The History of The Muppets (1/9) | Animation Lookback

It’s time to get things started…
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#AnimationLookback #Muppets #AniMat

[@alexmillar4878]

Fun fact, the last Sam and Friends episode was actually aired on the day my dad was born on December 15th 1961

[@jacobwiggle3681]

Hey that's the day (not the year) that Walt Disney died.

[@alexmillar4878]

@@jacobwiggle3681 Yes, I was quite surprised as well when I found out that Walt Disney died on my Dad’s fifth birthday.

[@skunkman9815]

Happy death-day walt disney

[@lostmediadetective2590]

What a coincidence

[@woodkiller4496]

​@@alexmillar4878 😮

[@michaelnally2841]

I find the fact that Sesame Street is still running all these years later is a damn miracle

[@Hondunu]

Especially considering it's from a non-profit organization that relied on public funding for the most part.

[@michaelnally2841]

@@Hondunu I also have a feeling if you told the creators of sesame street that the show would be running for over 53 seasons. I think they would’ve laughed in your face. And granted I dunno what the future holds but chances are if it keeps this up Sesame Street just might outlive me and or my descendants.

[@ceejay4486]

26:40 fun fact: Kermit was the biggest asshole in Sesame Street, and if you're a long time Sesame Street viewer you probably understand this joke

[@Brianna-eo8nu]

Personally, I consider puppetry a whole other medium to both animation and live action with human actors. So it’s interesting to see the Muppets on an animation look back episode. Still, it’s always great seeing puppetry and Jim Henson get covered by popular KZbinrs!

[@henriquedearruda8902]

Jim Henson a man responsible for Sesame Street the muppet show fraggle rock and many more.

[@100lovenana]

In my point of view, it comes down to the very definition of the word "animation", which is generally known as "bringing to life", or even "to give a soul" since anima is translated as soul in latin. So essenctially, puppets ARE given souls / brought to life by puppeteers

[@Mrnotpib]

@@100lovenana basically, puppetry is animation, but in real time.

[@100lovenana]

@@Mrnotpib Exactly

[@silverhowl9331]

Okay, that scene where Big Bird mourned over Hooper's death made me cry :'( Death is never an easy subject to talk about and they got it right to the point.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

That is Life we gotta deal with

[@nicholasmalone5943]

@@thefantasticretroreviewer3941 You're right,Dex! Death Really is a part of life! But heaven is only the beginning!

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@nicholasmalone5943 Yep

[@SaraHouck461]

It would be interesting if they managed to tackle the "cat's in the cradle" trope though, because that's the more valid reason of friends not being able to spend time with one another. It mainly has to do with those work obligations.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

@@SaraHouck461 I agree

[@Digilady99]

Jim Henson seriously took puppetry to a whole new level throughout his life. So glad to see a new entry of Animation Lookback return!

[@MrGabeanator]

samr

[@brandiellis4837]

I surely hope that this will be as satisfying and interesting as Defunctland's documentary on Jim Henson and his Muppets, seriously check that one out too, there are like 6 parts/videos on it!

[@tysargent9647]

I've watched all six parts. It is amazing!

[@MovieFan1912]

I get the feeling this may have more focus on the Muppets than Jim Henson, since it began with Henson’s first show, Sam and Friends and ended with the creation of Sesame Street. But this series is just getting started.

[@jasonbest1507]

Ya man i wanted to say it but

[@mevb]

​@@MovieFan1912 Plus, Defunctland's series went through Jim's life from his birth up to his death but this will bring up ALL Muppet projects up until recent similar to Animat's other Lookbacks.

[@Tree_e888]

I always found it weird that Jim Henson disliked the violence in the Ninja turtles movie despite his Wilkins coffee commercials from decades prior being even more gruesome, I guess working on The Muppet show and sesame Street for so long softened him up!

[@Toonrick12]

Comedic violence is very different from action violence.

[@LMS5935]

Not to mention in almost every Muppet media at least one character gets eaten by another monster.

