Whatnot Workshop Opens this Month

As previously reported, FAO Schwartz has partnered with Muppet Studios to create a unique Muppet experience for their customers by launching The Muppet Whatnot Workshop. This boutique will allow customers to create their very own Muppet Whatnot. Customers will be able to pick a puppet body and accessorize it with a huge variety of Muppet features, accessories and apparel.

Visitors of FAO Schwartz's flagship store in New York will be able to participate in an exclusive in-store workshop experience and build their very own Whatnot Muppet. In addition to the in-store experience, consumers can also build and buy their own Whatnot via FAO Schwarz’s official website. FAO Schwarz plans to open The Muppet Whatnot Workshop (both in-store and online), later this month - with the big debut slated for October 22, 2008. These premium puppets are highly customizable and are expected to retail for $130 each.

You can check out a sampling of Whatnot Workshop creations in FAO Schwarz's Fall 2008 catalog (image posted below). Soon you will be able to own your very own personalized Muppet, and I will be sure to keep you updated on this exciting new boutique as soon as more details are announced.

Catch the Muppets' New "Studio DC" Again

For all of you who missed Disney Channel's big premiere of the Muppets' "Studio DC" special hosted by Selena Gomez (or for all of you who just want to catch it again), the 30-minute television special is set to re-air several times this week. Disney plans on re-airing the new "Studio DC: Almost Live" production on:

• Sunday, October 5, 2008 (8:00 PM)
• Monday, October 6, 2008 (5:00 PM)
• Tuesday, October 7, 2008 (3:30 PM)
• Tuesday, October 7, 2008 (10:30 PM)
• Thursday, October 9, 2008 (2:00 PM)
• Thursday, October 9, 2008 (11:00 PM)
• Saturday, October 11, 2008 (4:30 PM)
• Wednesday, October 15, 2008 (3:30 PM)
• Thursday, October 16, 2008 (12:00 AM)
• Friday, October 17, 2008 (2:30 PM)
• Tueday, October 21, 2008 (5:30 PM)
• Wednesday, October 22, 2008 (1:00 AM)

The half-hour variety show featured The Cheetah Girls performing a Bollywood dance number with Miss Piggy; Selena Gomez learning the art comedy from Fozzie Bear; Moises Arias and Jake T. Austin learning the art of being a critic from Statler and Waldorf; Demi Lovato singing with Beaker; Jason Earles and Jason Dolley visiting the Swedish Chef's craft services table; David Henrie jamming with Floyd on the guitar; and much more.

So be sure to set the VCR and mark your calendars so you don’t miss this all new "Studio DC: Almost Live!" hosted by Selena Gomez . And I will be sure to keep you updated on the future of "Studio DC" and the Muppets as information becomes available.

2009 Calendars are Here!

With just about three months (92 days) left in 2008, isn't it time you start thinking about how you're going to keep your days straight in 2009? The 2009 calendars start hitting stores, so it is only prudent that you decided which one (or ones) you're going to get now. There are two Muppet-related calendars coming out for 2009; and with price-tags only around $15 you might want to just scoop them both up.

The first calendar is The Muppets' official 2009 wall calendar. Each month of this 2009 calendar features a different Muppet photos with bright and colors and designs. The calendar measures standard wall-calendar size (12" x 24") and is sure to brighten up the wall of any room. The calendar is being produced by Danilo and Muppet Studios and is retailing for just around $14.99.

The other Muppet calendar to be on the look out for is the 2009 Fraggle Rock wall calendar. Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, Red, the Doozers, the Gorgs and all your other favorite Fraggle character don the pages of this exciting wall calendar. The calendar measures standard wall-calendar size (12" x 24") and is being produced by MeadWestvaco and the Jim Henson Company.

So although 2008 isn't over yet, it's not too early to buy your Muppet calendars. I'll keep you posted with information on any other Muppet calendars or merchandise as I get it.

Miss Piggy to Visit "The View" on Wednesday!

Miss Piggy, the fabulous and feminine Muppet star, is scheduled to make a special guest appearance on ABC's "The View" on Wednesday, October 1, 2008! Hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters, "The View" airs weekdays on ABC (check your local listings for details).

Miss Piggy is scheduled to appear on Wednesday's installment of the daytime talk show along with Peter Krause and Diahann Carroll. You won't want to miss this special appearance, so mark your calendars and be sure to tune in to catch everyone's favorite Muppet diva when she appears along side the ladies of "The View" on Wednesday, October 1st.

