Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{Short description|American comedy series directed by Kirk Thatcher}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Muppets Now Logo.png
| genre = [[Puppetry]]<br>[[Improvisational theatre|Improvisational comedy]]
| creator =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Bill Barretta]]
* [[Dave Goelz]]
* [[Eric Jacobson]]
* [[Peter Linz]]
* [[David Rudman]]
* [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]
}}
| theme_music_composer =
| based_on = {{based_on|[[The Muppets]]|[[Jim Henson]]}}<br>
| opentheme =
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 6
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Andrew Williams
* Bill Barretta
* Sabrina Wind
}}
| location =
| camera =
| runtime = 22–24 minutes
| company = [[The Muppets Studio]]<br>Soapbox Films
| distributor = [[Disney Platform Distribution]]
| network = [[Disney+]]
| picture_format =
| first_aired = {{Start date|2020|07|31}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2020|09|04}}
| preceded_by = ''[[Muppet Babies (2018 TV series)|Muppet Babies]]'' (2018—2022)
| followed_by = ''[[The Muppets Mayhem]]'' (TBA)
| related =
| story =
}}
'''''Muppets Now''''' is an American television series produced by [[The Muppets Studio]] for the streaming service [[Disney+]]. Directed by [[Kirk Thatcher]], the series is an [[improvised situation comedy|improvisational comedy]] based on [[The Muppets (franchise)|''The Muppets'' franchise]] by [[Jim Henson]]. It premiered on July 31, 2020.
==Premise==
''Muppets Now'' is a series consisting of multiple different segments bridged together by a framing device featuring [[Scooter (Muppet)|Scooter]]. The segments include a game show, a cooking show, and a talk show. The series was marketed as unscripted, but several writers are credited. The show sees the debut of two new characters, Joe the Legal Weasel and Beverly Plume.
==Segments==
The segments include:
* '''Lifesty(le) with Miss Piggy''' - [[Miss Piggy]] offers lifestyle tips with assistance from [[List of Muppets#Uncle Deadly|Uncle Deadly]], [[Taye Diggs]], [[Linda Cardellini]], and various other Muppet and celebrity guests. The segment is divided into smaller segments including “Try it with Taye Diggs” in which Piggy and Taye Diggs try beauty regimes or exotic foods and “Le Chat Room” where Miss Piggy discusses the given topic with Linda Cardellini and two other muppets (usually one of which is a random non-anthropomorphic animal or anthropomorphic inanimate object). It appears in all episodes.
* '''Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ''' - Hosted by turkey Beverly Plume, the [[Swedish Chef]] competes against [[celebrity chef]]s. It appears in five of the six episodes.
* '''Muppet Masters''' - [[Walter (Muppet)|Walter]] discovers the Muppets' hidden talents. It appears in episodes 1 and 5
* '''Mup Close and Personal''' - A different Muppet each time attempts to have an in-depth conversation with a celebrity guest. It appears in episodes 1, 4, and 6.
* '''Muppet Labs Field Test''' - Dr. [[Bunsen Honeydew]] and [[Beaker (Muppet)|Beaker]] take their experiments out into the open. These are preceded by safety warnings with Kermit and Joe the Legal Weasel. Parts of the segments feature animated muppets as famous historical figures. It appears in all episodes except the first.
* '''Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show''' - Scooter has come up with a long list of rules for [[Pepe the King Prawn]]'s game show, but Pepe himself would rather just make it up as he goes along, to Scooter's annoyance. It appears in episodes 2, 3 and 5.
==Cast==
===Muppet performers===
{{main|List of Muppets}}
* [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]] as
** [[Kermit the Frog]], the leader of the Muppets and Miss Piggy’s ex.
** [[List of Muppets#Uncle Deadly|Uncle Deadly]], Miss Piggy's long-suffering, over-dramatic, thespian personal assistant.
** [[List of Muppets#Camilla the Chicken|Camilla the Chicken]], Gonzo's chicken girlfriend.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Floyd Pepper|Floyd Pepper]], the laid back, sarcastic bass guitarist of The Electric Mayhem.
** Cacti
* [[Eric Jacobson]] as
** [[Fozzie Bear]], Kermit's best friend, a naive, struggling comedian.
** [[Miss Piggy]], the self-centred host of "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy" and Kermit’s ex.
** [[Animal (Muppet)|Animal]], the wild drummer of The Electric Mayhem.
** [[Sam Eagle]], a patriotic eagle.
** A Mole who appears in the second installment of "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ".
** Cacti
* [[Dave Goelz]] as
** [[Gonzo (Muppet)|The Great Gonzo]], an eccentric daredevil and Camilla's boyfriend with unusual interests.
** [[Dr. Bunsen Honeydew]], a scientist and the host of "Muppet Labs Field Test".
** [[Statler and Waldorf|Waldorf]], an elderly critic.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Chip]], the I.T. guy.
** [[List of Muppets#Beauregard|Beauregard]], a dim-witted, clumsy janitor of indeterminate species.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Zoot|Zoot]], the often-sleepy saxophonist of The Electric Mayhem.
* [[Bill Barretta]] as
** [[Pepe the King Prawn]], a sly and feisty, scheming King Prawn and the host of "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show" who speaks with a heavy Spanish accent.
