From the stages of Muppet Theater, where the crazy, yet creative minds of Frank Oz and Jim Henson collided, came some of the most innovative and entertaining television from 1976 until The Muppet Show went off the air in 1981. Despite the successes of the show’s predecessor, Sesame Street, no one, not even Oz and Henson ever expected The Muppet Show to become the iconic success that it remains today. During it’s five year run, 120 episodes were produced, and the show aired in over 100 different countries.

The premise of the show featured a variety of muppet talent combined with new special guest each show.

Over the years, such talents as Florence Henderson, Carol Burnett, Paul Williams, Alice Cooper, Don Knotts, Rich Little, John Denver, Elton John and the cast of science fiction phenomenon, Star Wars just to name a few. Between featured skits with the special guest, muppet acts filled the stage, as did weekly series like Pigs in Space, Veterinarian’s Hospital, and the Swedish Chef.

One of the most memorable parts about The Muppet Show was the characters that kept it all going. There was the wacky romance between Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, which often resulted in some female guest getting the “judo chop!” Gonzo the weirdo and his band of lovely chickens never ceased to entertain. Scooter, Kermit’s gofer and the nephew of the man who owns the theater was quite agreeable, but never failed to mention his leverage since his uncle owned the theater. Fozzie the Bear tried to entertain the audience with a host of poor jokes, which kept the old men in the opera box, Statler and Waldorf, cackling him at every turn.

Even if you weren’t alive during The Muppet Show years, just about everyone has seen one of the many Muppet movies that followed over the years. Reruns occasionally aired over the years, and you can own the series on DVD. A cartoon series called Muppet Babies had a particularly popular run, and in 1996, a revival attempt was made, but never quite got off the ground.

Providing wholesome entertainment that both adults and children could enjoy, The Muppet Show definitely goes down in tv history as one of those unforgettable series that today’s adults can’t wait to share with their kids. Pop a bucket of popcorn, gather the kids and pop in the DVD to take a trip down memory lane. Your kids will thank you.