Top 10 Times the Muppets Tackled Serious Issues

The Muppets tackled serious issues with heart and felt. For this list, we’ll be looking at moments when the Muppets took a step back from their usual comedic hijinks to talk - or sing - about serious topics. Our countdown includes the death of a dog, climate change, tribute to Jim Henson, and more! Can YOU think of a moment we missed? Leave a comment and let us know!
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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Muppets #SeriousIssues #TheMuppetShow #JimHenson #KermitTheFrog

[@tyleriguana2450]

Just to clarify, “The Muppet Show” isn’t really a “children’s show” as it wasn’t intended for kids. It was geared more to adults but in a family friendly setting for any audience member to enjoy. :)

[@WhiteDarkness3113]

Meanwhile I question why they made the new show (Muppet show 2017 and Muppets Now) to adult, despite the previous shown in the 90 being heard towards both kids and adults ?

[@tyleriguana2450]

@@WhiteDarkness3113 I mean The Muppets always had that adult energy. Even during the early days of The Muppets. The pilot episode for The Muppet Show was called “Sex and Violence.” I think The Muppets were doing their best to get back to their roots from Disney making them more kid friendly

[@1visualfxguy]

In a way, The Muppet Show was a precursor to The Simpsons that never overstayed it's welcome. It was a show filled with celebrity guests that both kids and adults could enjoy. It was borderline edgy at times, but they never took anything too far.

[@lj9386]

That’s what I was thinking throughout the whole video

[@almabasurto2981]

This is what I always love. Cartoons like Looney Tunes, The Flintstones and Rocky and Bullwinkle, and shows like The Muppet Show were stuff that had appealing and cute characters that kids can watch, but adults can understand the humor and references while having a sense of knowledge that they can question themselves. It’s what made them so memorable and how they can be enjoyed by everyone.

[@LJ808]

How in the hell is the tribute to Jim Henson not number one?? It's the man who created the Muppets for crying out loud!

[@Kaylin777]

Ms. Mojo is wrong for that frfr

[@JCFPlush225]

Yeah man

[@hunteradams2123]

I agree

[@bennymora3086]

It was the sad realization of the passing of Jim Henson😢🌈

[@blueraccoon1088]

All do respect how many people do you hear christmas losses? The reason Jim is on another spot yes but because the show tells the audience of loosing someone close. There had been more deaths in the holiday season and Jim made his characters to give us and more. So think about your late family and friends while watching a Muppets and remember the man who made it to us.

[@themayhemofmadness7038]

“It’s Not Easy Being Green” should have been on the list. It is basically a song that talks about how hard it is to be yourself and how we all wish we were anyone else but ourselves at times. And that while we aren’t alone in thinking that, we are also fine the way we are. That it’s okay, even good, to just be ourselves.

[@kelleyceccato7025]

They may have thought of "Being Green" as a Sesame Street song, forgetting that Kermit also performed it on The Muppet Show.

[@themayhemofmadness7038]

@@kelleyceccato7025 Ah. Good point. I forgot he also sung it on Sesame Street.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

Jim would be so happy to know that his legacy is continuing.😊

[@SlipperySoap]

I agree!

[@steventaliaferro7880]

Gonzo facing his greatest fear in “The Muppets Haunted Mansion” should have been mentioned. Gonzo’s fear of growing old and being separated from one’s friends and family is universal. It especially has a deep connection with the voice of Gonzo, Dave Goelz, who is the last remaining member of the original Muppet troupe and the oldest member. Also Gonzo’s fear of no one liking him if he doesn’t do dangerous stunts can also be connected to the fear of being rejected or not liked.

[@marievanorden9399]

Ummm...Frank Oz is still alive, so Dave Goelz is not alone...

[@steventaliaferro7880]

@@marievanorden9399 True. But Oz has retired from The Muppets.

[@TheMuppetyMan]

​@@steventaliaferro7880He actually does want to return to the Muppets, but Disney hasn't asked for him to return since the 2011 Muppets film where they asked him for a cameo but he declined the role since he didn't like script

[@trinaq]

I love that they're unafraid to embrace tough topics. Time is indeed all too fleeting, and try as we might, it waits for no one. Also, the way they addressed empathy and interculturism was a fitting touch as well.

[@MarceloRBottaro]

This is why I love The Muppets because they can tackle any subject. And I can also say this style of puppetry can do so much more than what it’s doing right now.

[@darthstarkiller1912]

Jim Henson and his friends gave the Muppets something most puppeteers never could: believable living souls.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

Even the Muppets can tackle something very serious

[@SlipperySoap]

No kidding!