** [[Swedish Chef|The Swedish Chef]], a nonsensical chef who is the star of "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ" and speaks mock Swedish.
** [[Big Mean Carl]], a greedy green monster who will eat anything and everything.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Howard Tubman]], a rich pig and [[RuPaul]] superfan who appears in the first episode, interrupting Kermit's interview with his idol.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Bubba the Rat]], a butch rat and friend of Yolanda.
** [[List of Muppets#Bobo the Bear|Bobo the Bear]], an absent-minded, easy-going bear.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Dr. Teeth|Dr. Teeth]], the outlandish leader and keyboardist of The Electric Mayhem.
** Baby
* [[David Rudman]] as
** [[Scooter (Muppet)|Scooter]], the co-host of "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show" and the producer of ''Muppets Now'' whose job is to upload the show onto Disney+ in time.
** [[Beaker (Muppet)|Beaker]], the co-host of "Muppet Labs Field Test" and the victim of Bunsen's experiments.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Janice|Janice]], the chilled-out, offbeat lead guitarist of The Electric Mayhem.
** Miss Poogy, a member of the Moopets and Miss Piggy's doppelgänger.
** Baby
* [[Peter Linz]] as
** [[Walter (Muppet)|Walter]], the host of "Muppet Masters".
** [[Statler and Waldorf|Statler]], an elderly critic.
** [[Link Hogthrob]], a wanna-be heartthrob and dim-witted pig.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Joe the Legal Weasel]], the Muppets' new legal counsel. His main role in the series is in segments preceding "Muppet Labs Field Test", where he and Kermit warn the viewers to not try Bunsen and Beaker's experiments at home.
** [[Robin the Frog]], Kermit's nephew and the muppets’ social media moderator.
** Beepalyzer, a lonely, outdated computer who appears in the third installment of "Muppet Labs Field Test".
** Foo-Foo, Miss Piggy's pet dog.
* [[Julianne Buescher]] as
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Yolanda the Rat]]
** Beverly Plume, a turkey who is the host of "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ". She also appears in the fifth installment of "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy".
** Margaret, a [[List of Muppets#Whatnots|Whatnot]] beautician who appears in "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy".
** Rosie the Sheep, who appears in "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy".
** Beak-R, Bunsen's new high tech assistant who appears in the first installment of "Muppet Labs Field Test".
** Priscilla the Chicken
** Brie the Cheese
** Elena the Penguin
** Some Bunny
** A Screaming Goat
** Esther
** Mary the Cow
* [[Mike Quinn (puppeteer)|Mike Quinn]]
===Additional cast===
* Piotr Michael as the announcer for "Mup Close and Personal" (voice)
* Matthew Barnette as a Delivery Man
* Cissy Jones
* Carolyn Gardner as the voice of the customer service operator for the "High Pressure Helpline"
====Contestants on "Pepe's Unbelievable Gameshow"====
* Brie Carter
* Artoun Nazerith
* Daniel Montgomery
* Niko Posey
* Edward Mawere
* Karina Yzobel
===Guest stars===
* [[Taye Diggs]]
* [[Linda Cardellini]]
* [[RuPaul]]
* Carlina Will
* [[Danny Trejo]]
* [[Roy Choi]]
* [[Al Madrigal]]
* [[Aubrey Plaza]]
* Guiseppe Losavio
* Marina Michelson
* [[Seth Rogen]]
==Production==
===Development===
On August 23, 2019, Disney announced a short-form unscripted series starring The Muppets titled ''Muppets Now''.<ref name="Announcement">{{Cite web | url = https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-muppets-disney-plus-short-form-series-1203312841/ |title= 'The Muppets' Short-Form Series Coming to Disney Plus |work=Variety.com }}</ref> On December 22, 2019, director [[Kirk Thatcher]] said that the series will approach "three different types of shows".<ref name="SixDays">[https://www.youtube.com/IXyv-MxGRmU?t=46m15s GalaxyCon Louisville]</ref> The series was originally filmed as several shorts, meant to be released individually but they were put together into 6 episodes with framing material featuring Scooter.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}
===Filming===
Production on ''Muppets Now'' began on June 8, 2019 and lasted approximately six days.<ref name="SixDays"/> Thatcher serves as director for the series.<ref>[https://kirkrthatcher.com/ Kirk Thatcher official website]</ref>
==Episodes==
===Season 1 (2020)===
{{Episode table |background=#FFA000 |overall=5 |title=10 |director=25 |writer= |airdate= |country=US |released=y |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|Title = Due Date
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://dtcimedia.disney.com/news/next-on-disney-plus-july-2020|title=Next on Disney+: July 2020|author=Disney+ Media Relations|work=Disney+|date=June 17, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = Christopher Alender, [[Kirk Thatcher|Rufus Scot Church]] & [[Bill Barretta|Vito Massaro]]
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, [[Jim Lewis (writer)|Jim Lewis]], Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|7|31}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter uploads the videos for the Muppets' newest show on a tight deadline while receiving messages from his co-workers.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses personal style with Uncle Deadly, [[Taye Diggs]], Janice, Rosie the Sheep, and [[Linda Cardellini]].
* "Muppet Masters"- Walter discovers Kermit's hidden talent for photobombing.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef and Carlina Will compete against each other to make the best curry.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Kermit attempts to interview RuPaul but is constantly interrupted by the other Muppets.
