Template:Song
"The Muppet Show Theme" was played at the beginning and end of every episode of The Muppet Show. Although it evolved visually over the course of the show's five seasons, the musical composition remained substantially the same.
Contents
- 1 Openings
- 1.1 Season One
- 1.2 Season Two
- 1.3 Season Three
- 1.4 Season Four
- 1.5 Season Five
- 1.6 Extended Album Version
- 2 Closings
- 2.1 Seasons One and Two
- 2.2 Seasons Three and Four
- 2.3 Season Five
- 3 Other versions
- 4 References
- 5 Covers
- 6 Notes
- 7 See also
- 8 Sources
Openings[]
Season One[]
Each Muppet Show theme starts with a shot of the title card, which in the first season was less ornate than the one that would replace it the following year. As the camera zoomed in, a spotlight immediately lit up the O, the center of which swings back to reveal Kermit, introducing the very special guest star. The title card then lifts to show the curtains and the Muppet orchestra is revealed, including close-ups of Crazy Harry on the triangle, Zoot on sax, an uncharacteristically calm Animal on the drums, and Rowlf at the piano. Trumpet Girl and conductor Nigel are also seen in the long shot.
Two kicklines take turns crossing the stage: four chorus girls (a bewigged Janice, Miss Piggy, the Trumpet Girl, and a female Whatnot) and four chorus boys (a Whatnot monster, Blue Frackle, a pig, and Green Frackle).
The curtains part for Fozzie Bear, who attempts a different joke each week, usually cut off. As the curtains closed on Fozzie, Kermit appeared in front of them to introduce the guest star who was usually shown among an assortment of Muppets he or she would appear with later in the episode. In the first season's earliest episodes, after the presentation verse by Kermit, the guest stars appeared in a position with Muppets from one of their upcoming sketches, as a tease of what's to come. Jim Nabors was the first guest star surrounded by casual Muppets in the opening theme, as will be usual in the next episodes of the season, with some exceptions.
The last verse of the theme song is performed by Kermit and a chorus of Muppets, which also include Wayne, Wanda, and Snake Frackle. After the logo lowers into place, Gonzo finishes the theme each week by trying to hit the O like a gong, with a different result each week.
Beginning in the 1980s, when episodes from Season One were played in syndication and on home video, the original opening was replaced with the Season Two opening, except for episodes 103, 106, 114 and TNT airings of 121, which were paired with the Season Five opening. The original openings were restored on The Muppet Show: Season One DVD set.
This version is featured on most album releases of the song, including The Muppet Show, Favorite Songs From Jim Henson's Muppets, Muppet Hits, Best of the Muppets, and Music, Mayhem, And More.
Season Two[]
The opening is heavily revamped, with a new title card. The opening curtain reveals a series of arches. The shots of Animal and Crazy Harry are replaced with Rowlf playing a bit of music on the piano, then Zoot, who blows a note on his saxophone.
Next, a group of full-bodied monsters (including Sweetums, Timmy Monster, Thog, and two Mutations) walked on-stage, followed by a group of females and then males each group singing its own verse. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, Miss Mousey, Chicken, Whatnot, Chicken, Janice, Whatnot, Mildred Huxtetter, and Lydia. The men characters include Dr. Julius Strangepork, The Swedish Chef, Sam the Eagle, Whatnot, George the Janitor, Whatnot, Blue Frackle, Link Hogthrob, Green Frackle, and Jim. The male chorus verse is slightly shorter than in the previous season. Kermit is now seated in the arches with the rest of the cast. Gonzo now plays a trumpet note instead of the gong gag.
The arch positions for the group are as follows:
Row #1:
- Chicken, Baskerville the Hound, T.R., Duck-billed Woman, Mahna Mahna, Mel, Whatnot
Row #2:
- Female Koozebanian Creature, Lydia, Mildred Huxtetter, Whatnot, Janice, Chicken, Female Dancer, Chicken, Miss Mousey
Row #3:
- Chicken, The Newsman, Dr. Teeth, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog (seated), Fozzie Bear, Scooter, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Chicken
Row #4:
- Miss Kitty, Fleet Scribbler, Dr. Julius Strangepork, The Swedish Chef, Sam the Eagle, Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle, Whatnot, Link Hogthrob, Green Frackle, Jim, Lenny the Lizard
Row #5:
- Whatnot, Jerry, Uncle Deadly, Droop, Chicken, Beautiful Day Monster, Gorgon Heap, Svengali's Assistant, Pig, Crazy Harry, Male Koozebanian Creature, Wanda, Wayne
This version is featured on the albums of The Muppet Show 2 and Muppet Hits Take 2. This opening replaced the original first season opening during syndication until the season DVD sets were released.
