at Diamond Zach Oat, the marketing supervisor at DST, was on of those laid off and posted the following:

I’m sure by now everyone has heard about the layoffs at Diamond Comics/Diamond Select Toys. Well, I was one of them. 14 years as Marketing Supervisor for DST, on the nose. I’m now open to work, and while I’d love to stay in the toy industry, preferably in a marketing role, I am also an experienced web editor (TV Without Pity), magazine editor (ToyFare) and copy editor (since I was 16). I also dabble in photography. More on that later…

The shutdown of Diamond Select Toys might also include Gentle Giant, a separate brand at Diamond, who sculpted may of their products, but wasn't mentioned.

Bleeding Cool News has a timeline of DST bankruptcy events. 

BREAKING: ‘Sesame Street’ Streaming Rights Head to Netflix and PBS Kids!

New episodes of Sesame Street will stream on Netflix and PBS Kids.

Sesame Workshop announced today that new episodes as well as library episodes of Sesame Street will be available to watch on Netflix worldwide with new episodes also being released the same day on both PBS stations and on PBS Kids.

“The support of Netflix, PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting serve as a unique public-private partnership to enable Sesame Street to continue to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger."

Sesame Workshop released the following statement on X.

"We are excited to announce that all new Sesame Street episodes are coming to
@netflix worldwide along with library episodes, and new episodes will also release the same day on @PBSStations and @PBSKIDS platforms in the US, preserving a 50+ year relationship. The support of Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting serve as a unique public-private partnership to enable Sesame Street to continue to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder."

The news comes months after HBO and Max did not renew their 2016 deal. While some of the Sesame library will be available on Netflix, the majority will still be available on HBO and Max through 2027.

UPDATE: Press Release and info on the Netflix deal:

For more than a half a century, Sesame Street has been a beloved cornerstone of children’s media, enchanting young minds and nurturing a love of learning. Now Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and all their friends are coming to Netflix later this year, with Sesame Street’s all-new, reimagined 56th season — plus 90 hours of previous episodes — available to audiences worldwide.

The new season will feature fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck. Expect new ways to play along as Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street, and explore Abby’s Fairy Garden, a home to surprising and delightful magical creatures.

Additionally, episodes will now center on one 11-minute story, allowing for even more character-driven humor and heart.

These new episodes of the iconic series will be available same day-and-date in the US on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms, bringing critical early learning to children throughout the country for free. Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, with Sal Perez and Kay Wilson Stallings serving as executive producers; Emmy, Humanitas, and NAACP Award nominee Halcyon Person (Karma’s World, Dee & Friends in Oz) joins as head writer.

Additional information:

Sesame Street will continue to be available on PBS KIDS and across their digital video and games platforms, continuing its 50+ year legacy of using the power of public television to bring critical early learning to children across the country for free.

Netflix has exclusive worldwide premiere rights and episodes will be available day-and-date on PBS stations in the U.S. and across PBS KIDS digital platforms.

Netflix will also be able to develop video games for both Sesame Street and Sesame Street Mecha Builders.

Kids and Family viewing represents 15% of Netflix’s total viewing. Whether it’s laughing alongside their favorite characters with Ms. Rachel, Gabby’s Dollhouse, CoComelon Lane, Blippi and Hot Wheels Let’s Race or diving into exciting new adventures with The Sea Beast and Leo, we’ve built a space where kids can watch, play, and learn

Netflix makes family time easy and fun with dedicated kids’ profiles made just for them. Parents can set controls, check what their kids are watching, lock profiles with a PIN, and even get helpful recaps—all to create a safe and personalized experience for little viewers. Coming soon to the experience will be more games for kids included with all subscriptions.

About Sesame Street Season 56:

Sesame Street’s reimagined 56th season will include the following new segments and format changes:

• New ways to play along. Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street. Will there be cookie chaos or a sweet treat with every adventure? Abby’s Fairy Garden is home to surprising and delightful magical creatures. What could possibly go wrong when Abby helps care for them?

• To-camera moments. The characters speak directly to the viewers and invite them into the action—capturing emotions and interactions.

• Animation overlays that highlight music, action, humor, and important story moments while adding visual excitement. Visual effects like wand sparkles, bubbles, and confetti will add a touch of anything-can-happen magic to the storytelling.

• One 11-minute story. The longer format provides the opportunity to tell stories with even more character-driven humor and heart.  

• A new animated segment, Tales from 123 that takes viewers INSIDE the most famous apartment building in the world where they can discover the wacky and whimsical building that Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends call home.

