Why Rowlf is the Best Muppet - Roland Speak

[@thelastfryinthebag9650]

Finally a man of culture, Rowlf is the best muppet and someone agrees with me.

[@michaelmullan792]

@Miles Doyle I can tell you love Rowlf

[@idiotsland242]

@Miles Doyle Jesus woof

[@buttonsfan]

Rowlf is my favorite too

[@WaveRaider-ox4nh]

Yes he is

[@calebcortes1953]

I sure agree as well, even though I don’t know much about the muppets, at least I have a favorite one.

[@ATalkingSock]

You hit the nail on the head by calling him "the most comforting muppet". Rowlf really is THE quintessential muppet character.

[@harleyludy6596]

Rowlf has been my favorite Muppet for quite some time. I'd also like to point out: in a podcast interview with John Lovelady, he had stated that Jim actually got tired of playing Kermit around the time that the Muppet show came out. Let me just say that nobody claims he got tired of playing Rowlf :0

[@A.ManAlone]

@Miles Doyle Sir, this is a Wendy’s

[@animal_gal_adventures9885]

2:02 I love when the smaller muppets get mad they just scrunch their face, it's amazing

[@Screwedgrunt14]

I went into this so ready to fight for my boys Gonzo and Scooter, but damn! This was a really well thought-out little piece about an under-appreciated Muppet!

[@patrickmanway290]

Disney has royally dropped the ball on the Muppet brand. They don't do anything with the character of Rowlf despite the fact that he is a fan favorite. It's bizarre!!

[@M0rmagil]

Disney doesn’t know what to do with a lot of things. Dropping the ball is a best case scenario these days.

[@mikef3790]

I'm old enough where I can say I watched Rowlf on the JImmy Dean Show when it was first run. I loved the Rowlf appearances, and I am enjoying them again on KZbin. Thanks for this video.

[@haplessasshole9615]

I'm that old, too. One of the things that made Rowlf great was that Jimmy Dean really interacted with Rowlf on a person-to-person basis, not person-to-big-glove. Here's my favorite Rowlf bit. He references some of the best cutting-edge jazz artists of the era: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKGZipmhqKeLl6M

[@margaretgarnto6272]

I remember the Rowlf segments on the Jimmy Dean show on the ABC-TV network from 1963 to 1966. I loved those segments, and I loved to watch the Muppets on every variety show they appeared on, including The Muppet Show. Rowlf was also a regular on a CBS-TV summer show called Our Place, which featured The Doodletown Pipers back in 1967, as a summer replacement for the Smothers Brothers..

[@TheRealDSword]

Rowlf has always been my favourite, probably the most relatable. And he was the best part of Muppet Family Christmas!

[@rolandspeak]

I'm going to out myself and say I still haven't seen Muppet Family Christmas all the way through... It's on the list though!

[@davidshi451]

I am just amazed at how expressive Rowlf can be, despite having such simple eyes!

[@fratguide]

I love seeing the Jimmy Dean stuff, it looks like the origin of the "make the human guests love every second on stage with the muppets" which made the Muppet Show & movies very popular in the industry

[@cecilie531]

I recently started to get into the old Muppets show and movies (I mostly watched Muppets' Christmas Carol), and while I used to like Gonzo, Rowlf is really growing on me. I was surprised to find out that Jim Henson was the performer behind him, as his voice is so different! But when I knew I thought: "Of course, that's why this character is so sweet and endearing!" Jim just has an innocence and sweetness that pours into everything he touches. And I agree with you that Rowlf is a comforting character, so I want a Rowlf the Dog plush really badly now 😅

[@austinsmith6014]

This is gonna sound absolutely crazy… but Rowlf actually gave me nightmares as a kid. Those wide open eyes, black nose and completely black mouth just scared me growing up, even towards my teen years. But I’m happy to say that I’ve grown out of that fear and now I actually enjoy his songs and humor. I won’t forget the nightmares, and that’s why he’s not my official favorite. But he is at least one i can respect now.

[@karenfan010]

there’s also the long lived my singing monsters collab called my muppet show where rowlf was in every single song and he literally carried them the whole way.