[@LMS5935]

Not to mention in almost every Muppet media at least one character gets eaten by another monster.

[@Tree_e888]

@@Toonrick12 let's put this into perspective, four talking turtles protect New York City from a guy in a metal suit, he is crushed by a garbage compactor, but comes back and is then crushed by wood planks, this is super violent and inappropriate! then you have a puppet brutally murdering another puppet by gutting, shooting, electrocuting, and decapitating him simply because he doesn't drink a certain brand of coffee, this is A+ commercial material! both of these are pretty violent in their own right but why is one good but the other isn't? They're both meant to be seen in a different light, I get it, but that still doesn't change what the subject matter itself is, even if one is comedic and the other is more serious, it still doesn't make sense that Jim would find it one going too far and another acceptable.

[@BugsyFoga]

You know things are serious when animat pulls out the puppet.

[@higbeeproductions2340]

I like this more than defunctland

[@55twintv39]

3:21 Technically Television has been around since 1927 actually.

[@darthstarkiller1912]

Great episode. IMO Jim Henson gave his Muppets something that most puppeteers haven't have able to achieve: a soul that felt real.

[@Trent-Girone]

Jim was indeed on a roll, even when he got started! Thanks, Mat.

[@Trent-Girone]

Also @34:51-34:54- I don’t remember anyone talking about this game.

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Animation Lookback to help me through Summer Months with Animation history. This season about The Muppets should be a treat.

[@matthewn1566]

Next time, the debut of the frog's many zany friends...

[@danielparra6672]

This Animation Lookback will be lots of fun

[@eliassmeke3991]

In 1968, Kermit finally became a frog 🐸 and he’s now known as Kermit the Frog.

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Kermit Is My Favorite Muppet Character.

[@magnetoonproductions9541]

The Muppets are what introduced me to the joys of vaudevillian variety shows, certain celebrities, different songs and the art of puppetry.

[@greshaminc156]

Jim was off to a great start when he created his characters for Sam and Friends, Commercials, and Sesame Street. I’d say the whole puppetry as a art form is relatable since it’s the same as animation is considered art.

[@tysargent9647]

I'd say the biggest similarity between animation and puppetry is this; when done correctly, they result in characters and productions that stand the test of time. Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Looney Tunes, The Lion King, Toy Story and Shrek are great examples for animation, while the same can be said for Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and The Dark Crystal in regards to puppetry.

[@graysongolden4714]

Good to see animation look back is still alive

[@chadhawksworth6028]

Jim and Kermit are the Walt and Mickey of puppetry

[@dillonohlemiller401]

As die hard of a muppets fan as I am, and as excited as I am for this, nothing compares to Defunctland’s coverage of The Muppets and Jim Henson’s legacy Edit: this comes pretty close

[@MegaZzZeux]

I was gonna say, I've already seen a complete history of the Muppets video series...and I'm about to watch another. Pretty excited for this still.

[@henriquedearruda8902]

He was the man responsible for working on not just same and friends but Sesame Street too.

[@arbytv5139]

It’s Animation Lookback: The Muppets! With our very special guest star, Puppet AniMat!

[@DanielGarcia-rn3ql]

Yayyyyy!!!

[@MorganLegerInVaulting]

It has been a honor to be part of this and I can't wait to see where this goes. It's one thing to see a script, but the execution is more important. The editing and use of clips work great here. The visuals for the Sesame Street segment perfectly fit. Not only am I impressed, but I highly look forward to see where this goes from here. Kudos, my friend. 👍

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

25:51-25:52 Big Bird: (Screaming In Horror) Ohh Goodness! She’s 8 Feet Tall! Me As Gordon: Ohh Big Bird. No, She’s Not, She’s 4 Feet Tall.

[@aresgood1]

as a romanian, it is really weird knowing nothing about muppets. but ever since i learned english, i've heard lots of people talk about them. i felt left out. but this helped a lot. thank you.