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@SlipperySoap Yeah

[@tylerwheeler8595]

The Muppet Show definitely deserved more seasons to continue airing like Sesame Street. It didn't need to end in season 5

[@freddyrichards878]

Well Jim Henson wanted to end it off while it was at the peak of its quality and popularity just so that it’s remembered fondly. Plus, being the artist he is, he didn’t want to stay in one place during his career and was getting started with feature films, so he and the others moved on.

[@Asukenick]

@@freddyrichards878 Also five years was probably enough. They pretty much did everything and Jim didn't want to repeat anything.

[@CaptainYoshiHD]

In Muppets From Space, Gonzo suffered through distinctiveness, because he was so afraid that there was nobody like him and that he never knew about his species.

[@lindsey5365]

Jim Croce and Time in a Bottle is written because he never got to spend enough time with his own son ❤

[@seanhorace925]

Here's a few others I can think of: .Pictures in My Head- The Muppets (2011) .Distinct More Like Extinct- Muppets From Space (1999) .Everyone Matters- It's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) .Dr. Teeth's Family Issues- Muppet Mayhem (2023) .Gonzo Aging- Muppet Haunted Mansion (2021) .Shame On You- The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

[@suzannerust8658]

Pictures In My Head always makes me choke up

[@AnimaMandala]

I can never listen to "Halfway Down the Stairs" without tearing up at least a little.

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

Kermit: I guess I was wrong when I said I never promised anyone... I promised me. It' speaks to something that many people have difficulty understanding: before you can live for anyone else, you must be able and willing to live for yourself.

[@shadicTPZ]

Definitely need another Top 10 list on this subject, there are a lot of other examples of serious issues that the Muppets have tackled that could fill up another list.

[@HearMyWords]

Thank you for doing this video. The Muppets didn't treat children like idiots. They were the best teachers because it required a child to question things for themselves and developing their own critical thinking skills. I am automatically going into my "Jim" thinking about how all these moments were wonderful and important, one not being more or less special than the other. (I just love the "Turn the World Around" with Harry Belafonte though.) There were just so many more than 10. I'll just share one - the episode of Fraggle Rock called Marooned. Red and Boober are trapped by a cave in. Both characters acknowledge that they are running out of air. Red asks, "What do you think it's like to die?" Boober answers, "I don't know, Red. I don't think anybody does." Boober goes on to talk about a memory of a beautiful bubble that floated above him while doing laundry. He said, "There it was, all perfectly round and shiny..... then it was just gone."

[@Supasmartguy]

How is the Jim Henson tribute not number one?!

[@Jpanman]

They are never 💯 accurate in these things

[@mariehernandez5878]

I remember when Gonzo had a crush on Madeline Kahn and she did not reciprocate his feelings. It was quite moving.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

Kermit in #10 is like how Jim was with his fellow performers...if any of them had a chance to do something other than Muppets he was the first to tell them to go do it.😊

[@jgkidd82]

Jim Henson left us too soon. 😢

[@SlipperySoap]

I agree!

[@LillikoiSeed]

One of my favorites was always the time they sang Buffalo Springfield’s For What It’s Worth. I was a child when I watched the Muppet show, and that was the first time I ever heard that song. Now, every time I hear it, I think of that skit. It was beautifully done.

[@HearMyWords]

That was a great skit. One of my favorites as well.

[@waheedabdullah6371]

I thought we were going to get something from the 2011 Muppets movie like Kermit's loneliness after the whole Muppets gang went their separate ways.

[@aidandunn1009]

It deserves an honorable mention in my opinion.

[@kelleyceccato7025]

My favorite part of the "Gonzo Leaves the Muppet Show" episode is Camilla the Chicken's rendition of "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair." Poor Beaker. Remember when he tried to sing "Feelings" in the Diana Ross episode, and the unruly audience -- which loved Ross but haaaaaaated the Muppets -- booed the poor chap off the stage? No wonder he wanted revenge after he got trapped in the copying machine. Gonzo's beautiful ballad "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" should have rated an Honorable Mention, at least.

[@khalidhenry3857]

Here's a new video idea: Top 10 (or 20) Children’s Books That Tackled Serious Issues

[@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie]

Or YA novels

[@khalidhenry3857]

@@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie That too

[@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie]

@@khalidhenry3857 Examples?