[@sarahlamper5701]

I love that you’re two favorites are Rowlf and Kermit cause as a kid I was always between those two as well. I decided rowlf was my favorite and for your exact reason, he’s so *comforting* and that was enough to make him my fave. But yeah Kermit definitely gives him a run for his money. Other than that the only two other close contenders would be the two old guys but only cause they’re funny

[@michaelmullan792]

I also love Statler and Waldorf!

[@ezracohen3859]

There also the first two muppets which still appear in the modern episodes

[@Cdr2002]

It’s weird to me how Disney went from “yeah the muppets can take over Disneyland for a whole year” (it was cancelled but still) to not really pushing the muppets all

[@chrisrockett5897]

Shit's disappointing.

[@Cdr2002]

@@chrisrockett5897 real

[@anthonygordon9483]

Diesney doesnt care about you or your childhood. Its about money. Its a Oxymoron to say a Public Traded company is out to teach kids for their best interest. That doesnt even make any sense.

[@Cdr2002]

@@anthonygordon9483 that’s not what I said. At all. All I said was that I found it strange that they went from a very ambitious large scale marketing scheme for one of their brands to very minimally marketing that same brand. I was not ascribing any moral standing onto Disney, I was not treating them like they were more than a soulless corporation, I wasn’t even talking about MY childhood, which yes, the muppets were a part of, sure. All I said was that I found their business decisions strange. I never suggested those decisions were for more than profit. Directing your reasonable frustration towards the Disney corporation at random people on the internet is not helpful.

[@anthonygordon9483]

@@Cdr2002 And I am telling you why. Disney bought them out, they arent making money like their biggest IPs so unlike other companies, they can throw Muppets into the basement if they feel they are no use. They still make money off of Seaseme Street. Getting that government money because its guaranteed. Besides that they dont actively promote Muppets like they use to when Jim Hansen was alive. The Muppets was Jim's Business. it was his lively hood, it put food on his table to eat, it made him survive, so the marketing and work was much harder then compared to a Disney company that could care more or less if the franchise succeeds. To them all they care about is another acquistiion of a grown man/womens childhood. So Im answering your damn question, they are low key because their owners can afford to make them that.

[@raggedyanarchist]

Fun fact: Those little sketches on the Muppet Show with just Rowlf playing the piano? Cottleston Pie, You and I and George, etc? Those were only seen by British audiences in The Muppet Show's initial run. The Muppet Show was filmed in the UK as it had failed to be picked up in the US, and British broadcasts had less time allotted to advertising, so they padded out the runtime just a teeny bit with British-exclusive sketches that were almost always just Rowlf playing piano. Maybe American audiences would have had more love for Rowlf if they had seen those bits back when The Muppet Show was something you watched on television. Also, when I saw The Muppets, I actually wondered if the part where Rowlf expresses annoyance that his part was left out of the rounding-up-the-gang montage, so they cut back to just asking him if he wants to do a reunion and he shrugs and says "Okay" was a direct reference to him just joining Kermit and company in the truck for seemingly no reason in The Muppets Movie. I mean, it was a cute joke either way, but if it truly was a subtle nod to The Muppets Movie for obsessive fans only, then I think it was masterfully done. Rowlf's my best boy too, if that weren't painfully obvious, and thanks for highlighting the little fella.

[@dunsparce4prez560]

Rowlf eating the Purina with a spoon made my day

[@monkeytrousers]

Rowlf is my favorite too. Great observations and I've felt the same about, basically every thing you said. Great video! And NO! They should not retire Rowlf. I'm gonna pretend this was not discussed.

[@patrickmanway290]

Bill Barretta's Rowlf is spot on.

[@Musiclover19]

Yeah I greatly disagreed with him there too. Bill does a great Rowlf (as well as Dr. Teeth) and I would much rather have the character have small roles with little dialogue than just outright retiring the character. Look at the character of Rizzo, while probably not quite as much as a fan favorite as Rowlf and obviously not on the Kermit and Piggy level. He still has his share of fans who view him as their favorite Muppet and now with the firing of Steve Whitmire, fans are disappointed he hasn’t had a single line of dialogue since the ABC series.

[@megelizabeth9492]

Yeah, Bill’s Rowlf is great, and I’m glad the character hasn’t been retired.