'''Guest stars''': [[Linda Cardellini]], [[Taye Diggs]], [[RuPaul]], and Carlina Will
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|Title = Fever Pitch
|RTitle = <ref name="august"/>
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|7}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter has to deal with Fozzie bombarding him with pitches while trying to get the segments up online in time.
* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"- Pepe drives Scooter crazy with his made-up rules in this first installment, with help from Beauregard, Carol, and Gonzo and his chickens.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef competes against [[Danny Trejo]] to make the best taco.
* ''Muppet Labs Field Tests''-Dr. Bunsen Honeydew experiments with melting and burning with his new high-tech assistant Beak-R and a jealous Beaker.
* ''Lifestyle with Miss Piggy''-Miss Piggy discusses health with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Bobo the Bear, Yolanda Rat, Bubba the Rat, Camilla the Chicken, and Linda Cardellini.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, and [[Danny Trejo]]
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|Title = Getting Testy
|RTitle = <ref name="august"/>
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|14}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter is forced by Joe to host a test-screening for the segments, and the test audience turns out to be Statler and Waldorf.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef helps [[Roy Choi]] cook a Kalbi rice bowl with [[kimchi]].
* "Muppet Labs Field Tests"-Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker have some experiments on velocity with the assistance of a pizza delivery man.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses relationships with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Kermit, Beaker, Brie the Cheese, and Linda Cardellini.
* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"-Pepe continues to be unpredictable with Miss Piggy and Big Mean Carl's help.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, [[Roy Choi]], and [[Al Madrigal]]
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|Title = Sleep Mode
|RTitle = <ref name="august"/>
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|21}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter gets Animal's help to keep him awake to upload the videos after he pulled an all-nighter.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Miss Piggy is trying to interview [[Aubrey Plaza]], but gets too distracted by her looks, forcing Uncle Deadly to step in and double for her.
* "Muppet Labs Field Tests"- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and their old and lonely computer, the Beepalyzer, experiment with sound vibrations.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef competes against Guiseppe Losavio to make the best spaghetti.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses self care with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Miss Poogy, Elena, Pepe, and Linda Cardellini.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, [[Aubrey Plaza]], and Guiseppe Losavio
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|Title = The I.T. Factor
|RTitle = <ref name="august">{{cite web|url=https://dtcimedia.disney.com/news/next-on-disney-plus-august-2020|title=Next on Disney+: August 2020|author=Disney+ Media Relations|work=Disney+|date=July 16, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = Christopher Alender, Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|28}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter attempts to overcome the several technical difficulties that come with a system update while uploading the sketches.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses travel with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, the Swedish Chef, Foo-Foo, Beverly Plume, some bunny, and Linda Cardellini.
* "Muppet Masters"- Walter unveils Uncle Deadly's hidden talent for stage combat.
* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"- Scooter tries to keep things under control while Pepe enlists the help of a screaming goat, two cacti, and the Swedish Chef.
* "Muppet Labs Field Test"-Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker experiment with pressure.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini and Taye Diggs
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|Title = Socialized
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|title=What's Coming To Disney+ In September |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/whats-coming-to-disney-in-september/ |website=What's on Disney Plus|access-date=6 September 2020|date=August 31, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = Christopher Alender, Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|9|4}}
|ShortSummary = Robin makes Scooter co-moderator on the Muppets social media accounts, forcing him to deal with multiple notifications while uploading the videos.
* "Muppet Labs Field Test"- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker experiment with chemical reactions as Joe makes sure they meet legal standards.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef and Marina Michelson present their unique takes on meatballs.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Fozzie tries to interview [[Seth Rogen]] while babysitting a pair of mischievous babies.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses treating yourself with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Walter, Esther, Mary the cow, and Linda Cardellini
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, Marina Michelson, and [[Seth Rogen]]
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
}}
==Release==
''Muppets Now'' premiered on July 31, 2020, on [[Disney+]] and consisted of six episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/tv/muppets-now-disney-plus-release-date/|title=Disney+ will get Muppetational with new Muppets Now series in July|last=Coogan|first=Devan|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2020}}</ref>
===Marketing===
On August 23, 2019, during the series' official announcement, a promotional teaser featuring [[Kermit the Frog]] and a Muppet named [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Joe the Legal Weasel]] was shown at the [[D23 (Disney)|D23 Expo]].<ref name="Announcement"/> On January 1, 2020, footage of the series was released in a video featuring original Disney+ content set to be released through the year.<ref name="2020Footage">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQP4bk1uGXM What's Coming to Disney+ in 2020]</ref> The official trailer was released on June 24, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Nick|title=RuPaul dishes with Miss Piggy in trailer for Muppets Now Disney+ show|url=https://ew.com/tv/muppets-now-trailer-disney-plus-rupaul/|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=June 24, 2020|date=June 24, 2020}}</ref>