Season Three[]
The third season's opening was similar to the second season, the only differences being a slight change to the initial shots of Zoot and Rowlf and an additional shot in which the audience asked "Why don't you get things started?"
Episode 308 from this season is the only episode with a completely different opening sequence, the theme lyrics slightly altered, the music played in a timetable, and the intro done at a train station.
Season Four[]
This is the shortest opening from the show's run. The shots of the women and men singing in the arches were replaced by a single shot of men (on a top row of arches) and women (on a bottom row of arches) singing one short verse. The rest of the opening remained unchanged from the third season's opening.
MuppetShopen4.JPG
Season Five[]
The new Zoot puppet was used for the intro, and the male and female choruses sing different verses again. The characters for the women's line are from right to left, Miss Mousey, Chicken, Lydia, Chicken, Janice, and Mildred Huxtetter, though she is barely seen at the end of the line. The men's characters are Dr. Julius Strangepork, Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle (Boppity), Green Frackle (Gloat), and a Whatnot. Statler and Waldorf then sang a verse about their hatred of The Muppet Show, which was the same in each fifth season episode, and had the same melody as Kermit's guest star verse from Season One. This was followed by a shot of the orchestra that showed Animal on drums, and Lips (introduced that season) on trumpet, soloing with Trumpet Girl on trombone. Characters sing "But now let's get things started" before the audience replies "Why don't you get things started?" The top row features a Whatnot, George the Janitor, Blue Frackle, and Link. The bottom row features Mildred, a Whatnot, Janice, and a Chicken.
This version is featured on television soundtrack compilations like 50 All-Time Favorite TV Themes and All-Time Top 100 TV Themes. The beginning half of this opening appears in The Secrets of the Muppets when Digit puts on the wrong opening.
Season 5 Opening.JPG
MuppetShowSeason5WomenArches.jpg
LipsTrumpet Opening.jpg
Muppet Show Theme S5 Chorus.jpg
Extended Album Version[]
An extended version of the Muppet Show theme was recorded between season 1 and 2 for a 45RPM record.
The arrangements are similar to the season 2 opening, but it still features a joke from Fozzie and Kermit's introduction verse. Kermit introduces Miss Piggy, who karate chops him. This is followed by an instrumental break (in which Kermit introduces Animal as a "record breaking drummer"; Animal then attempts to break the record album). The theme then modulates to a piano solo performed by Rowlf and then to the final verse.
The second half of this version of the theme (without kazoo solo and dialogue) was used as the theme for The Muppet Show Music Album.
Closings[]
Seasons One and Two[]
The instrumental theme version used for the closing is played by The Muppet Orchestra. From left to right, the members are Zoot, Floyd Pepper, Trumpet Girl, Crazy Harry (without his triangle), Nigel, Animal, and Rowlf. Comments by Statler and Waldorf (or closing gags) were followed by a wide shot of the orchestra and then a shot of Zoot blowing a final bum note out of his saxophone.
The closing sequence remained the same for season 2, with the only difference being a replaced shot of the updated Floyd Pepper puppet.
The entire sequence originally begun with a pan-out shot of the orchestra, as seen in the pilot episodes 101 and 102. The German dub of the series uses this version at the end of every episode, instead of using the closings for later seasons. This closing is also shown at the end of the It's the Muppets! video releases (with part of the third season's theme music playing during the pan-out shot), heard during the end credits for I Love Muppets, and released on the albums The Muppet Show 2, Muppet Hits, Muppet Hits Take 2, and Music, Mayhem, And More.
Seasons Three and Four[]
In season 3, the entire closing was re-shot, with wardrobe changes and the omission of Crazy Harry. The theme itself is now a slightly slower rendition, including a piano solo from Rowlf replacing Zoot's sax solo. Like the season 1 closing, there are solo shots of each member, with the exception of Trumpet Girl. Like the first season, the entire sequence opened up with a pan-out shot of the orchestra, as seen in episodes 319, 401, and 409.
This version was heard during the closing credits for Of Muppets and Men, ending after Rowlf's solo. Along with being used in the end credits for Rowlf's Rhapsodies with the Muppets, Muppet Moments and Fozzie's Muppet Scrapbook from Playhouse Video, it was released on The Muppet Show Music Album.