[@wendymccoy1093]

Rowlf has always been my favorite and underrated. Thanks for this ❤️

[@doofusdumbhead]

Coming back to this to say that this video, no joke, literally made Rowlf my favorite character without even watching the show or any other muppet media so thank you sir :0)

[@rolandspeak]

This is the highest honor I have ever been bestowed

[@HighlandHellboy]

I needed no explanation as to why Rowlf is the best. Always been my favourite, with Animal and Gonzo closely following. I didn’t grow up on the muppet show as it aired, but instead of watching random tv my parents gave me a lot of awesome classic shows like Thundercats, Looney Tunes, Ulysses 31, etc. but of course as well The Muppet Show (and films). As a kid Rowlf always stood out to me due to how cute and calm his piano segments were, he’s just a good ol happy dog.

[@GreatFlamingEyebrows_]

Rowlf is the only muppet who feels like he has actually aged and grew older. He’s the best

[@amiefortman7220]

Regarding that quick point about the Electric Mayhem, I will go to bat for Floyd being the one who works best on his own since he was always poking around backstage and snarking at everyone, but I think he also falls into the camp of "needs somebody else to bounce off of for his personality and humor to really stick." But honestly, it's so nice to find a fellow Rowlf stan--he's one of my favorites, too, and absolutely criminally underrated.

[@TheGerkuman]

'If I didn't know I was a genius I wouldn't listen to the trash I write' - Floyd Pepper

[@wizard_legs]

Me clicking on this video despite already thinking rowlf is the best muppet for all of these reasons and just emphatically nodding along the whole time. Best possible example of internet confirmation bias

[@Malcolmhedgehogs]

He is my favorite too I’m glad I’m not alone ❤

[@FraterSbeve]

Just the video I needed! I, too, have to admit that Kermit comes close, but Rowlf is a lot cuddlier, more soulful, more zen and I just prefer piano to banjo. 'Comforting' is a great word choice, Rowlf is exactly that.

[@apexcitycomics]

I first encountered Rowlf as a kid on the Muppet Babies cartoon- he's been my favorite ever since. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is probably my favorite christmas song because it was the one I looked forward to the most on the old John Denver record.

[@spencerkim5483]

I’m so glad I ran into this. Appreciate the video. I would cry like crazy if they made a video of Rowlf announcing his retirement and there being a sort of tribute to him, telling his story. Also having all the muppets talk about the kind of friend Rowlf is. Then it all ends with Rowlf leaving the muppets and everyone crying waving goodbye.

[@mimiikyu]

somehow this video was recommended to me, and i’m so glad that it was! your editing and comedy are spot-on for my taste & rowlf has always been my favorite! watching this made me so happy, and i’m a new subscriber!

[@MovieMan9991]

Rowlf’s been my favourite for some time now. Knowing how deeply entrenched he is in Muppet history, I now have even further evidence to justify why he’s the best.

[@beatrixwickson8477]

Definitely the greatest! It used to baffle me as a kid that his name wasn't Rolf or Ralph, even though he gets incorrectly called both,

[@millerhxc]

Very well researched and explained. Always saw Rowlf as underrated and definitely one of the funniest.

[@rimmerproductions]

Rowlf is the greatest of all the Muppets and I’m glad he’s finally being acknowledged as such.

[@reesescott8781]

Would also love to see more videos based on the Muppets, your editing and writing style is so much fun!

[@ryanrichard8000]

Gonzo's actually my favorite muppet but damn Rolf the dog I had such good memories with him🐶

[@vilstef6988]

Great name for his compadre, Baskerville! I watched it when it aired originally way back then. Rowlf is the best!

[@donaldclay9535]

As a Kid in 1964 I Used to Stay Up To Watch the Jimmy Dean Show to See Rowlf the Dog.