[@khalidhenry3857]

@PriestessKikyo My Body! What I Say Goes!- This book teaches children about body safety. Also, it handles respect and the danger of keeping secrets. Lastly, it teaches how to listen to their discernment. Nora and the Growing Tree: An Owlegories Tale- As a result of moving, kids may feel displaced. Therefore, it’s important for kids to be taught about how to grow where God plants them. This book also deals with how to live in Godly contentment. What Does Super Jonny Do When Mom Gets Sick?: An Empowering Tale- One of the most confusing elements of sickness is the feeling of powerless. Moreover, kids will be encouraged after reading this picture book. The Tiny Snowflake- Divorce can leave children feeling like they don’t know where they belong. First of all, this book is a sensitive way to learn about uniqueness. Secondly, it addresses belonging and family

[@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie]

@@khalidhenry3857 Never heard of them.

[@amygoldstein3771]

You could have done better when you talked about Halfway down the Stairs. It was performed by Jerry Nelson, and went platinum on the English Billboards. Backstory, when Jerry was working on the Muppets, he had a daughter, Cristine, who was living with her mother while fighting Cystic fibrosis. Her mother wrote a book about her, detailing her struggles, while constantly fighting to make it to each of life's milestones. When you're constantly fighting for your next breath, it can often feel like you're halfway down the stairs.

[@khalidhenry3857]

My dog Maci died in 2016. I miss her everyday. 😢

[@angelaholmes8888]

My dog henry died 2 years ago I really miss him

[@Thomaslittlemonster]

The Harry Belafonte episode is the best one! And the Christmas album with John Denver and the Muppets is my absolute favorite Christmas album.

[@chrismanwell8278]

You missed Gonzo singing the Wishing Song, one of his best performances from the Muppet Show and a great message about self-acceptance.

[@JackBradshaw-wj5nb]

There are 2 honourable mentions that should have been shown. The Muppet Christmas Carol tackled living in poverty and Muppet Treasue Island tackled banning alcohol (prohibition).

[@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie]

R.I.P. Harry Belafonte

[@blueraccoon1088]

I'll be honest the only Muppets exposure i had was Muppets in space and it takes my memory abit after an elementary level of homework. Made me laugh at a hard moment.

[@budofsharon3496]

I love this list!🤠 I miss Jim. 💜!!

[@joyunicycle]

I was going to make a Statler and Waldorf comment, but really I can't. These moments are precious. Maybe another video. However, I'd give Kermit talking about Robin Williams an honorable mention.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

When Sly Stallone sings "Bird in a Gilded Cage." Who brings him and the Muppets performing with him to tears.

[@missyadams]

Jim Henson 💞 thank you

[@jasonkingsley9134]

Just one person , because of one person can make a difference to a lot of lives . And a Christmas special a world can be different if there never was a me , everyone matters .

[@angelaholmes8888]

Time is indeed something we don't know how long we have ⌛⏳

[@crazieanimefan1]

Love me some Beaker...he's so adorable.

[@JamesDavy2009]

There was actually a Muppet Show episode when there were lots of Beakers.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

Like Kermit himself once said "it's not easy being green" and this here , is the prove of it. Happy friday night Ms Mojo, take care and God bless you, greetings from Colombia to you as well.

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Rest In Peace, Jim Henson

[@garthdavis4320]

These issues change my perspective about the Muppets.

[@jeffreyelya9996]

Thanks for posting. The number one spot is huge on being alone for the holidays. I'm still very much single, and I really do live my family, but especially Christmas can be hard to get through, especially when you're suffering with depression. I've certainly had my share of not having a very merry Christmas. I can remember spending half the day in tears back in 2005, and that was almost 20 years ago. Why is it that Christmas is the only holiday that's hard to be alone?? Thankfully, I know the answer. On a humanistic level, we acknowledge the hole that we can't seem to fill. We need each other, and that goes double for the introverts. On a spiritual note, the Savior of the world was introduced to us in a little town called Bethlehem. Either you love Him or you hate Him, maybe you feel indifferent to the Creator of the universe. God wanted to know His creation better, and there's no better way than to get to know us than to walk with the common folk. Have a great day, and remember, He loves you no matter what you're past looks like.

[@Thomaslittlemonster]

Other great Muppet moments that have a tackle serious subject that I feel get over looked: “I’m Going to Go Back There Someday” from The Muppet Movie “Saying Goodbye” from The Muppets Take Manhattan

[@Steven-pn8kd]

The Muppets (2015) did an episode where Robin's parents divorced and Kermit tries to keep his breakup with Miss Piggy a secret from him.

[@Asukenick]

Steve had major problems with that storyline. He said Kermit would never lie. Unfortunately all the comments Steve would make would get him fired a few months later.

[@user-qt6zl9oi8t]

R.I. P. Jim Henson

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

I love the Muppets!

