Because time is a cruel mistress, it’s already coming to the tail end of 2025. Which means that we’re about to hit the mixed bag of emotions that are the holidays. Family you haven’t seen all year are about to come together, and your aunt is about to have a few wines and ask you all about that Muppet obsession you’ve got. Well, I’m nothing if not giving, plus I’ve heard them all before, so I’ve prepared some answers you can give the people in your life these holidays that will leave them content and soon annoying your other cousin about that business degree they haven’t used.
Question 1 – “Why do you like The Muppets so much?“
Well, I like the Muppets for a lot of reasons! I like the joy they bring and the silliness they embody. I like the art form that is puppetry, and I admire the people who do it professionally. I enjoy the creativity that goes into the work. I like the characters. I like the community that is fostered amongst the fans. And I like that while the world goes up in flames around us, I can escape and find solace and comfort in the singing frog and his friends.
Question 2 – “Why doesn’t Kermit sound right anymore?“
Well, it’s a long complicated answer! It depends on what you mean, because Kermit’s had 3 official performers. Jim Henson was the original, is that the one you think of first? He passed away in 1990, and then Steve Whitmire took over. Sometimes people think it was Brian Henson, but that’s a myth. So Steve played him until 2017, but he was fired for alleged unprofessional business conduct, so now it’s a guy named Matt Vogel, who also plays Big Bird and The Count on Sesame Street. People are super cool about it though. (*Note: sometimes it’s just easier to lie)
Question 3 – “I liked The Muppet Show when I was a kid. Why don’t they do that again?”
They are! Next year a special event episode of The Muppet Show will be on Disney+, with Sabrina Carpenter as the guest. It’s only a one off for now, but hopefully it leads to more specials, and maybe even a new series!
Question 4 – “Aren’t you a little old to be obsessed with The Muppets?“
Option A) Not at all! The Muppets are for everyone! It’s probably because a lot of people associate The Muppets with Sesame Street, which is obviously a show for little kids. But The Muppets have done a lot of stuff targeted towards adults. The 2015 series was sometimes maybe a little bit too adult! Did you know one of the first things The Muppets did was called Sex and Violence? Jim Henson never wanted The Muppets to be targeted towards little kids. You should watch some of their stuff, I think you’d like it!
Option B) Aren’t you a little old to be wearing that dress? (*Note: It’s a risky move, sure)
Question 5 – “I swear I saw Kermit riding a bike when I was little. How did he do that?“
He sure did! A few times, actually! In the first movie, it was all done with wires and a crane, pretty much like a marionette. Then in the second movie they had a whole bunch of the characters ride bikes. It was pretty similar, but then in some shots a young boy riding in front of them was pulling them along. That young boy was Jim Henson’s son, Brian! No, he doesn’t play Kermit, we went through this earlier.
Question 6 – “Have you seen the funny Muppet cupcakes on Facebook?“
Hang on, let me pull up an article ToughPigs wrote in 2021. Here you go.
Question 7 – “I saw that Touch Pigs article you shared online. Why can’t I like The Muppets if I voted for Trump?”
Umm… Did you know cousin Dale never finished his business degree? (*Note: It’s perfectly reasonable to deflect to cousin Dale. That’s what he gets for blaming that broken Wii remote on you in 2009)
Question 8 – “What’s in this gravy? It’s disgusting”
I don’t know, I didn’t make it. I think Uncle Carl did. Uncle Carl, what’s in the gravy? I think it’s just a packet mix.
Question 9 – “I think your cousin has an old Elmo toy they don’t want anymore. Do you want it?”
Option A) Oh, that’s such a nice gesture, but I think I’m okay. I tend not to collect that sort of stuff these days, it just takes up space.
Option B) Oh, really? Are you sure? Wow, that’s super nice of you!
Option C) So it wasn’t worth anything on eBay, eh?
Question 10 – “Who is your favorite Muppet? I like Alf”
Alf isn’t a Muppet, we went through this two years ago, remember? But every Muppet is worthy of being my favorite! I love Miss Piggy because she’s a fierce diva! I love Fozzie because he tries his best! I love Gonzo because he’s kooky and whatever you want him to be! But the real best Muppet is Mr. Curly Twirly. (*Note: Some of these answered are tailored more towards me)
By Jarrod Fairclough – [email protected]
Click here to open another packet gravy mix on the ToughPigs Discord!