==Reception==
On the review aggregation website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the series has an approval rating of 69% based on 51 reviews, with an average rating of 6.50/10. The critical consensus reads, "Though ''Muppets Now''{{'}}s formulaic sketches fail to showcase The Muppets' chaotic charms, it's entertaining enough to suggest that with looser reins - and a lot more music - it could become the best reboot in years."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/muppets_now/s01|title=Muppets Now (2020)|publisher=[[Fandango Media]]|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the series has a weighted average score of 68 out of 100, based on 27 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/muppets-now|title=Muppets Now Reviews|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=May 7, 2021}}</ref>
Daniel Fienberg of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' found that ''Muppets Now'' manages to provide a humor that aims an all-age audience, and claimed that the series succeeds to capture the state of disorder that makes the ''Muppets'' prosper through its different segments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fienberg |first=Daniel |date=2020-07-29 |title=‘Muppets Now’: TV Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/muppets-now-review-1304364/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref> Judy Berman of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' claimed that the series provides a very effective humor through its segments, while stating that despite not being enthusiastic and sophisticated like ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', ''Muppets Now'' stays a soothing series that succeeded at keeping the ''[[The Muppets|Muppets]]'' characters suitable through time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2020 |author=Judy Berman |title='Muppets Now' on Disney+ Is Ideal Comfort Viewing |url=https://time.com/5870228/muppets-now-review-disney-plus/ |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref> Lucy Mangan of ''[[The Guardian]]'' rated ''Muppets Now'' 4 out of 5 stars, found the series to be the best work from ''[[The Muppets (franchise)|The Muppets]]'' franchise since ''The Muppet Show'', and praised the humor of the different segments.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-07-31 |author=Lucy Mangan |title=Muppets Now review – Disney+ reboot boasts wit, warmth and charm |url=http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/jul/31/muppets-now-review-disney-reboot-boasts-wit-warmth-and-charm |newspaper=[[the Guardian]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref> Polly Conway of ''[[Common Sense Media]]'' rated the series 4 out of 5 stars, stating: "''Muppets Now'' is a family-friendly show about the Muppets trying to put together their own streaming series. Made up of different segments -- like Lifesty (sorry, Life''style'') with Miss Piggy, a cooking show with the Swedish Chef, and many more -- the show features the Muppet crew getting up to their usual hijinks, with a modern twist. Like much Muppet fare, it's slightly edgy, with some very mild innuendo (a Muppet fan tells RuPaul he "just wants to touch him") and cartoonish violence in the form of slapstick and pratfalls. The series is fast-paced, light, and fun; families who are Muppet fans will be pleased to see this return to form from their favorite gang of now media-savvy puppet friends."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-31 |author=Polly Conway |title=Muppets Now - TV Review|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/muppets-now|work=[[Common Sense Media]] |access-date=2020-11-17 }}</ref> Kristen Lopez of ''[[IndieWire]]'' gave the series a C+ rating, found different the segments of the series to be very entertaining, and complimented the chemistry between the ''Muppets'' and the guests, but stated that the series does not use the ''Muppets'' at their full potential.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Kristen |date=2020-07-31 |title=‘Muppets Now’ Review: The Muppets Fruitlessly Search for Meaning in Lighthearted Quasi-Series |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/07/muppets-now-disney-plus-review-1234575230/ |website=[[IndieWire]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* {{Official|https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/muppets-now}}
* {{Disney+ series}}
* {{IMDb title}}
{{The Muppets productions}}
{{Disney+ original series}}
[[Category:2020 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2020 American television series endings]]
[[Category:2020s American comedy television series]]
[[Category:American television shows featuring puppetry]]
[[Category:Disney+ original programming]]
[[Category:English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Improvisational television series]]
[[Category:The Muppets television series]]
[[Category:Television series reboots]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{Short description|American comedy series directed by Kirk Thatcher}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Muppets Now Logo.png
| genre = [[Puppetry]]<br>[[Improvisational theatre|Improvisational comedy]]
| creator =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Bill Barretta]]
* [[Dave Goelz]]
* [[Eric Jacobson]]
* [[Peter Linz]]
* [[David Rudman]]
* [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]
}}
| theme_music_composer =
| based_on = {{based_on|[[The Muppets]]|[[Jim Henson]]}}<br>
| opentheme =
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 6
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Andrew Williams
* Bill Barretta
* Sabrina Wind
}}
| location =
| camera =
| runtime = 22–24 minutes
| company = [[The Muppets Studio]]<br>Soapbox Films
| distributor = [[Disney Platform Distribution]]
| network = [[Disney+]]
| picture_format =
| first_aired = {{Start date|2020|07|31}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2020|09|04}}
| preceded_by = ''[[Muppet Babies (2018 TV series)|Muppet Babies]]'' (2018—2022)
| followed_by = ''[[The Muppets Mayhem]]'' (TBA)
| related =
| story =
}}
'''''Muppets Now''''' is an American television series produced by [[The Muppets Studio]] for the streaming service [[Disney+]]. Directed by [[Kirk Thatcher]], the series is an [[improvised situation comedy|improvisational comedy]] based on [[The Muppets (franchise)|''The Muppets'' franchise]] by [[Jim Henson]]. It premiered on July 31, 2020.
==Premise==
''Muppets Now'' is a series consisting of multiple different segments bridged together by a framing device featuring [[Scooter (Muppet)|Scooter]]. The segments include a game show, a cooking show, and a talk show. The series was marketed as unscripted, but several writers are credited. The show sees the debut of two new characters, Joe the Legal Weasel and Beverly Plume.
