The Muppets: The Kermit Controversy That Nearly Broke the Franchise
The Muppets: The Real Story Behind the Felt Empire traces the franchise from a low-budget local TV experiment to one of the most enduring brands in entertainment history.
Jim Henson didn’t set out to revolutionize puppetry. He just wanted to work in television. But with Sam and Friends, a primitive early Kermit, and a radical decision to use the camera as the stage, Henson changed how audiences connected with characters. That innovation led to Sesame Street, The Muppet Show in the UK, blockbuster Muppet movies, and ambitious projects like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
We’re also unpacking the complicated chapters: Henson’s sudden death in 1990, the collapsed Disney buyout, Brian Henson stepping in, the 2004 Disney acquisition, the controversy around Kermit performer Steve Whitmire, and the mixed reception to modern Disney Plus revivals like Muppets Now and The Muppets Mayhem.
Through it all, one thing never changed: The Muppets’ belief in collaboration, heart, and optimistic chaos. With the recent 50th anniversary special signaling renewed momentum, this franchise may be entering another reinvention phase.
Here’s what The Muppets’ history really tells us about creativity, ownership, and legacy in Hollywood.
0:00 From Homemade Puppet to Cultural Icon
1:35 Sam and Friends and Early Kermit
4:10 Sesame Street and Ownership Strategy
6:45 Why The Muppet Show Moved to England
9:30 The Dark Crystal and Adult Ambitions
11:00 Jim Henson’s Death and the Disney Deal
13:20 The Disney Era and Creative Tensions
16:00 The 50th Anniversary and What’s Next
Subscribe | Enable ALL push notifications 🔔
https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenRant?sub_confirmation=1
Follow Screen Rant:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@screenrant
Twitter: https://twitter.com/screenrant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScreenRant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/screen-rant/
Official Screen Rant Website:
http://screenrant.com/
Video by: Michael Keene & Ilgaz Erel
For copyright matters please contact us at: legal@valnetinc.com
#themuppets #jimhenson #muppetshow #kermit #disney #sesamestreet #screenrant