[@isabellaprusse]

I am so happy to once again see a video on your channel about my favorite gang of crazy creatures. I love the Muppets. They always make me happy when I watch them on Disney+ especially when I am not feeling very well.

[@ReynaReactsandReviews]

I love the background music

[@jackrodakthemovieguy1726]

This frog went through a lot of rough changes. First, his career involved murdering people who didn't like his products. Then he became famous for kids. Then his master passed away just as he was becoming super famous. Then he was replaced by a decent replacement who put him with big studios like Disney and Sony. Then he had a big hiatus in popularity, only appearing in dumb direct to video things, and a bunch of less profitable KZbin videos. Then Disney bought his crew and gave him a revival in popularity. Then his new master just pissed away, and his popularity was at a hiatus again. Now all he's doing are short KZbin videos and Disney Plus specials, with a drunk dude taking over him

[@GoodbyeToriyama6]

The tribute should be number one

[@jgkidd82]

I can relate to number 1. My mom died on Christmas day almost two years ago.

[@dmmoctober]

Well done to this narrator for pronouncing route (as root not rowt) correctly!!!

[@SpiceGhouls]

My grandad used to sing the stair song to me when I was little, hearing that song always makes me think of him, he died 4 years ago ❤

[@stephanieevjen]

You know, some of the entries on this list would definitely be on a list for "Top 10 or 20 Saddest Muppet Moments".😢😢😢

[@michaelharrington4503]

Even Statler and Waldorf seemed sad about Gonzo leaving: WALDORF: It's too bad Gonzo is leaving the show. STATLER: I'll say. I can think of someone I actually WANT to see leave the show. WALDORF: Yeah? Who's that? STATLER: Me! BOTH: Dohohohohoho!

[@justineves3588]

Very very great epic list I like it a lot very very great job mis mojo i love the muppets a lot thank you for making this video it is one of my absolute favorite list ever 😊❤

[@Asukenick]

Steves first time as Kermit was definitely a little off but he got so much better pretty quickly. Matt's isn't bad its just different. A lot of people say Matt's Kermit sounds more like Jim's but Steves does more to me. Either way Kermit is always Kermit.

[@hunteradams2123]

I miss Steve Whitmire's Kermit though

[@Asukenick]

@@hunteradams2123 Yes so do I. He and Jim are my favorite Muppet performers.

[@hunteradams2123]

​@Asukenick I only knew majority of Steve Whitmire's Kermit as I was born in the late 1990's exactly 7 years to the day after Jim Henson passed away. It wasn't till I was in my mid teens when I first heard Jim Henson's Kermit. I was in tears with Jim gone before I was born, and then when Steve was let go from Disney

[@Asukenick]

@@hunteradams2123 I was born in the early 90s and grew up with both.

[@iHeartsNostalgiaPit]

10 that was made because Bonnie Erickson left the show 7 I'm going to be 34 in two months, and the older I get the more I realized that I get what Jim was dealing with 4 I have that issue in my house, Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson was a real sobfest for me

[@COMPFUNK2]

Wow, I’m an 80s baby and I’d never even heard of the Jim Henson tribute special.

[@dylanmajor100]

"We won't be including anything from Sesame Street".. @MsMojo already did a list of Top 10 times Sesame Street tackled issues!

[@COMPFUNK2]

6:07-6:11 - Wow, who in the world is voicing Kermit now? He sounds weird.

[@_BubbleFox_]

Matt Vogel

[@Traci_Websinger]

At one point, it was Brian Henson, Jim's son.

[@hunteradams2123]

​@@Traci_WebsingerI don't remember Brian Henson performing Kermit

[@jamalvargas6146]

Top 10 Times Captain Planet Tackled Serious Issues

[@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie]

The environment (the show as a whole) AIDS awareness (A Formula For Hate) Drug addiction (Mind Pollution)

[@RealAaron317]

I remember when Jim passed I watch the funeral

[@Traci_Websinger]

The episode where the woodland animals perform, "War". I still remember this one.

[@soranotroxas0299]

Y’all remember the one where Kermit and robin visit the bog to talk about how frogs are getting wiped out- and the other other frogs sing a haunting song while they talk at the end?

[@cajayson8301]

the Muppets are the best!

[@hunteradams2123]

I thought Jim Henson's tribute would've been #1

[@seafairy5501]

I know that feeling losing a dog because I lost Two dogs

[@chrismulwee4911]

Gonzo changes his mind about leaving the show, when he hears that another character wants to perform his "Top Hat" number. That's the last straw as far as he's concerned and Gonzo Stays. Happy Ending.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

Jim would have loved the new "Muppet Babies" cartoon especially since it was computer-generated.