• The return of fan-favorite episodes of Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck. 

•  Format: Season 56 will be released in three batches

UPDATE: Info on the PBS Kids deal:

• New episodes will be released on PBS stations, the PBS KIDS Channel, and across PBS KIDS digital platforms. 

• An expanded collection of 25 new and library episodes will be available to stream across PBS KIDS digital platforms. New episodes will also be available on Netflix the same day.

• New games will be added to the growing 25+ library of SESAME STREET games available on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games app. 

• Full episodes and clips will be available on the PBS KIDS YouTube Channel.

• Sesame Workshop and PBS KIDS will expand the existing library of parent and educator resources on PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia. 

• An evergreen toolkit of SESAME STREET-related assets will be available to PBS stations to support their local sustainability and public service efforts.

Stay tuned for the release of new episodes of Sesame Street Season 56 later this year on Netflix and PBS Kids.

California Legislature Honors Kermit the Frog Ahead of ‘Kermit the Frog Day’!

May 9th is Kermit the Frog Day, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Kermit's first television appearance. In recognition of this milestone, the California Legislature issued an official proclamation honoring our favorite amphibian. 

The proclamation, presented by the Honorable Nick Schultz of California’s 44th Assembly District, was delivered at The Muppets Studio headquarters in Glendale, California.

"If we all pitch in and perform an act of kindness, imagine how much good we can put into the world," said Kermit the Frog, encouraging everyone to get involved.

Fans are invited to join the festivities by wearing green, performing acts of kindness, and spreading Kermit's message of compassion on social media using the hashtags #KermittheFrogDay and #TheMuppets70.

Below is the full text of California Member’s Resolution RN 25 51354:

MEMBER’S RESOLUTION

By the Honorable Nick Schultz, 44th Assembly District; Relative to

KERMIT THE FROG

WHEREAS, People from throughout the State of California, the nation, and the world are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of the first appearance of Kermit the Frog, a beloved character that has helped educate countless children and brought joy to millions of fans around the globe since debuting on May 9, 1955, on the Sam & Friends television show; and

WHEREAS, Created and originally performed by the late Jim Henson, who used his mother’s coat to provide the material for the puppet’s body, Kermit the Frog is 25 inches tall, has four toes on each of his flippers, and usually wears a light green jester’s collar with 11 collar points, and the original model is now displayed in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Having become known as the leader and often the symbol of The Muppets franchise, Kermit the Frog was one of the original main Muppet characters on Sesame Street – the treasured educational children’s television show – and went on to be featured in The Muppet Show, which debuted on television in 1976 and ran for five seasons – with Kermit introducing the guest host at the beginning of every episode – winning four Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award during the show’s lifetime; and

WHEREAS, For The Muppets first film, The Muppet Movie, which premiered in 1979, Kermit the Frog is shown setting off for Hollywood, California, with his friends to pursue their dreams, and with the film shot primarily in Los Angeles, Kermit’s swamp remains in place on the Warner Bros. lot and is still used as a filming location to this day; and

WHEREAS, With The Muppets Studio now part of The Walt Disney Company and headquartered in Glendale, Kermit the Frog has appeared in numerous Muppets productions that have been filmed in Los Angeles County, including The Muppets film from 2011, the Muppets Most Wanted film from 2014, the muppets television series that debuted in 2014, and the Muppets Haunted Mansion Halloween special that premiered on Disney+ in 2021, among many others; and

WHEREAS, Boasting an official character biography that states that he splits his time between the swamp and a pad in Hollywood, which he shares with pigs, bears, chickens, and other various other weirdos, Kermit the Frog, now performed by Matt Vogel, was immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002 and again as a part of The Muppets when the franchise was so honored in 2012; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY ASSEMBLY MEMBER NICK SCHULTZ, That The Muppets Studio and The Walt Disney Company be congratulated on the celebration of Kermit the Frog’s seventieth anniversary and commended for sharing this beloved and iconic character with audiences around the world, who have been educated, entertained, and touched by the unique and engaging personality Kermit presents to his innumerable fans.

Dated this 9th day of May, 2025.

Honorable Nick Schultz

44th Assembly District

 

Happy Kermit the Frog Day!

RIP Ruth Buzzi (1936 - 2025)

Sad news as comic actress Ruth Buzzi has died.