[@Starwarsfanboy0928]

Animat: It’s Animation Lookback with our very special guest stars, The Muppets!! YAAAAY!!!

[@Mrnotpib]

*exited felt arm flailing*

[@ericjohnson5462]

Que muppets show theme

[@quickman2663]

It's time to learn their story. It's time to light their lights. It's time to meet the Muppets On Animation Lookback tonight.

[@gumundureyorarnfinnsson4212]

Its time to know the tale Its time find out the history of muppets on animation lookback tonight

[@ericjohnson5462]

@@gumundureyorarnfinnsson4212 why do we always watch this I guess we’ll never know It’s like kind of torture To have to watch the show

[@cassie6146]

I've never felt so excited for an Animation Lookback! Get it? FELT! 🤣

[@joefrew1614]

Heh, wakka wakka, I bet you can't wait to see this Animation Lookback as well too, huh.

[@Starwarsfanboy0928]

As a lover of the Muppets this is going to be a fascinating Lookback.

[@darthstarkiller1912]

Yes I do... This was used by _FAIRY GODPARENTS!_

[@erichfiedler1481]

ARUTO JA NAITO!

[@jacobwatt6345]

It’s funny that you’re talking about The Muppets, I’ve been collecting the LEGO Muppets Minifigures this summer.

[@eliassmeke3991]

Fun 🤩 Fact: the character from Sesame Street Cookie Monster begins as the Wheel-Stealer in an unaired commercial in 1966 for General Food’s Wheels, Flutes, and Crowns snacks. The monster appeared in IBM training film Coffee Break Machine and The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967 where he retains his teeth 🦷 and his fur is dark green with a few brown-black patches. In 1969 Arnold, a smaller younger-looking version of the Wheel-Stealer puppet, is created for commercials for Munchos. The puppet has lost his teeth 🦷 and has light purple fur, appearing closer to the Cookie Monster that will debut on Sesame Street and finally back to his normal size and gaining his trademark blue fur, the monster puppet becomes Cookie Monster during the first season of Sesame Street, and that’s how the character who evolved into Cookie Monster.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Such nostalgia and love for the muppets

[@Starwarsfanboy0928]

It's time to play the music

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

*Wilkins:* Hey, do you want some Wilkin's Coffee? *Wonkins:* Nah! I don't want to taste that. *Wilkins:* _"Looks like you're going to the Nether Realms, Jimbo."_

[@brianlevine871]

It's amazing when people like Mr. Henson have been passionate enough to start their careers in their late teens. Or at least wanted to start said career at that point. And who would've thought that one his earliest characters would become the most sensational, most inspirational and muppet-tational of them all. Also, I never would've guessed that "Sesame Street" got its name from the phrase 'Open Sesame.' It really puts a new perspective on the show's mission of allowing everyone equal opportunity in their early education.

[@jedidrummerjake]

I was obsessed with the Muppets when I was a kid. Great episode! Love this channel!

[@ryancarless7921]

Amazing video, I love learning more about the Muppets’ history. I love the Animat puppet as well

[@akganimationstudioproducti3779]

So now let’s get things started on the most Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, Animational Here’s a Lookback of The Muppet Show!

[@erichfiedler1481]

Next time

[@kylgrv]

It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights, it's time to see part 1 of "The History of the Muppets" on Animation Lookback tonight!

[@thomasshaxon6844]

I love that puppet of yourself. It looks like it could be in a Muppet production.

[@gavinrice2246]

Wow, that was awesome! Can't wait for Part: 2 of Animation LookBack: The Muppets.

[@eliassmeke3991]

Fun 🤩 Facts: Caroll Spinney (who would later played Big Bird and Oscar on Sesame Street) met Jim Henson and was spell bound by Jim’s work in 1962 and in 1965 Jerry Nelson joined Muppets Inc and performed the characters until his death 💀 in 2012.

[@mig0171]

It was actually 2018

[@eliassmeke3991]

I meant Jerry Nelson mig0171 not Caroll Spinney, Spinney had retired from playing Big Bird and Oscar on Sesame Street in October 2018 and died a year later in December 2019.