Statler & Waldorf Get Political

Statler and Waldorf, the Muppet's beloved curmudgeons, are getting a political. The duo recently shared their thoughts on the upcoming Presidental debates in a brand-new Op-Art piece created exclusively for the New York Times. The piece, entitled "Puppet Government", was published in today's edition of the Times (both in print and online) and can also be seen below.

(Click to Enlarge)

Nathan Lane Joins "Letters to Santa"

NBC has announced yet another star set to appear in "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa", the previously announced Muppet holiday special planned to debut in December.

Nathan Lane (The Birdcage, The Producers) will appear alongside the Muppets as Officer Meany, a bitter airport security guard. Lane joins the special's already impressive list of celebrity stars -- the roster already includes Whoopi Goldberg, Uma Thurman, Jesse L. Martin, Jane Krakowski, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Richard Griffiths, Petra Nemcova, Madison Pettis and New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg. Songwriter Paul Williams is also said to appear in a cameo as one of Santa's elves. For more information on the cast and the story, be sure to check out our special "Letters to Santa" page (warning: spoilers abound!)

"Letters to Santa" is being directed by Muppet veteran Kirk Thatcher; and the original teleplay for the special was written by Hugh Fink, Scott Ganz, Andrew Samson and Paul Williams. This all-new one-hour special will be filled with song and dance - featuring four original songs by Paul Williams (songwriter on "Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas", "The Muppet Movie", and "The Muppet Christmas Carol").

This exciting television event is planned to air on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 8:00PM (ET) on NBC (check local listings for details). And, as always, I will be sure to keep you updated as more details on this exciting new project become available.

The Muppet Whatnot Workshop Comes to FAO Schwartz

FAO Schwartz has partnered with Muppet Studios to provide a unique Muppet experience at their New York store! FAO Schwarz will soon open the doors to The Muppet Whatnot Workshop at its legendary flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York. The workshop experience, similar to that of the popular Build-a-Bear franchise, will allow customers to create their very own Muppet Whatnot. Customers will be able to pick a body from various styles; then accessorize it with a huge variety of Muppet parts, accessories and apparel.

For the first time ever, fans will be able to create and take home their very own custom Muppet Whatnot. Whatnots, the long-customary faction of generic extras seen in Muppet productions, are highly customizable creatures with a huge catalog of unique features and accessories. These premium puppets (retailing at around $100) will be classic hand-rod puppets, just like the real Whatnots, in which one hand goes inside the head of the puppet while the other manipulates rods connected to the puppet’s arms. In addition to the in-store experience, creations in the line are also planned to eventually be available via FAO Schwarz’s official website (www.fao.com).

FAO Schwarz is working hard to bring this unique Muppet experience to consumers, and I’ve been told that they plan to raise the curtain on The Muppet Whatnot Workshop this fall (possibly as early as late-October 2008). I will be sure to keep you updated on this exciting new boutique as soon as more details are confirmed.

Disney's "Wiz-tober" Includes the Muppets' Wizardly Film

Disney Channel is planning to air "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" next month as part of their month-long "Wiz-tober" celebration. "Wiz-tober", the network's month-long Halloween programing ploy, will be hosted nightly by the cast of Disney Channel's hit sitcome "Wizards of Waverly Place" (Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin and Jennifer Stone). Each night of "Wiz-tober" will feature an original wizardly, witchly or magical-themed movie or special.

"The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" is planned to air on Disney Channel as part of "Wiz-tober" on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 8:00PM -- check your local listings for details.

"The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" first debuted on ABC in May 2005. The original tele-film features an irreverent re-telling of the classic L. Frank Baum novel with Kermit the Frog as the Scarecrow, Gonzo as the Tin Thing, Fozzie Bear as the Lion, Pepe the King Prawn as Toto, and Miss Piggy as all four witches. The film also features an all-star human cast, including Ashanti (as Dorothy), Queen Latifah (as Aunt Em), David Alan Grier (as Uncle Henry), and Jeffrey Tambor (as the Wizard).

Additionally, as previously announced, The Muppets will be appearing on Dinsey Channel in an all-new television special just three days before the network's October airing of "Oz". Disney Channel is also planning to debut an all-new "Studio DC" special starring the Muppets on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 8:00pm.

So be sure to mark your calendars and tune in for all the Muppety fun coming to Dinsey Channel this fall. I will keep you updated as more information regarding any special Muppet TV airings as things develop.

More Stars Join the Muppets for "Letters to Santa"

Uma Thurman (Kill Bill, The Producers) and Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order, Rent) are joining the cast of "Letters to Santa: A Muppets Christmas", the previously announced Muppet holiday special planned to debut in December.

