The Muppets are returning to television this fall with a meta twist. In a mini-episode teaser promoting their new ABC revival, the colorful cast reunites for a preview of their Office-styled mockumentary series.
The following presentation was made by the Muppets to convince ABC to make a new show starring the Muppets, reads a narrator in the intro. It was never meant to be seen by the public. But following Comic-Con, demand to see it was overwhelming. So the network was able to cut through the red tape.
The 11-minute clip opens with the Muppets in business chaos, as Kermit attempts to unite the crew for a modern version of their beloved series. The shows gonna be all about our personal lives behind the scenes, at home, our relationships. Sort of an adult Muppet Show, he says. Despite Gonzos protests of relying on the gimmick of talking-head cutaway jokes and hand-held cameras, the idea moves forward.
Only one problem: Kermit must convince a reluctant Miss Piggy, whos romancing Topher Grace on the set of her new war movie. Meanwhile, Fozzie has to deal with meeting his human girlfriends bear-prejudice parents.
The hilarious teaser written by co-creators written by Bill Prady and Bob Kushell outlines the basic shape of the series, promising numerous celebrity guests and visits from incredibly obscure Muppets nobody remembers. Overall, the humor is line with the trademark Muppets sarcasm and silliness, though with a drier style that should appeal more to adults.
The Muppets premieres September 22nd on ABC.