==Segments==
The segments include:
* '''Lifesty(le) with Miss Piggy''' - [[Miss Piggy]] offers lifestyle tips with assistance from [[List of Muppets#Uncle Deadly|Uncle Deadly]], [[Taye Diggs]], [[Linda Cardellini]], and various other Muppet and celebrity guests. The segment is divided into smaller segments including “Try it with Taye Diggs” in which Piggy and Taye Diggs try beauty regimes or exotic foods and “Le Chat Room” where Miss Piggy discusses the given topic with Linda Cardellini and two other muppets (usually one of which is a random non-anthropomorphic animal or anthropomorphic inanimate object). It appears in all episodes.
* '''Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ''' - Hosted by turkey Beverly Plume, the [[Swedish Chef]] competes against [[celebrity chef]]s. It appears in five of the six episodes.
* '''Muppet Masters''' - [[Walter (Muppet)|Walter]] discovers the Muppets' hidden talents. It appears in episodes 1 and 5
* '''Mup Close and Personal''' - A different Muppet each time attempts to have an in-depth conversation with a celebrity guest. It appears in episodes 1, 4, and 6.
* '''Muppet Labs Field Test''' - Dr. [[Bunsen Honeydew]] and [[Beaker (Muppet)|Beaker]] take their experiments out into the open. These are preceded by safety warnings with Kermit and Joe the Legal Weasel. Parts of the segments feature animated muppets as famous historical figures. It appears in all episodes except the first.
* '''Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show''' - Scooter has come up with a long list of rules for [[Pepe the King Prawn]]'s game show, but Pepe himself would rather just make it up as he goes along, to Scooter's annoyance. It appears in episodes 2, 3 and 5.
==Cast==
===Muppet performers===
{{main|List of Muppets}}
* [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]] as
** [[Kermit the Frog]], the leader of the Muppets and Miss Piggy’s ex.
** [[List of Muppets#Uncle Deadly|Uncle Deadly]], Miss Piggy's long-suffering, over-dramatic, thespian personal assistant.
** [[List of Muppets#Camilla the Chicken|Camilla the Chicken]], Gonzo's chicken girlfriend.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Floyd Pepper|Floyd Pepper]], the laid back, sarcastic bass guitarist of The Electric Mayhem.
** Cacti
* [[Eric Jacobson]] as
** [[Fozzie Bear]], Kermit's best friend, a naive, struggling comedian.
** [[Miss Piggy]], the self-centred host of "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy" and Kermit’s ex.
** [[Animal (Muppet)|Animal]], the wild drummer of The Electric Mayhem.
** [[Sam Eagle]], a patriotic eagle.
** A Mole who appears in the second installment of "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ".
** Cacti
* [[Dave Goelz]] as
** [[Gonzo (Muppet)|The Great Gonzo]], an eccentric daredevil and Camilla's boyfriend with unusual interests.
** [[Dr. Bunsen Honeydew]], a scientist and the host of "Muppet Labs Field Test".
** [[Statler and Waldorf|Waldorf]], an elderly critic.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Chip]], the I.T. guy.
** [[List of Muppets#Beauregard|Beauregard]], a dim-witted, clumsy janitor of indeterminate species.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Zoot|Zoot]], the often-sleepy saxophonist of The Electric Mayhem.
* [[Bill Barretta]] as
** [[Pepe the King Prawn]], a sly and feisty, scheming King Prawn and the host of "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show" who speaks with a heavy Spanish accent.
** [[Swedish Chef|The Swedish Chef]], a nonsensical chef who is the star of "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ" and speaks mock Swedish.
** [[Big Mean Carl]], a greedy green monster who will eat anything and everything.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Howard Tubman]], a rich pig and [[RuPaul]] superfan who appears in the first episode, interrupting Kermit's interview with his idol.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Bubba the Rat]], a butch rat and friend of Yolanda.
** [[List of Muppets#Bobo the Bear|Bobo the Bear]], an absent-minded, easy-going bear.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Dr. Teeth|Dr. Teeth]], the outlandish leader and keyboardist of The Electric Mayhem.
** Baby
* [[David Rudman]] as
** [[Scooter (Muppet)|Scooter]], the co-host of "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show" and the producer of ''Muppets Now'' whose job is to upload the show onto Disney+ in time.
** [[Beaker (Muppet)|Beaker]], the co-host of "Muppet Labs Field Test" and the victim of Bunsen's experiments.
** [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Janice|Janice]], the chilled-out, offbeat lead guitarist of The Electric Mayhem.
** Miss Poogy, a member of the Moopets and Miss Piggy's doppelgänger.
** Baby
* [[Peter Linz]] as
** [[Walter (Muppet)|Walter]], the host of "Muppet Masters".
** [[Statler and Waldorf|Statler]], an elderly critic.
** [[Link Hogthrob]], a wanna-be heartthrob and dim-witted pig.
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Joe the Legal Weasel]], the Muppets' new legal counsel. His main role in the series is in segments preceding "Muppet Labs Field Test", where he and Kermit warn the viewers to not try Bunsen and Beaker's experiments at home.
** [[Robin the Frog]], Kermit's nephew and the muppets’ social media moderator.
** Beepalyzer, a lonely, outdated computer who appears in the third installment of "Muppet Labs Field Test".
** Foo-Foo, Miss Piggy's pet dog.
* [[Julianne Buescher]] as
** [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Yolanda the Rat]]
** Beverly Plume, a turkey who is the host of "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ". She also appears in the fifth installment of "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy".