Season Five[]
The closing was re-shot again for the fifth season. This time, Lips is in the orchestra playing a prominent solo, and Trumpet Girl plays the trombone. In episode 507, the shot of Lips and the Trumpet Girl is re-used at the beginning of the closing credits. In episodes 508 and 511, Lips' trumpet solo is muted.
The closing music plays over the credits of the Playhouse Video compilations The Muppet Revue, Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff and Rock Music with the Muppets.Template:Br
Other versions[]
| Image | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
File:TMS Theme It's The Muppet Show.png | 1979 | It's The Muppet Show! The cast sings the song on stage. |
File:TMS Theme On Tour program.jpg | 1984 | The Muppet Show: On Tour! Walk-around versions of The Muppet Show cast perform the number on stage. |
File:Playhouse-Rowlf01.jpg | 1985 | Playhouse Video A grand piano rendition of the theme opens The Kermit and Piggy Story and Rowlf's Rhapsodies with the Muppets. |
| 1985 | Children's Songs and Stories Begins and ends with a music box-style version of the theme. | |
File:Playhouse-Revue01.jpg | 1985 | The Muppet Revue Kermit and Fozzie offhandedly sang the refrain of the song a capella in a framing sequence. |
File:Mv3d penguin band.jpg | 1991 | Muppet*Vision 3D Nicky Napoleon and His Emperor Penguins perform an orchestral rendition of the theme. Gonzo eventually joins in humming before Kermit welcomes the audience. |
File:Dca muppet queue.jpg | 1991 | Muppet*Vision 3D A different instrumental version of the theme plays while visitors queue and exit the attraction. |
File:Get a free watch Kermit | 1993 | Jim Henson Video A Template:Popup for the 1993 home video releases of The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper has newly-dubbed audio of Fozzie singing a variation of the theme song, with a newly-dubbed line spoken by Waldorf as well. Template:Popup with newly-dubbed audio of Kermit singing a variation about the watches was also made. |
File:Howtosell.jpg | 1993 | How To Sell An instrumental version of the song underscores Kermit's cameo in this Muppet Meeting Film. |
File:Hola Raffaella 1994-05-25 01.jpg | 1994 | Hola, Raffaella Sung by Kermit and Gonzo. |
File:TMS Theme CD-ROM.jpg | 1996 | The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside Another version of the song was written and performed for The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside as part of the finale video at the end of the game. Footage from the fifth season theme was shown while alternate lyrics relating to being a CD-ROM were sung, including a variation of the first season "to introduce our guest star..." lyric. In the middle of it, Bunsen stops the theme to let everyone know they can't get things started because the game is over. Kermit then resumes the theme, briefly on a sad note, before everyone else joins in, hoping to see the player shortly. The end credits played the fifth season version of the closing theme, which kept repeating the last half of the closing theme (starting with the trumpet section) over and over after Statler and Waldorf keep making closing comments. |
File:TMS Theme Muppet RaceMania Theatre track.jpg | 2000 | Muppet RaceMania A version of the theme serves as the soundtrack for the "Theatre" race course. |
File:Mma1.jpg | 2000 | Muppet Monster Adventure A version of the theme is used on the title screen of Muppet Monster Adventure. Robin the Frog hums the song to himself during the final cutscene as well. |
File:Muppetshowlive1.jpg | 2001 | The Muppet Show Live Kermit appears live in the "O" of The Muppet Show logo to announce the show, followed by a projected playback of the original theme. |
File:Muppetcarparade.jpg | 2001 | Disney's Stars and Motor Cars Parade An instrumental version of the theme plays as walk-around versions of the characters drive through the parade. |
File:2006tvland2.jpg | 2006 | TV Land Awards Sung by Kermit and Piggy. |
File:TMS Theme On the Road 01.jpg | 2010 | The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road A variation of the theme song opened issue #1. |
File:TMS Theme On the Road 03.jpg | 2010 | The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road A verse of the theme was also sung in issue #3. |