[@shrek7983]

Next should be top 10 times Peanuts tackled serious issues.

[@Asukenick]

Other than Why Charlie Brown Why I can't think of many others.

[@shrek7983]

@@Asukenick A Charlie Brown Christmas anyone?

[@alexphillips4644]

Last christmas was the first time my step-dad was no longer alive...it was hard to celebrate and be surrounded by relatives when it was a time to be happy...

[@tori4040]

Well now I’m crying

[@christymcdaniel3906]

Take that, people who think this is Childish stuff!

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Without a doubt, The Muppets knows how to take topics seriously. The problem is a lot of celebrities doesn’t take The Muppets seriously and thinks that Disney is the only serious company that loves and cares about everybody. Well………………..look which company is now a laughingstock and going down the drain now😏👍

[@angelaholmes8888]

I lost both of my childhood dogs within six months apart cody and Casper and my other dog Henry Two years ago 🐶🐕

[@shaliseshaw9385]

Top 10 More Hardest Broadway Musicals To Perform, Top 10 Hardest Pop Songs To Sing, Top 10 Hardest Guitar Solos, Top 10 More Bad Nickelodeon Shows(Nicky Ricky Dicky and Dawn, How To Rock, 100 Things To Do Before High School, Cousins For Life, Legendary Dudas, etc.), Top 10 More Bad Sitcoms(Crowded, Mr. Sunshine, The Millers, etc.), Top 10 More Dangerous Animals That Can Kill You, etc. 🎥🎥🎥🎬🎬🎬🎬📺

[@SonicJrandSarah]

0:42 That was in Sing!

[@TheCarly16]

I want Top 10 or 20 Times Scooby-Doo Tackled Serious Issues!

[@theorderofthebees7308]

Long Live the Muppets ❤

[@isaacheres1354]

I have a quesrion about the 4th entry "Tribute to Jim Henson". If Henson died shortly before this episode of The Muppet Show was made, who provide the voice and performing as Kermit? Was there a change in voice between Henson and his replacement?

[@Traci_Websinger]

I know at one point, Jim Henson's son Brian was the voice of Kermit. He may still be.

[@saramcpike2820]

@@Traci_Websinger Brian never performed Kermit. The role immediately went to Steve Whitmire after Jim's death, and it is Whitmire who performs him in the "Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson" special, which was not a part of the original Muppet Show, as that had ended way back in 81, nine years prior to Jim's passing.

[@themysteriousmind3561]

You forgot "It's not easy being green"

[@w1ndgeneral226]

Here's an idea for a future video: *top ten weirdly good KZbin animations, basically KZbin videos that are...questionable but have admittedly good animations.*

[@kevinkunkel9444]

"Halfway Up the Stairs" is a cute song, but I can't help but think you're reading too much into it. Especially when you consider a much more poignant song in that exact same episode. " If Just One Person. "

[@juliemcarthur3004]

I don't remember gonzo leaving

[@JamesDavy2009]

In the episode guest starring Lola Falana, Gonzo left the Muppet crew to try a career in Bollywood, but found that a mistake had been made when they stated that the offer was meant for Gonzo the Mediocre.

[@SlipperySoap]

Can you please do a top ten for it's a Big big world 🌎?

[@jasontachin]

RW:you,I haven’t seen much of the MUPPETS but i never knew they go through serious issues in Life.😧

[@melissatrach7089]

Didn't there used to be a kids show on Disney Jr called Muppet Babies? I think there's footage somewhere...

[@stormshadowproductions1660]

Please do top 20 times my little pony friendship is Magic & Equestria girls tackled serious issues

[@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie]

Examples?

[@stormshadowproductions1660]

@@Shojo-SkipSchmandy_the_Hottie common ground episode

[@morgatron2585]

Top 10 Times Fraggle Rock tackles serious topics.

[@manuelbello5806]

Wow

[@classicrockandfurriesrule4743]

The problem with Climate Change is unless China and India change , nothing anything we do will make any difference . China has said , many times , that it has no intension of changing .

[@juliemcarthur3004]

Love rowelf

[@DiamondsGlare.]

CAN WE START #KERMITCORE ?? 😭😭😭💚

[@MrGabeanator]

just looking for jims passing

[@gabycordova195]

❤

[@Tuesona]

What about saving the theater not getting bought by corporate and you can do anything with friends from muppet movie 2011 and everyone matters from merry muppet Xmas how one person helps others

[@kyndrablankenship1758]

Harry Belafonte was Jamaican? I thought he was African.

[@arielg7000]

🤩😍😍😍😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