** Margaret, a [[List of Muppets#Whatnots|Whatnot]] beautician who appears in "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy".
** Rosie the Sheep, who appears in "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy".
** Beak-R, Bunsen's new high tech assistant who appears in the first installment of "Muppet Labs Field Test".
** Priscilla the Chicken
** Brie the Cheese
** Elena the Penguin
** Some Bunny
** A Screaming Goat
** Esther
** Mary the Cow
* [[Mike Quinn (puppeteer)|Mike Quinn]]
===Additional cast===
* Piotr Michael as the announcer for "Mup Close and Personal" (voice)
* Matthew Barnette as a Delivery Man
* Cissy Jones
* Carolyn Gardner as the voice of the customer service operator for the "High Pressure Helpline"
====Contestants on "Pepe's Unbelievable Gameshow"====
* Brie Carter
* Artoun Nazerith
* Daniel Montgomery
* Niko Posey
* Edward Mawere
* Karina Yzobel
===Guest stars===
* [[Taye Diggs]]
* [[Linda Cardellini]]
* [[RuPaul]]
* Carlina Will
* [[Danny Trejo]]
* [[Roy Choi]]
* [[Al Madrigal]]
* [[Aubrey Plaza]]
* Guiseppe Losavio
* Marina Michelson
* [[Seth Rogen]]
==Production==
===Development===
On August 23, 2019, Disney announced a short-form unscripted series starring The Muppets titled ''Muppets Now''.<ref name="Announcement">{{Cite web | url = https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-muppets-disney-plus-short-form-series-1203312841/ |title= 'The Muppets' Short-Form Series Coming to Disney Plus |work=Variety.com }}</ref> On December 22, 2019, director [[Kirk Thatcher]] said that the series will approach "three different types of shows".<ref name="SixDays">[https://www.youtube.com/IXyv-MxGRmU?t=46m15s GalaxyCon Louisville]</ref> The series was originally filmed as several shorts, meant to be released individually but they were put together into 6 episodes with framing material featuring Scooter.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}
===Filming===
Production on ''Muppets Now'' began on June 8, 2019 and lasted approximately six days.<ref name="SixDays"/> Thatcher serves as director for the series.<ref>[https://kirkrthatcher.com/ Kirk Thatcher official website]</ref>
==Episodes==
===Season 1 (2019-2020)===
{{Episode table |background=#FFA000 |overall=5 |title=10 |director=25 |writer= |airdate= |country=US |released=y |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|Title = Due Date
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://dtcimedia.disney.com/news/next-on-disney-plus-july-2020|title=Next on Disney+: July 2020|author=Disney+ Media Relations|work=Disney+|date=June 17, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = Christopher Alender, [[Kirk Thatcher|Rufus Scot Church]] & [[Bill Barretta|Vito Massaro]]
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, [[Jim Lewis (writer)|Jim Lewis]], Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|4}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter uploads the videos for the Muppets' newest show on a tight deadline while receiving messages from his co-workers.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses personal style with Uncle Deadly, [[Taye Diggs]], Janice, Rosie the Sheep, and [[Linda Cardellini]].
* "Muppet Masters"- Walter discovers Kermit's hidden talent for photobombing.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef and Carlina Will compete against each other to make the chicken wings.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Kermit attempts to interview RuPaul but is constantly interrupted by the other Muppets.
'''Guest stars''': [[Linda Cardellini]], [[Taye Diggs]], [[RuPaul]], and Carlina Will
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|Title = Fever Pitch
|RTitle = <ref name="august"/>
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|10}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter has to deal with Rowlf The Dog bombarding him with pitches while trying to get the segments up online in time.
* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"- Pepe drives Scooter crazy with his made-up rules in this first installment, with help from Beauregard, Carol, and Fozzie Bear.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef competes against [[Danny Trejo]] to make the pizza.
* ''Muppet Labs Field Tests''-Dr. Bunsen Honeydew experiments with melting and burning with his new high-tech assistant Beak-R and a jealous Beaker.
* ''Lifestyle with Miss Piggy''-Miss Piggy discusses health with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Behemoth, Yolanda Rat, Bubba the Rat, Camilla the Chicken, and Linda Cardellini.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, and [[Danny Trejo]]
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|Title = Getting Testy
|RTitle = <ref name="august"/>
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|14}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter is forced by Joe to host a test-screening for the segments, and the test audience turns out to be Statler and Waldorf.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef helps [[Roy Choi]] cook a Kalbi rice bowl with [[kimchi]].
* "Muppet Labs Field Tests"-Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker have some experiments on velocity with the assistance of a pizza delivery man.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses relationships with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Kermit, Beaker, Brie the Cheese, and Linda Cardellini.
* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"-Pepe continues to be unpredictable with Miss Piggy and Big Mean Carl's help.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, [[Roy Choi]], and [[Al Madrigal]]
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|Title = Sleep Mode
|RTitle = <ref name="august"/>
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|20}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter gets Animal's help to keep him awake to upload the videos after he pulled an all-nighter.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Miss Piggy is trying to interview [[Aubrey Plaza]], but gets too distracted by her looks, forcing Uncle Deadly to step in and double for her.