[@donaldclay9535]

P.S. My Favorite Rowlf Moment on the Jimmy Dean Show was a Chocolate Cake That Looked Just Like Rowlf and Lick It and Said "Hey I Taste Good". LOL (smile)

[@saramcpike2820]

His appearance on Arsenio Hall is one of my favorites. lol. And to see quiet, introverted Jim Henson come out with that thru a character is just amazing. Also, I remember reading that during a rehearsal for Jimmy's show (in a dressing room I think), Jimmy was fooling around with Rowlf, and at one point, one of Rowlf's eyes popped off. This scared one of Jimmy's assistants so bad she ran out of the room screaming. haha. Loved your video. Very well done.

[@buttonsfan]

When I was a kid, and only saw Muppet Babies, Gonzo was my favorite character. When I got older and saw more of there works Rowlf became my favorite. Especially when I stumbled on some of those Jimmy Dean segments.

[@MattSipka]

11:35 This is actually a very clever idea!

[@ThisBeEv]

I'm so glad to see another Muppet fan give Ralph the credit and love he deserves. He's always been one of my favorite Muppets and I wish the ABC show wasn't canceled because it utilized him and expanded character beautifully.

[@carolinelabbott2451]

Happy Birthday Ralph.

[@ericching2895]

Don't think you got this one, but I loved his cameo on the Ok Go Muppet theme cover. Great Video!

[@HELLoStayyWithMe]

I always thought he was one of the cutest dogs I had ever seen. He's so funny and relaxed, definitely the best, sometimes I watch some of Rowlf's segments when I don't know what to do or I'm bored, he definitely knows how to make people laugh.

[@buttonsfan]

I randomly found one of the Jimmy Dean segments on KZbin and looked for as many others as I could.

[@curlywavydiane]

Wow. This was fantastic, excellent job. I wish we saw Rowlf more lately too. I personally also loved baskerville the hound and wish he became more popular too but that’s just me lol

[@DarkwingSnark]

Rowlf has always been one of my favorites, to be honest. Sure, characters like Sam the Eagle, Gonzo, and Fozzie make me laugh the hardest. But I agree that Rowlf is the most comforting of the bunch. He's somebody you almost forget is a star, a character, and can just easily imagine yourself having a drink with him.

[@Sparkys_World-0]

It’s such a shame The Muppets 2015 didn’t get a fair shot. It got judged right off the bat and didn’t really get a chance to realise its full potential. Can’t help but wonder if a Season 2 might’ve helped us avoid this current Muppets dark-age we’re in. Hopefully Rowlf gets to do something in the new Electric Mayhem show 😢

[@awesomepbear233]

Thank you for the Rowlf appreciation. There is so much comfort in this silly shaggy piano-playing dog

[@dawashingmachine9158]

5:15 this in the modern day would be like saying “is Joe Biden in BTS?”

[@Liamlobro]

this video absolutely slaps

[@YurtFerguson]

It would be easy to say that rowlf may not be one of the core muppets but he is definitely at the top of the secondary character list.

[@michaelp.9921]

Thank you, Roland Speak, for making and sharing this video!! Yes, I have a special place in my heart for Rowlf as well!! I'm in my late '50s and have fond memories of seeing Rowlf on the Muppet Show when it first aired in the 1970s!! (My brother and I also have had a, uh, sort of cousin of his that my parents bought at a department store in 1965. We named this cousin of Rowlf "Muppy" who became this hilariously contemptible greedy character that we often referred to as "Rowlf's evil twin brother", but I better leave it at that.....)

[@lisasnyder9280]

I do think that rowlf is the best muppet he’s my favorite character 🐶🎹

[@FairladyZ2005]

Rowlf is one of my favorite Muppets. Probably second only to Miss Piggy. My Dad plays the piano and Rowlf always reminded me of him.

[@AustynSN]