[@mig0171]

@@eliassmeke3991 oh

[@skunkman9815]

27:52 actually the first episode of Sesame Street aired in NET (national educational television) Then PBS

[@alanoliva2020]

Alright we're getting something going-on for this year. And I just so happen to Love the Muppets. Rewatching episodes, movies, even seeing their 2015 series, almost everything they do is always a lot of fun. I can't wait for all the other parts!

[@gyutp8476]

10:41 Remember: *THIS IS FROM THE SAME MAN LATER THOUGHT THE FIRST LIVE-ACTION TMNT MOVIES WERE "TOO VIOLENT".*

[@cassthea18]

OMG YOU HAVE A MUPPET! I FREAKING LOVE THIS SO MUCH! My excitement aside, this is very well done!

[@kaijunasan4497]

This was one of moms favorite shows growing up 💗 amazingly done documentary!

[@killingmewillnotbringbacky9177]

that intro really puts it into perspective how difficult convincing puppeteering is.

[@funtoonweb1983]

I cant wait for part 2 also i used to watch your other history vids therr amazing

[@eliassmeke3991]

Fun 🤩 Fact: in Sesame Street the section Around the Corner was added in season 25 when it appeared in the first episode of that season and lasted from seasons 25 to 29 and after season 29, the Around the Corner sets and most of the new characters were dropped from the show. The Around the Corner locations made their final appearance in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.

[@55twintv39]

17:17 He was actually called a frog in 1965 but didn’t turn into one until 1968.

[@chrisbrasel8060]

Kermit: It's the Animation look back on The Muppets and our host and super Muppet fan is Animat! Yay! I've been waiting all week for this to happen as can't wait to see more of it! 🐸 📺 🎨 🎬 😊 🙌 📹

[@kelleyceccato7025]

Whenever I watch a documentary about the Muppets' early years, I'm always slightly disappointed when The Frog Prince isn't mentioned. That special was one of my very favorites when I was around six/seven years old; I darn near wore the groove off the record.

[@55twintv39]

31:18 2000 is also the year that they own the characters created for the show.

[@charliepugh6049]

IT’s THE MUPPET SHOW WITH OUR VERY SPECIAL GUEST STAR, MR. MAT BRUNET! YAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!

[@blastedquinn56]

I love Jim Henson and his muppets. I'm a such a fan as a kid and still am as a adult.

[@KSCGGuy14]

Even though I see puppetry less associated with animation, I can agree that the medium is also an art form of filmmaking. You got me hooked!

[@litlblkhouse]

As a life long Disney fan, my interests have always been in puppetry as well as animation. I'm pretty sure you said more that what Defunctland said about Sesame Street by looking deeper into its history, and I like that. Not sure when you'll put up the next episode, but I already know the subject by now.....

[@matthewweatherford6566]

According to a KZbin comment I read, Sesame Street was going to be called "123 Avenue B" before the team found out there was already a real street with that name.

[@matthewweatherford6566]

Actually, Jeff Moss wasn't involved in the theme song. Joe Raposo did the music while Jon Stone and another guy named Bruce Hart wrote the lyrics.

[@CJBStudios]

This is a pretty interesting look back on the Muppets history. I didn’t know Kermit originally was a lizard. Honestly, it doesn’t have a good ring to it like Kermit the Frog does. Regardless, I really like this look back so far and I can’t wait to see more. Also, I think it’s pretty funny that you’re actually puppeteering yourself with an actual puppet version of you. Really impressive if I do say so myself.

[@hunterolaughlin]

🎶Sunny days sweeping the clouds away On my way to where the air is sweet Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street Come and play, everything’s A-OK Friendly neighbors there That’s where we meet Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street It’s a magic carpet ride Every door will open wide To happy people like you Happy people like… What a beautiful… Sunny days sweeping the clouds away On my way to where the air is sweet Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street How to get to Sesame Street How to get to Sesame Street How to get to Sesame Street🎶 Someone else feel free to type in the lyrics of The Muppet Show Theme in the comments of the next part of the Lookback.

