Some of us grew up with these characters from watching Sesame Street. Others watched The Muppet Show on weeknights. And I’m sure there’s some Fraggle Rock and Muppet Babies fans out there as well.
Just for a lark, here are several video clips – some of which you might not have seen in a long, long time – that show how great Jim Henson’s Muppets really were.
VISUAL THINKING
This is from an the show Sam and Friends, one of the first televised programs to use Muppet characters. In this clip, an early version of Kermit the Frog has a “visual” conversation, and the words and thoughts he and his buddy speak actually appear visually on the screen!
WILKINS’ COFFEE
One of the earliest Muppet commercials involve the iconic characters pitching Wilkins Coffee. In case you’re wondering, the doubting Muppet character in these clips is called “Wontkins.” Apparently with Muppet commercials, you can beat and shoot and kill a Muppet because he doesn’t like to drink coffee.
THE JIMMY DEAN SHOW
Long before he was a pitchman for breakfast sausage, musician Jimmy Dean had his own television show. And look at who’s among his cast members – yep, it’s Rowlf the Dog!
THE MUPPETS ON THE TONIGHT SHOW
This clip is from 1965, and it’s equal parts adorable and humorous.
SCRED THE DRAGON ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Did you know that the first season of Saturday Night Live actually featured a collection of Muppets in their own segment, the “Land of Gorch”? Here’s one of the characters, Scred, singing a duet with SNL host Lily Tomlin.
EMMETT OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS
Did you think I was going to forget to post this one? Silly you…
THE MUPPET MUSICIANS OF BREMEN
I couldn’t leave this one out, either. This special, from I think 1972, featured a retelling of the folk tale The Musicians of Bremen – of course, all with newly-crafted Muppets, natch.
THE MUPPETS PAY TRIBUTE TO MR. ROGERS
At the 2003 Daytime Emmy Awards, several of the Muppets, including Big Bird, Grover and Elmo, pay tribute to their PBS neighbor, Fred Rogers, by signing some of Mr. Rogers’ classic songs. How sweet.
MR. SNUFFLEUPAGUS
At one point in time, Big Bird’s friend Mr. Snuffleupagus was considered imaginary by everybody else, because no one but Big Bird could see him.
Of course, it took FOURTEEN YEARS before the writers finally decided that it was okay for a big brown furry elephant could be seen by EVERYBODY else on Sesame Street.
FRAGGLE ROCK
It takes a very special person to love Fraggle Rock. Fraggle Rock is its own entity, its own section of the Jim Henson universe, with its own mythology and its own history. And if you don’t love Fraggle Rock… I feel sorry for you.
DINOSAURS
Long before Stewie Griffin became prime time’s most popular toddler, there was Baby Sinclair from the Jim Henson Co.-produced Dinosaurs TV series. Remember this show?
Chuck The Writer 
thanks !!! that was great. loved the dinosaurs show.
LikeLike
Not the Mama, Not the Mama, Not the Mama!
LikeLike
I still can’t work with someone named “Timmy” without thinking “oops – need another Timmy!”
LikeLike
Oh. My. Gosh!! I thought I was the only human being alive who remembered Emmett Otter’s Jugband Christmas – and most importantly, that they were the brainchild of Jim Henson!!!!
“Ain’t no hole in the washtub…”
“They don’t brush their teeth ’cause they like to stay meaaaaaaaan!!!”
And Dinosaurs!! The baby with that catchphrase, “Not the mama!!!” stole the show… =)
Ah, sweet mem’ries of childhood…
LikeLike
Such a fantastic post! My family and I watch Emmett Otter’s Jugband Christmas every year-it’s a classic.
LikeLike
“I’m the baby, gotta love me!” I adored the Dinosaurs!! Thanks
LikeLike