* "Muppet Labs Field Tests"- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and their old and lonely computer, the Beepalyzer, experiment with sound vibrations.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef competes against Guiseppe Losavio to make the best spaghetti.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses self care with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Miss Poogy, Elena, Pepe, and Linda Cardellini.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, [[Aubrey Plaza]], and Guiseppe Losavio
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|Title = The I.T. Factor
|RTitle = <ref name="august">{{cite web|url=https://dtcimedia.disney.com/news/next-on-disney-plus-august-2020|title=Next on Disney+: August 2020|author=Disney+ Media Relations|work=Disney+|date=July 16, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = Christopher Alender, Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|28}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter attempts to overcome the several technical difficulties that come with a system update while uploading the sketches.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses travel with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, the Swedish Chef, Foo-Foo, Beverly Plume, some bunny, and Linda Cardellini.
* "Muppet Masters"- Walter unveils Uncle Deadly's hidden talent for stage combat.
* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"- Scooter tries to keep things under control while Pepe enlists the help of a screaming goat, two cacti, and the Swedish Chef.
* "Muppet Labs Field Test"-Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker experiment with pressure.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini and Taye Diggs
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|Title = Socialized
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|title=What's Coming To Disney+ In September |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/whats-coming-to-disney-in-september/ |website=What's on Disney Plus|access-date=6 September 2020|date=August 31, 2020}}</ref>
|DirectedBy = Christopher Alender, Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|9|4}}
|ShortSummary = Robin makes Scooter co-moderator on the Muppets social media accounts, forcing him to deal with multiple notifications while uploading the videos.
* "Muppet Labs Field Test"- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker experiment with chemical reactions as Joe makes sure they meet legal standards.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef and Marina Michelson present their unique takes on meatballs.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Fozzie tries to interview [[Seth Rogen]] while babysitting a pair of mischievous babies.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses treating yourself with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Walter, Esther, Mary the cow, and Linda Cardellini
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, Marina Michelson, and [[Seth Rogen]]
|LineColor = #FFA000
}}
}}
==Release==
''Muppets Now'' premiered on July 31, 2020, on [[Disney+]] and consisted of six episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/tv/muppets-now-disney-plus-release-date/|title=Disney+ will get Muppetational with new Muppets Now series in July|last=Coogan|first=Devan|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2020}}</ref>
===Marketing===
On August 23, 2019, during the series' official announcement, a promotional teaser featuring [[Kermit the Frog]] and a Muppet named [[List of Muppets#Additional characters|Joe the Legal Weasel]] was shown at the [[D23 (Disney)|D23 Expo]].<ref name="Announcement"/> On January 1, 2020, footage of the series was released in a video featuring original Disney+ content set to be released through the year.<ref name="2020Footage">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQP4bk1uGXM What's Coming to Disney+ in 2020]</ref> The official trailer was released on June 24, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Nick|title=RuPaul dishes with Miss Piggy in trailer for Muppets Now Disney+ show|url=https://ew.com/tv/muppets-now-trailer-disney-plus-rupaul/|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=June 24, 2020|date=June 24, 2020}}</ref>
==Reception==
On the review aggregation website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the series has an approval rating of 69% based on 51 reviews, with an average rating of 6.50/10. The critical consensus reads, "Though ''Muppets Now''{{'}}s formulaic sketches fail to showcase The Muppets' chaotic charms, it's entertaining enough to suggest that with looser reins - and a lot more music - it could become the best reboot in years."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/muppets_now/s01|title=Muppets Now (2020)|publisher=[[Fandango Media]]|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the series has a weighted average score of 68 out of 100, based on 27 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/muppets-now|title=Muppets Now Reviews|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=May 7, 2021}}</ref>
Daniel Fienberg of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' found that ''Muppets Now'' manages to provide a humor that aims an all-age audience, and claimed that the series succeeds to capture the state of disorder that makes the ''Muppets'' prosper through its different segments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fienberg |first=Daniel |date=2020-07-29 |title=‘Muppets Now’: TV Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/muppets-now-review-1304364/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref> Judy Berman of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' claimed that the series provides a very effective humor through its segments, while stating that despite not being enthusiastic and sophisticated like ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', ''Muppets Now'' stays a soothing series that succeeded at keeping the ''[[The Muppets|Muppets]]'' characters suitable through time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2020 |author=Judy Berman |title='Muppets Now' on Disney+ Is Ideal Comfort Viewing |url=https://time.com/5870228/muppets-now-review-disney-plus/ |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref> Lucy Mangan of ''[[The Guardian]]'' rated ''Muppets Now'' 4 out of 5 stars, found the series to be the best work from ''[[The Muppets (franchise)|The Muppets]]'' franchise since ''The Muppet Show'', and praised the humor of the different segments.