[@jamesgeorgi6627]

Don’t forget about Prairie Dawn. She too was also added to Sesame Street and is also known

[@eliassmeke3991]

Also don’t forget about Baby Bear and many more characters of Sesame Street.

[@johnrowley3721]

The actor shown at 27:40 was not Hal Miller, who took over the roll of Gordon from Matt Robinson, but rather Garrett Saunders who was Gordon in the pilot episode.

[@WarmBreezeStudios]

I'm looking forward for part 2 of this new lookback!

[@Sean-132]

Still on television for 53 years is INSANE!!

[@animationentertainment7149]

Maybe someday you should do an Animation Lookback for VeggieTales!

[@agelessarcheryt6211]

Ok I must ask, is it just algorithm or coincidence that I’m on a Muppet binge just as this starts?

[@bleikrsound6127]

Met Henson once at an event after our concert. Complimenting him on The Muppets, I told him that I had always associated his style of puppetry and humor with the Hippie movement of the 60s, as a kid seeing it on TV along with news of the time. Henson said that his early memories of puppets scared the crap out of him with their stiff movements and offset eyes that made them look like maniacs, so he took great care to make their eyes face the camera to look normal. He said they would do test shots before airing to be sure the Muppets’ eyes were level.

[@forrestdupre87]

You should Colin’s lookback on history of Muppet songs.

[@alexismartinez8343]

❤️💖 Yeah! Animation Lookback The Muppets! It's about time! The perfect time to released and debut in summer season. 🧸 😃😀😄😁😊😉 👍🏻 💖❤️

[@ajerjavec4723]

I do wonder if he’s going to talk about bear in the Big Blue House at dinosaurs because those are technically muppet show

[@karasuthedreamer6353]

I legit cried when he started talking about Sesame Street. It was so heartfelt!

[@WoodenClockwerk]

Love the animation look back series! Grew up watching these, can't wait to see all of this one!

[@PaoloJeromeFernandez100899]

It’s time to get things started.

[@facusmendoza1061]

Why dont you get things Started

[@DrawntoHelluva]

Well we’re getting things started on the right foot, on the most sensational, inspirational, muppetsasional lookback

[@SaraHouck461]

Ironically, when I paused the video while watching this on my plasma screen TV, it featured a link to the Top 10 Biggest Animated Box Office Bombs, as it just so happens that Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosted the 50th anniversary special that was made for the HBO MAX streaming service in 2019!

[@razorjake6839]

WAAAAAY AHEAD of his time! RIP JIM!

[@devonhall3785]

I went to the Henry ford Museum like a year ago and saw a exhibit about jim Henson and his works.

[@stephenholloway6893]

Actually Sesame Street debuted on NET which was another public television channel. When that network went off the air, it moved to PBS.

[@alexandermitchell7893]

Not to mention some characters have they're own segments like Elmo's World (Which was replaced by Elmo The Musical) Hero Guy Journey To Ernie The Monster Clubhouse Global Grover Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck and many more

[@LaDracul]

I'm a Conservative who isn't happy they took the old "Sesame Street" episodes off HBO Max as well as agree with Frank Oz that the Bert and Ernie thing is ridiculous, so... Look, they realized there was an underserved demographic that didn't have access to early learning and they did something about it. However, I'm not happy they refused to have a certain public figure who has devoted her time to childrens' causes. Doesn't sound kind to me.

[@55twintv39]

You forgot to mention that Jim Henson’s older brother died back in 1956 in a car crash accident and instead of stopping his imagination it grew it more and made him aware of time.

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Jim Has A Brother Who’s Older Than Him?

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

What’s The Name Of Jim Henson’s Brother? And Where Was He Born Before Jim Henson?