File:Muppets2011Trailer02-19.jpg File:Muppets2011Trailer02-38.jpg Template:Cellexpand | 2011 | The Muppets A recreation of the opening appeared in the 2011 film The Muppets to open the Muppets' live telethon show. While the film's rendition closely resembles the most common elements of the previous openings (with the lyrics being those from season 3's opening), there are some changes - Timmy Monster is not present, a few of the arches on the top level are empty, there are four rows of arches instead of five, and the character selection and placement in the arches are different. With a very small audience in attendance, the "why don't you get things started?" line is sung by Hobo Joe (with the actual vocals provided by Joanna Newsom). Gonzo's trumpet gag consists of the trumpet making the Tarzan yell. |
File:OKGo-Muppets (15).png | 2011 | OK Go American rock group OK Go performed a cover of the song for The Green Album. The song was later made into a music video featuring the Muppets. The video, directed by Kirk Thatcher, was released on August 23, 2011. |
File:Elio.png | 2011 | Elio Italian singer and musician Elio (Stefano Belisari) performed a cover of the song in a music video featuring the Muppets to promote the release of The Muppets in Italy (I Muppet). The video uses stock footage from the Muppets' own viral videos, Disney Xtreme Digital shorts, film promotional pieces and the OK Go "Muppet Show Theme Song" music video. The video was accompanied with a series of web videos showing Elio being kidnapped by the Muppets to host The Muppet Show. |
File:GMA 2011-11-17h.jpg | 2011 | Good Morning America Gonzo, Kermit, Piggy, and Pepe sing a version of the song with new lyrics on November 17, 2011. |
File:JustforLaughs09.jpg | 2012 | Just for Laughs At "The Muppets All-Star Comedy Gala," Kermit comes out from behind the curtain to introduce the show leading into a performance of "The Muppet Show Theme" (with slightly altered lyrics reflecting the Canadian setting) by Kermit, Fozzie, Rowlf, Scooter, Pepe, Floyd, Gonzo, Lew Zealand, Statler and Waldorf. |
File:TMS Theme Jim Henson's Musical World.jpg | 2012 | Jim Henson's Musical World The New York Pops accompanied by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem perform one version of the theme, followed later in the show by another version with Beauregard, Scooter, Gonzo, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf the Dog, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and John Tartaglia. |
File:MMW-WorldTour-Germany-DieMuppetShow-(2014).png File:Muppets Most Wanted Teaser 02.png Template:Cellexpand | 2014 | Muppets Most Wanted Two international versions of the opening are performed by the Muppets during their world tour shows in Berlin, Germany (Die Muppet Show) and Madrid, Spain (El Muppet Show) in Muppets Most Wanted. An extended version of the Spanish theme (including Statler and Waldorf's season 5 verse sung by Pepe the King Prawn) was included on the film's soundtrack album. In the El Muppet Show version of the intro, Gonzo's trumpet gag consists of the trumpet inflating a soccer ball and Gonzo subsequently shooting it towards the audience. |
File:America's got muppets kermit.jpg | 2014 | America's Got Talent The Muppets (Zoot, Rizzo, a rat, Bunsen, Beaker, Beauregard, Camilla, a chicken, Link Hogthrob, Animal, Miss Piggy, Foo-Foo, Statler, Waldorf, Fozzie, and Gonzo) perform a rendition of the theme song with the lyrics altered to be about "America's Got Talent." |
File:Warburtons04.jpg | 2015 | Warburtons An altered version of the song was performed in a commercial promoting Warburtons Giant Crumpets. |
File:AcapellaMuppetShowTheme.png File:Light The Lights Song - The Muppets | 2016 | The Muppets promo An a capella version of the theme song was released in 2016 as part of the promotion for The Muppets mid-season return. A 30-second version of the video was released on January 26th by Entertainment Weekly (video) and an extended 75-second version was released the following day on ABC and the Muppets' various social media channels. Template:Youtube The video features 65 Muppets. Performers included three penguins, Bubba and two other rats, three cacti, Floyd Pepper, Pokey, Droop, three gorillas, three rabbits, Kermit the Frog, Chip, Bobo the Bear, Behemoth, Beaker, the Newsman, Camilla the Chicken, Zoot, The Swedish Chef, Big Mean Carl, Miss Piggy, three sheep, Fozzie Bear, Mahna Mahna and the Snowths, Scooter, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Gonzo, Pepe the King Prawn, Rizzo the Rat, Rowlf the Dog, Janice, Uncle Deadly, Denise, Sweetums, Pops, Dr. Teeth, Animal, Statler and Waldorf, Zippity Zap, the Cue Card Monster, Lew Zealand, Lips, Yolanda, Beauregard, a bull, Beautiful Day Monster, Sam Eagle, a hippopotamus, a watermelon, an ear of corn and a head of lettuce, Cynthia Rose, and Maxine. |