I find it funny that you grouped Animal, Beaker, and Chef together because they're my personal favorites. Besides the fact that they all have communication issues and thus the storytelling and jokes require that the creators become more imaginative... Animal was my favorite as a child because of his enthusiasm and absolute fun. I also loved the scene in "The Muppet Movie" where he gets big. Beaker is inspiring because of his resilience in spite of his obvious fear and constant abuse. Little dude belongs in the GL corps for how well he handles his fear. As someone who loves to cook, Chef is a reminder to have fun when cooking. I have a little doll of him overlooking my kitchen to remind me of that. He's my second favorite TV chef after Alton Brown. As to the star of this video... I like Rowlf, make no mistake. (Honestly, Miss Piggy is the only Muppet I don't like.) I'd heard that Rowlf was originally intended to be the main star of "The Muppet Show", but that Kermit just worked better. I don't like the idea of "retiring" him. I think he works well as a sort of "water-off-the-back" straight man and a counterpoint to Kermit. While Kermit sometimes gets sarcastic and kind of frustrated with the rest of them, Rowlf knows the other Muppets are completely insane, but they're family. Also, I thought it was kind of inappropriate to show the scene where he's singing "What a Wonderful World" to the other dog. He's a man in love trying to serenade a cute girl. Their romantic moment should be private, not played on your KZbin video for clicks and likes.

[@Christopher_Pug]

I was just asked this question in real life and then I came on to KZbin and here it was. The only video I’ll watch for the rest of my life.

[@commonerjam4352]

Just bought a Rowlf plush I was saving money for. I wanted to thank you for opening my mind :D

[@pigslaundry5593]

Excellent video! First time seeing your channel, but as a massive Muppet fan I appreciate all the research that went in to this. This one was a lot of fun. Hope to see your channel grow a lot more

[@grayadonas]

As a person that did a lot of children’s theater as a kid, I always loved how he was the main house musician for the Muppets crew.

[@Joltimus22]

Rowlfs always been my favourite Muppet, Disney really doesn't use him enough as he deserves.

[@cloverx5]

Rowlf is pretty cool. I need to see more of him interacting with other muppets and am glad whenever I see him in his own spotlight

[@NIGHTGUYRYAN]

yep, my childhood stuffed animal was rowlf. he's the best

[@bighairman]

This was a really great video Jim Henson's work is timeless

[@TahtahmesDiary]

My favorite is Gonzo (I related a lot as a transracial adoptee to Muppets in Space and love his reactions to things) BUT I really loved and respected your opinion here. You really showed how lovable Rowlf is, I have a new appreciation.

[@Rumtar]

both Rowlf and Fozzie are my favorite Muppets. According to some rumors once said that Rowlf was going to be the host of The Muppet Show but they settled with Kermit

[@oaf-77]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pISYl2mVZtWCo9k

[@thrillhouse4151]

He’s a good boy, I have a LEGO minifigure of him, it came with cool accessories.

[@lordtrigon1733]

One of my favourite moments in ABC's Muppets was Rowlf coming out of retirement to do one more Veterinarians Hospital and how unbelievably chill he was about it.

[@oz_bat]

Rowlf was always my favourite, but I never knew of the Jimmy Dean appearances until years after they'd aired, and it wasn't until decades later and youtube that I was finally able to binge watch them. That cemented my absolute adoration for best boy Rowlf.

[@KiloCreations]

I agree I just wish we could get Kermit and Rowlf as a dynamo duo

[@littlerelief5029]

It was my understanding that Rowlf was his favourite because he was the closest to Jim's personality, and he said he was 'man's best friend'. For me at least, that's why after Henson's passing, he didn't seem the same as a character.

[@patrickmanway290]

A hard NO on retiring Rowlf! The Muppets wouldn't be the same without him.

[@NiskiNiski555]

Wow, this means a lot to me as he is my favourite muppet man 🙂

[@NoahRJitil]

You put it perfectly by saying Rowlf os just comforting. He's such a solid presence in the group and feels like the grounded foundation. Wonderful video.

[@kalanilugosi393]

How perfect that I am seeing this on this date. March 4 2022. Happy Birthday Rowlf!

[@NeilRossHistoryComedyPoetry]

Couldn't agree more! Rowlf and Jimmy Dean are the lost great American comedy team! (Most of the clips are on KZbin and a constant delight. Henson would purposely rehearse "ad libs" to crack Dean up. They became great friends and would even holiday together. Dean described watching Henson on one trip as "seeing Jesus Christ on water skis.")

[@toddfraser3353]

Rowlf was always kinda the outsider, who did his own thing, but kinda like hanging around. Kermit was burden being the boss. Piggy, Fozzy and Gonzo are more interested in their craft. Rowlf just kinda went with the flow and offeres insight that the others are just to focused with their actions to see. I think they should keep him, and use him for what he is best at. The competent solo performer who supports the other cast.