When the Muppets advert three letters on their way to Santa Claus, Kermit and the gang set off to make things right. Thurman will appear in the special as Joy, a North Pole Airlines ticket clerk (and Santa's personal flight attendant); while Martin is said to be playing a postal worker who stars in the special's opening scene, performing a gigantic song and dance number with the Muppets.

Other Celebrities already announced to appear in the special include Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Griffiths, Jane Krakowski, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Petra Nemcova, Madison Pettis and Mike Bloomberg.

"Letters to Santa", the latest production from Disney's Muppets Studios, is being directed by Muppet veteran Kirk Thatcher from a teleplay by Hugh Fink, Scott Ganz, Andrew Samson and Paul Williams. The musical special will also feature four original songs by Paul Williams (songwriter on "Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas", "The Muppet Movie", and "The Muppet Christmas Carol").

This one-hour television event is planned to air on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 8:00PM (ET) on NBC (check local listings for details). I will be sure to keep you updated as even more details on this very exciting new project become available.

Second "Studio DC" Special Hits in October

As previously reported, the stars of Disney Channel have once again teamed up with the Muppets to produce another music-filled sketch comedy show. Following up on the "Studio DC" premiere (hosted by Dylan & Cole Sprouse) which aired back in August, Disney is readying a second installment of "Studio DC" (hosted by Selena Gomez) for an October debut. The new Disney Channel special is currently set to premiere Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 8pm on Disney Channel. Hosted by Selena Gomez ("Wizards of Waverly Place"), the half-hour special will also feature appearances by The Cheetah Girls ("The Cheetah Girls One World"), Demi Lovato ("Camp Rock"), Moises Arias ("Hannah Montana"), Jake T. Austin ("Wizards of Waverly Place"), Jason Earles ("Hannah Montana"), Jason Dolley ("Cory in the House") and David Henrie ("Wizards of Waverly Place").

Highlights of the program include The Cheetah Girls performing a Bollywood dance number with Miss Piggy; Selena Gomez getting tutored in the art of joke telling by Fozzie Bear; Statler and Waldorf teaching Moises Arias and Jake T. Austin the ins and outs of being a critic; a jealous Miss Piggy dragging Kermit off the stage, causing Demi Lovato to perform the hit single "This is Me" with Beaker; Jason Earles and Jason Dolley's visit to the Swedish Chef's craft services table; and David Henrie jamming with Floyd on the guitar.

Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for this brand-new Muppet television special featuring a hearty helping Disney Channel stars. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the premiere of this new program as soon as more details become available.

The Muppets Set to Deliver "Letters to Santa" this Christmas!

Muppet Studios is currently in production on an all new television special filled with songs, mayhem and heaps of holiday high spirits. Entitled "Letters to Santa: A Muppets Christmas", this one-hour television project is set to air this holiday season! Production is well underway and "Letters to Santa" is scheduled to air on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 8:00PM on NBC (check local listings for details).

When the Muppets inadvertently prevent three children's letters from making their way to Santa Claus, Kermit and the gang set off to make things right before Christmas comes. The Muppet are forced to give up their plans of escaping a snow-filled New York City, but needless to say, nothing (not even Miss Piggy's planned trip to the tropics) will stand between the Muppets and a happy Christmas for all.

Directed by Muppet veteran Kirk Thatcher, the special was written by Hugh Fink, Scott Ganz, Andrew Samson and Paul Williams. This musical special will also feature four all-new songs by Paul Williams (songwriter on "Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas", "The Muppet Movie", and "The Muppet Christmas Carol"), and will also include appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Griffiths, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Mike Bloomberg, and Madison Pettis.

"Letters to Santa" is sure to bring a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the holiday season and will undoubtedly become an instant holiday classic. So mark your calendars and prepare for an all-new holiday extravaganza staring the one and only Muppets! I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information on this very exciting project becomes available.

The Muppets Assemble a Slate of Specials

Disney is planning a set of Muppets TV specials slated to air this fall, and a new holiday special for next Christmas – all leading up to an all-new theatrical film.

As previously reported, a second "Studio DC" special is already slated to air on the Disney Channel in October 2008. The special, a follow-up to last month's "Studio DC: Almost Live", is aimed at introducing teens and "tweens" to the Muppet characters by pairing the characters with such Disney Channel stars as Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Cheetah Girls.

Now for the more grown-up fans, the Muppet are working on another television special which will focus on politics, patriotism and presidential polling. Muppet Studios is currently planning a prime-time Election Special starring the Muppets. This all-new television special will air in November 2008, just in time to coincide with the 2008 presidential election.