File:Episode111 (11).jpg | 2016 | The Muppets The production staff of Up Late with Miss Piggy sang an impromptu rendition of the song by scatting and using office supplies as instruments in The Muppets episode "Swine Song." The off-handed musical expression inspired Kermit to realize that what the show needs is for Kermit and Piggy to make their friends more a part of the show. The Muppets performing the song in the office included: Fozzie Bear, Animal, Bobo the Bear, Floyd Pepper, Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat, Yolanda Rat, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Sweetums, Zoot, Janice, Lew Zealand, Chip, Lips, Dr. Teeth, Pepe the King Prawn, The Swedish Chef and Big Mean Carl. |
File:Amandla Stenberg WE Day Muppet Show Theme.jpg | 2016 | WE Day The opening of WE Day 2016 featured a version of the song with entirely new lyrics about charity. In order of appearance: Kermit the Frog, Gonzo, Scooter, Selena Gomez, Rizzo the Rat, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Jacob Tremblay, Statler and Waldorf, Rowlf the Dog, Chip, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Rowan Blanchard, Paula Abdul, Beauregard, Amandla Stenberg, a chicken, The Swedish Chef, Pepe the King Prawn, and Joe Jonas. |
File:Bowl-Theme.jpg | 2017 | The Muppets Take the Bowl Kermit appears on the projected logo, introducing the show. The Muppets appear and perform a variation of "The Muppet Show Theme." Some arches are re-created on stage, while other rows are shown on the screen. Other Muppets appear projected along the shell. Statler and Waldorf sing the bridge from a table in the audience, commenting at various points throughout the show (in pre-taped material played on the monitors). As the song comes to a close, Gonzo attempts the finale note on his horn, which emits the sound of a car alarm. |
File:TakeO2-Arches02.jpg | 2018 | The Muppets Take the O2 Statler and Waldorf sing from their seats in the crowd. Gonzo's horn emits the sound of a police siren, prompting an English bobby to appear and shoo everyone from the stage. |
File:Noimage-big.png | 2019 | Facebook Portal Rowlf, Piggy, and Gonzo sing a somber version in "A Very Muppet Portal Launch". |
File:DisneyFamSings-MuppetHeart.png | 2020 | The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II A version with modified lyrics sung by Kermit the Frog, Seth Rogen, Miss Piggy, Janice, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Rowlf the Dog, Statler and Waldorf, Animal, Walter, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Floyd Pepper, Dr. Teeth, the Swedish Chef, Chip, Pepe the King Prawn, Beaker, Scooter, Rizzo the Rat, and Robin the Frog. |
File:The Muppet Babies Show.jpg | 2022 | Muppet Babies A rendition of the song with new lyrics was performed in the final episode of the 2018 Muppet Babies series, "The Muppet Babies Show", accompanying a recreation of the opening. Here, the row of male characters sing before the females, and Statler and Waldorf sing the "why don't you get things started?" line. |
References[]
As the first TV series that would establish The Muppets brand of characters, musical elements from the theme would be incorporated into the opening title theme for several other forays the Muppets have made into television.
- "Muppets Tonight Theme"
- The Muppets TV theme
- "The Muppets Theme"
Covers[]
- Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) sings, and plays on the piano, a rendition of the song while weeping uncontrollably in the film Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which featured puppets from Jim Henson's Creature Shop).
- Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff danced to the song on Dancing with the Stars in 2009. Ryan Lochte and Cheryl Burke did a similar routine seven years later.
- Josh Groban sang a portion of the theme as part of a television theme song medley on the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. An Animal photo puppet replica appeared to play drums during the bit.
Notes[]
- Jim Henson's original storyboards for the theme indicate the theme originally ended with Kermit and the Muppets singing the finale lyrics in a series of circles, which all appear within the "O" of the logo.[1]
- WhoSampled.com notes the tune's similarity to a 1930s German song, "Ich Brauche Keine Millionen".
- Diamond Select Toys Mini Mates figure of Scooter includes a clapboard with a checklist of things to do, including "Play the music", "Light the lights", and "Get things started", all of which are lyrics from the theme song.
See also[]
- Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings
- The Muppet Show alternate closings
- Zoot's Muppet Show endings
- The Muppets Theme
Sources[]
- ↑ Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal, page 103