[@therojowo]

I think someone's favorite muppet says a lot about a person. this is an a+ opinion

[@Addressa]

rowlf has always been my fave muppet. i also have a special place for bert and ernie. but out of the muppet crew, i always enjoyed rowlf the most. especially in the muppets movie when he was just sleeping in a hammock, living his best dog life.

[@oliverthedog5619]

rowlf's the best. for me it was harder to get used to someone else doing his character more than kermit. and it is too bad the newer muppets tv show didn't take off it was really well done.

[@JBlade187]

Rowlf was my fave, i even named my first dog Rowlf.

[@jrickclark]

Thanks for talking about the Jimmy Dean show. I’m too young (53) to have watched it, and I knew the clips existed, but didn’t realize what a large part Rowlf played in the show. I’m bingeing them now! I own that Rowlf CD too, and it has a prized place in my increasingly irrelevant CD collection. His version of New York State of Mind is worth the price of admission.

[@kevinbre7563]

Rowlf is my favorite! Thanks for giving this dog his due.

[@MrPhoenixQuill]

What are the best lines to ever come from Rowlf was in the dancing segment of the Muppet show where he tells the girl he's dancing with, "you know I used to be on the Jimmy Dean show." Almost like being on The Muppet show was a downgrade, or that he used to be somebody. And I loved it

[@idiotsland242]

I think rowlf can teleport he just shows up out of no where

[@thetimturnershow2883]

Rowlf (aside from Kermit, of course) has to be my favorite out of the Muppets gang. He’s the kind of guy you’d want to have a beer with by the pool on a warm, Saturday night during the summer. Rowlf would bring out the melody on his piano, whilst Kermit and I sang. Good times.

[@H0BLER]

Completely based take, incredible retrospective of Rowlfs accolades, I can’t wait to binge your content. Keep it up! And yes if it wasn’t clear Rowlf is best boy and best muppet.

[@JesusLovesYou31633]

Ive loved the muppets since I was a kid but I never knew who was my favorite. I mean kermit and Swedish chef I guess??? I didn't really think about it even though muppets started becoming my special interest back in 2021 but this video really took that interest into a whole new world. Those Jimmy Dean skits are amazing and I wouldn't have know without this video. Please give them a try if you haven't and look up "you and I and George" just trust me

[@alexkasper5029]

I deeply appreciate how thorough this was. Brilliant work!! Ya know....I think I'm sold! I feel equal affection for all the main Muppets but as many of us Millennials (and Gen Zers) who grew up more with Muppet content from the 90s and later I never really knew much about Rowlf! I'm so glad to now see his greater importance!

[@Logan_Liftz]

Phenomenal video essay. Much like Rowlf, this channel is extremely underrated.

[@73hhs]

Rowlf is comforting he is the one I look to if sad or upset.

[@rollo_linwood]

More validation for my correct opinions

[@EvilHomer101]

Rowlf is my clear favorite. I once sang "Coddleston pie" while in a combat zone.

[@kaneshuppert636]

You can’t live with em, you can’t live without em, there’s just something irresistible-ish about em.

[@Walter-zz1wm]

Rowlf is a certified GOOD BOY

[@mayhemx9]

Now I’m watching his old jimmy Dean stuff. Rowlf has always been one of my favorites. I remember renting vhs muppet films and always looking forward to see rowlf. Always was bummed he wasn’t used much. I don’t want them to retire him I think he being used minimally but a bit more would be good.

[@johnyapkw]

I guess links somehow got me here. Rowlf was on America Got Talent with Darci Lynne. The Host called Rowlf a legend. Definitely.

[@Gerald5000]

That song where Rowlf is singing to that puppy, Jim Henson is obviously puppeteering him [head and left hand], which means a second puppeteer is assisting, as Rowlf's right hand, which means all they're doing in that scene is being a pillow for a sleeping puppy.

[@isobel9195]

There’s no such thing as the best Muppet because all of them are the best

[@BernardSmith-qv3fg]

Rowlf was by far my favourite as well. I think it was a mistake not to give him more prominence in the show. He exudes kindness and humour & is just lovable.