Happy 50th birthday to The Muppet Show!
On 5 September 1976, the first episode of The Muppet Show was broadcast on ITV — beginning five series of glorious mayhem that would make Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and friends famous around the world. And it all happened in Borehamwood.
The series was made for ATV at its Elstree studios, with the Muppet Theatre occupying Studio D, thanks to Lew Grade’s support for Jim Henson’s vision. Henson and his troupe of Muppeteers were predominantly American, while the programme was made with a largely British television crew. Louise Gold, who joined during the second series, became the only regular British performer among the Muppeteers.
To mark the anniversary, Paul Harrison, Jeremy Hoare and I all spoke to Jenny Priestley at TVBEurope about how the programme was made — from the cameras and production routines to some of the stories behind one of television’s most enduring successes. I’ve included a link to the article in the comments.
Over the years, The Elstree Project has been fortunate to record the memories of several people who worked on The Muppet Show, including Martin G. Baker, Louise Gold, Dave Goelz and Mick Brady, helping to preserve the story of how this extraordinary programme was created here in Borehamwood.
Earlier this year Disney brought The Muppet Show back for a one-off special which deliberately recreated much of the format and spirit of the original series. It attracted strong viewing figures and multiple Emmy nominations — although, so far, there has been no announcement of further episodes. Perhaps next time they should bring the Muppets back home to Borehamwood…?
Happy 50th anniversary to The Muppet Show! A global icon, made in Borehamwood.