"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.