Buzzi was best known for playing an assortment of characters, most notably the drab spinster Gladys, on the classic sketch comedy show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

She spent a lot of time with the Muppets during her career, including the 1971 special Pure Goldie that also featured Kermit, guest starring on The Muppet Show, appearing in The Muppets Go Hollywood, and playing Ruthie, the owner of the Finders Keepers store, on Sesame Street from 1993 to 1999 and in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, and voicing Suzie Kabloozie in a series of recurring inserts. 

You can watch some of Ruth's appearances with The Muppets below:

Ruth Buzzi died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. You can read more about her life at The Washington Post.

She was 88.

Celebrate Sesame Place’s 45th Birthday!

Sesame Place turns 45 this year and the park is inviting you to celebrate!

Sesame Place’s 45th Birthday Celebration kicks off Saturday, April 26th featuring furry birthday fun all spring and summer long. The park will be adorned with bright balloons, colorful garland, fabulous birthday presents, and more fun décor! Fan-favorite entertainment across the park will be transformed with birthday-themed twists, including the return of the spectacular, fan favorite Sesame Street Birthday Parade. 

This colorful, musical, and show-stopping parade will get the whole family dancing with contemporary and classic Sesame Street tunes, showstopping performances, and an interactive birthday song. “It’s an incredible honor to create lasting memories every single day for our guests,” said Cathy Valeriano, Park President of Sesame Place Philadelphia. “Our park has transformed so much over the past 45 years, but our love for Sesame Street and dedication to our guests has never changed. We’re so excited to celebrate with more special events and surprises coming up next season!” 

You can pick up your FREE Sesame Street Birthday Party hat, balloon, and party favors inside the park on Saturday near the Sunny Day Carousel when the park opens at 10am. And FREE birthday-themed stickers will be available at the Sesame Place Store or Mr. Hooper's Gift Shop all day.

Then our favorite furry friends will have a very special performance to start the party and kick off the 45th Birthday Celebration at 10:30am at Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Stage.

There will also be birthday themed arts & crafts​, party games, and Season Pass Members can go to the Sesame Place Party Room to receive a Sesame Street-themed pencil!

For more information and tickets head over to Sesame Place's website.

Bryan O’Connell Joins The Jim Henson Company As VP Children’s Television!

The Jim Henson Company has appointed Bryan O’Connell as Vice President of Children’s Television. 

A seasoned industry executive, O’Connell most recently held the position of Director of Development at Disney Jr. In his new role, he will lead the creative development of a dynamic lineup of children’s programming, including both animated and live-action series such as The Kissing Hand and Monster Mix, along with reimaginings of beloved classics Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train.

O’Connell becomes part of the Creative Affairs team at The Jim Henson Company, working alongside Tara Billik (VP of Feature Films), Delaney Shiokari (VP of Primetime Television), and Tim O’Brien (Production Executive). The team also includes in-house producers John Tartaglia, who serves as Creative Supervisor for Fraggle Rock, and Halle Stanford, Co-Creator of the upcoming series Wowsabout. Brian Henson and Vince Raisa of Brian Henson Productions continue to develop a robust slate of film and TV projects under the Company’s banner.

Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, shared her enthusiasm about the new addition:“I have had the pleasure of working with Bryan over several years. It is clear he has a deep understanding of and respect for creating engaging and entertaining content for children. Whether it be wholly new worlds yet to be discovered, or the beloved legacy worlds our audiences know and love, Bryan will be managing an ambitious and exciting slate of shows for our next generation of fans,” said Lisa Henson.

Bryan O’Connell said, “As a longtime admirer of The Jim Henson Company and its iconic properties, I have appreciated the Company’s universal appeal and enduring productions that have spanned generations. Stepping into this new role, I am grateful for the opportunity to develop a slate of live action and animated children’s projects, drawing from a global community of creators and artists that share my commitment to continue and expand this legacy of creating entertaining and impactful content for kids around the world.”

Before joining The Jim Henson Company, O’Connell spent a decade at The Walt Disney Company, contributing across Disney Television Animation, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Most recently, he led development efforts at Disney Jr., guiding the creation of numerous series, shorts, and specials for the preschool audience. He also collaborated closely with Disney’s franchise division to extend properties into merchandise and live events. His earlier experience includes roles at Silvergate Media, Sprout, Illumination, DreamWorks, and Sesame Workshop.

Henson President Halle Stanford Signs First Look Deal!

Halle Stanford, The Jim Henson Company‘s longtime President of Television, is relaunching her production company, 7 Crow Stories.

According to Deadline, Stanford is embarking on a new chapter in her career as an independent producer and writer. 