[@55twintv39]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKLciWmXgrCenLs

[@eliassmeke3991]

His name is Paul Henson, Jr. His middle name is Ransome, he was born in Mississippi on October 27, 1932 and he died in Escambia Country, Florida on April 15, 1956 at the age of 23

[@amaniwhite9622]

Hey there My fellow Animation fans. welcome to a brand-new animation look back episode. We are going to be looking at the History of the muppets.

[@d-manthecaptain1382]

After Defunctland's videoes, there's really not much else left to cover.

[@Sirfooxington69]

I love how Elmo had a very lake 80 year old smoker and was in a gang of monsters, and then he just came to like some happy go Lucky child.

[@eliassmeke3991]

Fun 🤩 Fact: the character Grover from Sesame Street started out as a different character named Gleep who makes an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967, According to Joe Mathieu his head was made from a plastic bowling 🎳 ball ⚽️ sawed in two, then in his brief appearances in The Muppets on Puppets in 1968 as the middle head of the Rock and Roll Monster, in the first season of Sesame Street, the puppet appears as an unnamed character for most of his initial appearances (Kermit refers to him in dialogue as both fuzzy-face and the hairy one) in episode 0125, he receives the name Grover, he’s know as proto-Grover, finally Grover made an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in May 1970 debuting a new design; gaining his blue fur and a pink nose 👃 , this design carries through to his next appearance, in the premiere episode of Sesame Street’s second season, so that’s the character that evolves into Grover in Sesame Street.

[@nicksullivan4994]

I Really miss The Muppets and Sesame era of Nickelodeon and Noggin!😭❤️📺🎶👍🏻

[@eliassmeke3991]

Throughout the 50s and 60s they aired Muppet commercials.

[@sweetjoey2]

thank you for doing this there is a ton of muppet history i am learning about and my dad looked at the first oscar and feels the right reason he was changed to green is because oscar being orange at first made him look almost fuzzy.

[@eliassmeke3991]

In 2000 after the 31st season of Sesame Street, the Children’s Television Workshop was rebranded as Sesame Workshop (the company for Sesame Street).

[@matthewhutchinson9353]

0:00 you should have played the theme to monsterpiece theater

[@FilmmakeroftheFuture]

What you said about it not mattering whether or not you see the puppeteer, I researched that apparently this logic is very therapeutic for shy people because when they use a puppet it distracts others from looking at them.

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

As a kid I wished I lived on the street.

[@smartycom]

Thumbs up for Muppet!Mat

[@joshwilliams4976]

Jim Henson is one of my many Idols💚.

[@mig0171]

Actually pbs launched in 1970 its predecessor was Net ( national educational television ) I know my history 😌

[@mig0171]

Here’s a video of it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIq2hHt_n9hgnrc

[@55twintv39]

6:47 You forgot about Bernice.

[@mevb]

Frank Oz actual surname is Oznowicz, Oz is obviously short for the surname. This was referenced in the Paul Williams episode of The Muppet Show (episode 108) where Fozzie Bear (who was performed by Oz) where he and Scooter do The Telephone Pole Bit and Fozzie (dressed as a pay phone) says his name is Mike Oznowiczsky (Michael Oznowicz was Frank's dad by the way).

[@55twintv39]

11:01 Who the blue guy with no eyes and has glasses?

[@astrocohorsclub]

In Germany, the state of Bavaria has also refused to broadcast "Sesame Street" on public television. The reason: The composition of the group of people from various ethnic groups shown does not correspond to what children in Bavaria are used to. In addition, they said, there were no disadvantaged children in Bavaria who needed educational programs on television. In fact, "Sesame Street" was never shown in Bavaria.

[@donalds980]

Already seen DefundLand’s take on the history of the Muppets but since you talk about history of all animations past their creators death I’m always more then willing to see your take.

[@00square1]

Statler: oh I see Animat is doing animation Lookback on the muppets. Waldorf: Lookback? I rather not. Both: (laughs) But seriously I’m interested to see where this all goes until the end. The muppets were always fun to watch.