But that’s not all! Disney is also developing a brand-new Christmas Special starring the Muppets as well. The studio is planning this special for a Christmas 2009 release. While the details of this special are being kept under wraps (as release is over a year away), I have been told that Disney is hoping that this all-new holiday extravaganza will become an enduring holiday classic that families can enjoy year after year.

And remember all the rumblings of a new Muppet movie that surfaced this past spring? Well, I've been told that all these television projects are planned to lead up to the big theatrical event. Disney executives are currently looking at a 2010 release for the Muppets' next big screen adventure. The new film, written by Jason Segel and Nick Stoller, will feature the Muppets reuniting to put on a big show.

All of these projects are in various stages of development and production; and I will be sure to keep you all updated with more information on all of these exciting new projects as soon as more details become available.

Muppet Comics Coming from BOOM!

As previously reported, BOOM! Studios is planning to release a series of Muppet comic books. The comics will launch next year with a miniseries written by Roger Langridge. As you may know, Langridge had previously created Muppet comics for the now defunct Disney Adventure magazine. The single comics in the initial miniseries will also be designed to be collected together into a trade paperback as well. The debut four-issue miniseries will be based on "The Muppet Show" and is said to be very much in the same vein as the show -- with a lot of skits and gags. Each book will have its own storylines, but there will also be an overlapping narrative connecting all four books. The first installment will focus on Kermit, the second on Fozzie Bear, the third on Gonzo, and the fourth book will be a Miss Piggy book. The debut installment is planned for release in the Spring of 2009.

After the initial miniseries, Langridge will be working with various writers and artists to create future miniseries. BOOM's second batch of Muppet comics are said to feature the Muppets in parodies of classic literary works – such as Robin Hood, King Arthur and the Three Musketeers. According to series editor Paul Morrissey, the approach with these books will be to basically do "kid-friendly Monty Python."

The new comics are sure to garner a lot of attention from Muppet fans when it debuts early next; and you can be sure that I'll keep you updated with more information on these upcoming books as soon as more details become available.

Miss Piggy Pens a New Guide to Life and Love

Miss Piggy is about to publish her thoughts on love and life. The famous (and fabulous) Muppet swine has written her very own guide to life and dating which is due to hit bookstores early next year. The book, "The Diva Code: Miss Piggy on Life, Love, and the 10,000 Idiotic Things Men Frogs Do" by Miss Piggy, is currently planned for release on January 27, 2009 from Hyperion Books. Miss Piggy's advice will surely help improve any relationship and will help you snag that perfect man (or amphibian). The world's most divalicious pig will offer her unimpeachable advice on men, frogs, relationships, friends, fashion, and much, much more.

The 144-page hardcover book has just become available to pre-order from several online retailers and is carrying a suggested retail price of $14.95. Now this isn't the first time Miss Piggy has written a book, she previously authored "Miss Piggy's Guide to Life" (1981), "In the Kitchen with Miss Piggy" (1996), and "Miss Piggy's Rules" (1997). And while "The Diva Code" is said to be authored by Miss Piggy, the book was actually written by long-time Muppet writter Jim Lewis (who also penned Kermit's 2006 autobiography "Before you Leap" and Pepe's upcoming memoir "It's Hard Out Here For a Shrimp"). This book is sure to be an entertaining and enlightening addition to any fan's library. I will be sure to keep you updated as more information on this exciting new title surfaces.

Temporary black & white cover art. Final color artwork is subject to changes.

Memoirs of a Prawn

Pepe the King Prawn, a fiesty little crustacean from the coast of Spain, was introduced to audiences in 1996 as a part of the cast of "Muppets Tonight"; he has since become famous, successful, unavoidable, and a favorite of fans everywhere (he's especially a hit with the ladies, h'okay). Building on his fame, Pepe decided to sit down and write his own book. The new book, "It's Hard Out Here For a Shrimp: Life, Love & Living Large" by Pepe the King Prawn, is expected to hit bookstores later this fall and is full of Pepe's unique words of wisdom on life. Pepe's advice is guaranteed to make your life lively, hot, and very, very spicy!

From family and friendship to romance and roguery, Pepe's words are sure to delight readers of all ages. "It's Hard Out Here For a Shrimp" is being published by Hyperion Books and is planned to hit stores in Novemeber. The 176-page hardcover book will also feature a special introduction written by the one and only Kermit the Frog. "It's Hard Out Here For a Shrimp" is already available to pre-order through many online retailers. While the book is said to be authored by Pepe the King Prawn, the book was actually written by long-time Muppet writter Jim Lewis (who also penned Kermit's 2006 autobiography "Before you Leap"). This book is sure to be an entertaining and enlightening addition to any fan's collection. I will be sure to keep you updated as more information on this upcoming title surfaces.