She signed a first-look producing deal with The Jim Henson Company, where she has been a producer and executive for the past 30 years.

Through her 7 Crow Stories banner, Stanford will develop a diverse range of live-action and animated projects for The Jim Henson Company, targeting preschool, family, and primetime audiences. Her focus will remain on creating engaging, impactful, and imaginative content across various genres. Upcoming projects include the primetime fantasy series Goblins starring Norman Reedus, the primetime animated series Lore Olympus based on Webtoon’s digital comic, and the animated series Adrenaline Lemmings for older kids. She is also set to develop a future production of Fraggle Rock.

As part of the new deal, Stanford will serve as creator, showrunner, and writer for several Jim Henson Company projects that she has personally developed. One major project is the live-action puppet preschool series Jim Henson’s Wowsabout!, set to begin shooting this summer. Co-created by Stanford and Dorien Davies, the show follows Roxy, a guitar-playing hedgehog, and Ronald, a tree-loving pig, as they explore awe-inspiring wonders like the California Redwoods, a sleepover with the Declaration of Independence, and art museums. Davies and John Tartaglia will serve as Co-EPs and puppeteers for the characters of Roxy and Ronald.

Through her first-look deal, Stanford will continue to collaborate closely with The Jim Henson Company’s CEO, Lisa Henson, who leads the Creative Affairs team, alongside Tara Billik (Vice President of Feature Films), Delaney Shiokari (Director of Primetime Development), Tim O’Brien (Production Executive), John Tartaglia (Creative Supervisor for Fraggle Rock), and an upcoming Vice President of Kids’ Development. Brian Henson and Vince Raisa from Brian Henson Productions will also remain involved in developing the company’s film and TV sl

In her statement to Deadline, Lisa Henson said, “Over her decades of work with The Jim Henson Company, Halle has brought to bear the positive influence that television can have on generations of children and has also dedicated herself to developing her own powerful, inspiring, and joyous creative voice. Through her collaborative producing, thoughtful writing, and dynamic leadership, she has built a strong scaffolding for herself as a showrunner for a raft of productions that reflect her deep understanding and mastery of children’s television.”

Chris Lytton, The Jim Henson Company’s COO and President, added, “Having Halle Stanford apply her talent and experience now as a producer and showrunner broadens our capabilities and strengthens our slate overall, as she will provide concentrated firepower and focus to some of our highest-priority projects.”

Stanford recently executive produced Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, which earned 10 Emmy nominations for its second season, alongside nominations for a PGA Award, WGA Award, Environmental Media Award, and a GLAAD Media Award. Her other EP credits include Emmy winner The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Fraggle Rock: Rock On!, Slumberkins, Harriet the Spy, and PBS Kids series like Sid the Science Kid, Dinosaur Train, and Splash and Bubbles. She was also an EP on Julie’s Greenroom, Pajanimals, and Word Party.

Stanford joined The Jim Henson Company in 1993, working on projects like Muppet Treasure Island, Muppets Tonight, Bear in the Big Blue House, and Farscape. She founded 7 Crow Stories, a company focused on children’s content and rebranding franchises, in 2000, and returned to Henson in 2003, creating over 500 hours of programming seen in 150+ countries and earning 100+ awards.

A 12-time Emmy nominee, Stanford has also been recognized with the Cynopsis Top Women in Media Award, the Corporate Visionary Award, and the Cynopsis Kids !magination Award. She is represented by The Gotham Group.

BREAKING: Closing Dates Announced for MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo!

As we officially learned a few months ago, MuppetVision 3D is set to close for good this year and we now know the show will take it's final curtail call on June 7.

Walt Disney World announced the closing dates not only for MuppetVision 3D, but PizzeRizzo and the non-Muppet restaurant Mama Melrose as well. 

The final day to see MuppetVision will be June 7 which will also be the last day to enjoy a meal at PizzeRizzo, relieve yourself at Gonzo's Royal Flush, enjoy the exterior of the Stage 1 Company Store, see the Muppet fountain, or the rest of the Grand Avenue area as it stands now. 

Non-Muppet themed Italian restaurant, Mama Melrose, will close a month earlier on May 10.

“ the Grand Avenue area will begin a phase closing in May, with the last day to dine at Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano on May 10. Following that, Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close, with the last day to experience both locations on June 7. But, the Muppet foolishness doesn’t stop there — Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!“

This all makes way as Hollywood Studios theme park prepares to retheme Muppet Courtyard Grand Avenue to a “Monsters, Inc.” themed land.