The Muppets.

As someone that grew up with the Muppets and loved them just as enthusiastically through adulthood I found the show to be a breath of fresh air. I was laughing out loud within the first few minutes and that's something I haven't done with any 'comedy' show in a very very long time. There's something about seeing all my favorites on the air again that makes me feel like a kid again, but the adult humor (and I mean that in a sort of mild way, because it's not remotely what I would personally consider raunchy) kept it fresh and suited for the adults as well. The more adult humor was there, yes, but as innuendo. In my opinion it's always been there, subtly under the banter only now it's more noticeable for those of us that want to see it. And those instances were scattered.

Was it flawless? No, but it's the Muppets and I for one am more than grateful to ABC for giving them new life because I missed them with all my heart.

Several weeks back, I caught the first episode of this new series. I was pretty let down by the results. But I decided to stick with it for a little while, seeing that sometimes it takes a few episodes for a show to find its groove, and because my love for the Muppets goes way back to when I was a child.

I've now seen several more episodes, and to be quite frank, the show doesn't seem to have improved. One of the big problems with the show is that the Muppets on this show don't seem like the Muppets that we once knew. Kermit is now a spineless wimp. Miss Piggy is very mean- spirited and without a vulnerable side. Fozzie Bear now has a human girlfriend, and it's hinted he has sex with her.

That last observation about Fozzie Bear brings up another problem with the show - trying to have an adult "edge". I can't speak for everyone, but I think the show's attempts at adult innuendo is, well, both wrong and weird. References to drugs, sex, alcohol, and other such topics seem out of place for these characters. I can understand wanting to appeal to adults, but the ironic thing is that the original Muppet show back in the 1970s appealed to both kids AND adults even though it was squeaky clean.

Actually, I might have accepted the more adult tone and the changed characters had the show been funny, but it isn't. While I have occasionally laughed at one of this show's gags, most of the attempts at humor have been lame and obvious. One reason for this may be that the show is more cynical in nature and seems reluctant to have the joy and innocence the original show had. The downbeat nature makes it hard for the writers (or audience) to have any fun.

Worst of all, my favorite Muppet, Rowlf, has been demoted to a bit part! Anyway, as I said in my summary line, this show is a real disappointment. I won't be surprised if it's cancelled at the end of the season.

The background shenanigans of Miss Piggy's show that's produced by Kermit.

Packed with gags and celebs, the personalities and voices are thankfully on point. The backstage set up works perfectly and the Muppets are always centre stage, where they should be.

Each episode gets better and better the Christmas one is particularly notable -every fun episode is sharp, witty and visually interesting.

All the main character's return, including Scooter and Rolf (the late Jim Henson usually voiced/puppeteered) and they have been omitted or reduced to appearing briefly in the past, it nice to see the characters back in full swing

Highly recommend.

"The Muppets" is a new show, presented in the style of "30 Rock" or other behind-the-scenes mockumentaries. It features Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all the other Muppets creations we have come to love. But this show is aimed at an older audience.

As always, much of the humor comes from the timeless characterizations (forms and personalities). How could you not love an imperious pig or an everyman frog? Not to mention the rest of the puppet cast, from a bear to a beaker.

We have enjoyed these creatures for so long that it is easy to take them for granted. The puppeteering and voice artistry are first rate. And I love the various ways they create the illusion that the Muppets are independent beings operating under their own power.

The writing is standard Muppets fare--clever and topical. You can practically hear the rimshots after some lines.

As in other Muppets shows, they interact with guest artists (Laurence Fishburne, Lea Thompson, Josh Groban and Jay Leno were in one episode). You can tell they are having a blast. So did I.

Fun little series. Smart writing and subtle humour. A shame there's only one series as it has good potential. Existing fans can enjoy it whilst it could also introduce new viewers to the muppets in a format and style relevant to current times. Definitely worth a watch!