The Muppets Take Laugh Break

If you have Sirius Satellite Radio then you'll want to be sure to check out the "Laugh Break" channel (channel 105) next weekend for an exciting Muppet appearance. Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear and the rest of the gang have been invited to host a special hour of hilarious family friendly comedy.

The Muppets' special radio guest spot will be broadcasted on Sirius on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 10:00am and 1:00pm ET; however if you miss it (or if you want to catch it again) Sirius is set to rebroadcast the Muppets' appearances on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 11:00am and 2:00pm ET

Sirius is currently offering a three-day free trail of their programming online, so even if you don’t have Sirius you could still listen to the Muppets' exclusive radio gig online.

Catch the Muppets in "Studio DC" Again

For all of you who missed last night's big premiere of "Studio DC: Almost Live" on Disney Channel (or for all of you who just want to catch it again), the Muppet-filled television special is set to re-air several times this week. Disney Channel plans on re-airing "Studio DC: Almost Live" on:

• Monday, August 4, 2008 at 2:05 PM
• Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 5:00 PM
• Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 2:30 PM
• Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 3:00 PM
• Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM

The half-hour variety show featured Miley Cyrus performing with the Electic Mayhem; the Muppets joining the cast of "The Suite Life" for an original comedy sketch; Kermit and Ashley Tisdale performing "Bop to the Top"; Miss Piggy's failing attempts to join the Jonas Brothers; and much more.

A second "Studio DC" special starring the Muppets is tentitivly slated to air on the Disney Channel in October 2008. The follow-up special is said to include such Disney Channel stars as Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Cheetah Girls.

So be sure to set the VCR and mark your calendars so you don’t miss "Studio DC: Almost Live!" (again). And I will be sure to keep you updated on the future of "Studio DC" and the Muppets on Disney Channel.

"Studio DC: Almost Live" Moves to August Premiere

As previously reported, The Muppets have teamed up with the Disney Channel stars for an all-new variety show special. "Studio DC: Almost Live!", originally slated for a July premiere, has since been rescheduled and is now set to make its bit debut on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 8:00pm ET/PT (check your local listings for details). The half-hour variety show will feature special appearances by Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Dylan & Cole Sprouse, Jonas Brothers, and (of course) the Muppets. The special will feature singing and dancing, comedy sketches and the backstage antics of the original Disney Channel variety show.

Highlights of the program include Miley Cyrus performing her hit song "GNO" with the help of the Electic Mayhem; Kermit the Frog and Ashley Tisdale performing "Bop to the Top" (from High School Musical); Miss Piggy's failing attempts to join Nick, Joe and Kevin for a musical number (posing as a long-lost Joanas Sister); Kermit and Gonzo join the cast of "The Suite Life" for a comedic skit; plus much more.

You won't want to miss this all-new musical extravaganza, as a second "Studio DC" special featuring the Muppets is already planned to air on Disney Channel sometime fall. So be sure to re-mark your calendars, and prepare for this brand-new Muppet show. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the premiere of this long-awaited television event as details become available.

The Muppets Unleash More Viral Videos onto the Web

Last month, the Muppets (via Sam Eagle) released an exclusive Independence Day video onto the world-wide-web. The patriotic "viral" video has already gained thousands of hits on YouTube, MySpace and elsewhere. Since then, the Muppets (namely the Swedish Chef, Gonzo, and Beaker) have posted other original videos for web surfers to enjoy.

The Swedish Chef and Beaker preform "Habanera", Gonzo conducts a bunch of "classical chickens" , and Beaker(s) sing "Ode to Joy". So check out these new videos and be sure to foward the links on to all of your friends!

The Muppets Star in "Studio DC: Almost Live!"

The Muppets will star in an all-new original television special coming to Disney Channel later this month. The Muppets have teamed up with popular Disney Channel stars - including Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Dylan & Cole Sprouse, and Jonas Brothers - in the all-new television special "Studio DC: Almost Live!". The show is currently set to air on the Disney Channel on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 8:00PM ET/PT (check local listings for details).

The special will feature singing and dancing, comedy sketches and the backstage antics of a fictional Disney Channel variety show.

The project was developed to order to introduce a new generation of fans to the Muppets – while keeping the classic feeling and tone that the Muppets are known for. This Muppet and Disney Channel project was first announced last year; and interestingly enough, many segments for the "almost live" show were filmed almost a year ago (with principle photography for those segments wrapping in early August 2007).

So mark your calendars, and prepare for an all-new Muppet variety show for an all-new generation of fans! I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the premiere of this long-awaited television event as details become available.