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-07-31 |author=Lucy Mangan |title=Muppets Now review – Disney+ reboot boasts wit, warmth and charm |url=http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/jul/31/muppets-now-review-disney-reboot-boasts-wit-warmth-and-charm |newspaper=[[the Guardian]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref> Polly Conway of ''[[Common Sense Media]]'' rated the series 4 out of 5 stars, stating: "''Muppets Now'' is a family-friendly show about the Muppets trying to put together their own streaming series. Made up of different segments -- like Lifesty (sorry, Life''style'') with Miss Piggy, a cooking show with the Swedish Chef, and many more -- the show features the Muppet crew getting up to their usual hijinks, with a modern twist. Like much Muppet fare, it's slightly edgy, with some very mild innuendo (a Muppet fan tells RuPaul he "just wants to touch him") and cartoonish violence in the form of slapstick and pratfalls. The series is fast-paced, light, and fun; families who are Muppet fans will be pleased to see this return to form from their favorite gang of now media-savvy puppet friends."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-31 |author=Polly Conway |title=Muppets Now - TV Review|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/muppets-now|work=[[Common Sense Media]] |access-date=2020-11-17 }}</ref> Kristen Lopez of ''[[IndieWire]]'' gave the series a C+ rating, found different the segments of the series to be very entertaining, and complimented the chemistry between the ''Muppets'' and the guests, but stated that the series does not use the ''Muppets'' at their full potential.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Kristen |date=2020-07-31 |title=‘Muppets Now’ Review: The Muppets Fruitlessly Search for Meaning in Lighthearted Quasi-Series |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/07/muppets-now-disney-plus-review-1234575230/ |website=[[IndieWire]] |access-date=2022-05-22 }}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* {{Official|https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/muppets-now}}
* {{Disney+ series}}
* {{IMDb title}}
{{The Muppets productions}}
{{Disney+ original series}}
[[Category:2020 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2020 American television series endings]]
[[Category:2020s American comedy television series]]
[[Category:American television shows featuring puppetry]]
[[Category:Disney+ original programming]]
[[Category:English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Improvisational television series]]
[[Category:The Muppets television series]]
[[Category:Television series reboots]]' |
Unified diff of changes made by edit (edit_diff) | '@@ -152,5 +152,5 @@
==Episodes==
-===Season 1 (2020)===
+===Season 1 (2019-2020)===
{{Episode table |background=#FFA000 |overall=5 |title=10 |director=25 |writer= |airdate= |country=US |released=y |episodes=
{{Episode list
@@ -160,9 +160,9 @@
|DirectedBy = Christopher Alender, [[Kirk Thatcher|Rufus Scot Church]] & [[Bill Barretta|Vito Massaro]]
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, [[Jim Lewis (writer)|Jim Lewis]], Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
- |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|7|31}}
+ |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|4}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter uploads the videos for the Muppets' newest show on a tight deadline while receiving messages from his co-workers.
* "Lifestyle with Miss Piggy"- Miss Piggy discusses personal style with Uncle Deadly, [[Taye Diggs]], Janice, Rosie the Sheep, and [[Linda Cardellini]].
* "Muppet Masters"- Walter discovers Kermit's hidden talent for photobombing.
-* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef and Carlina Will compete against each other to make the best curry.
+* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef and Carlina Will compete against each other to make the chicken wings.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Kermit attempts to interview RuPaul but is constantly interrupted by the other Muppets.
@@ -176,10 +176,10 @@
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
- |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|7}}
- |ShortSummary = Scooter has to deal with Fozzie bombarding him with pitches while trying to get the segments up online in time.
-* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"- Pepe drives Scooter crazy with his made-up rules in this first installment, with help from Beauregard, Carol, and Gonzo and his chickens.
-* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef competes against [[Danny Trejo]] to make the best taco.
+ |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|10}}
+ |ShortSummary = Scooter has to deal with Rowlf The Dog bombarding him with pitches while trying to get the segments up online in time.
+* "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"- Pepe drives Scooter crazy with his made-up rules in this first installment, with help from Beauregard, Carol, and Fozzie Bear.
+* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef competes against [[Danny Trejo]] to make the pizza.
* ''Muppet Labs Field Tests''-Dr. Bunsen Honeydew experiments with melting and burning with his new high-tech assistant Beak-R and a jealous Beaker.
-* ''Lifestyle with Miss Piggy''-Miss Piggy discusses health with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Bobo the Bear, Yolanda Rat, Bubba the Rat, Camilla the Chicken, and Linda Cardellini.
+* ''Lifestyle with Miss Piggy''-Miss Piggy discusses health with Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, Behemoth, Yolanda Rat, Bubba the Rat, Camilla the Chicken, and Linda Cardellini.
'''Guest stars''': Linda Cardellini, Taye Diggs, and [[Danny Trejo]]
@@ -192,5 +192,5 @@
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
- |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|14}}
+ |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|14}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter is forced by Joe to host a test-screening for the segments, and the test audience turns out to be Statler and Waldorf.
* "Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ"- The Swedish Chef helps [[Roy Choi]] cook a Kalbi rice bowl with [[kimchi]].
@@ -208,5 +208,5 @@
|DirectedBy = Rufus Scot Church & Vito Massaro
|WrittenBy = ''Story team'': Matthew Barnette, Marcos Gabriel, Jim Lewis, Jamilyn Rosalas, Noah Smith, Joanna Truman, Andrew Williams & Kelly Younger
- |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|8|21}}
+ |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|20}}
|ShortSummary = Scooter gets Animal's help to keep him awake to upload the videos after he pulled an all-nighter.
* "Mup Close and Personal"- Miss Piggy is trying to interview [[Aubrey Plaza]], but gets too distracted by her looks, forcing Uncle Deadly to step in and double for her.
' |
