"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.
53 comments:
I just lurve specials in which the frog gets slobbered over by some chick (yeah, haven't seen that bit before) while the pig is made to look like an asshole. Pass.
"Kermit and Gonzo join the cast of "The Suite Life" for a comedic skit; plus much more."
I think that is the first time "The Suite Life" and comedy have been mentioned in the same phrase. I am dreading this.
lol @ anonymous,
I think I'll just wait to pass judgement on this one.
I do have to admit I don't think any of these people are good actors or singer at all, talent is few and far between these days.
And this special is more of a lets plug our big stars special than it is a muppet one let alone a new muppet show.
You're all just a bunch of everlasting pessimists.
I agree. I have no interest in seeing Piggy being made to look like a jerk. I wish the idiots behind the Muppets would move on from that. Stopped being funny years ago. BTW, Ashley Tisdale looks a little embarrassed there with Kermit. As well she might.
I agree. I have no interest in seeing Piggy being made to look like a jerk. I wish the idiots behind the Muppets would move on from that. Stopped being funny years ago. BTW, Ashley Tisdale looks a little embarrassed there with Kermit. As well she might.
Sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with all of that.
Stop passing judgement on these specials. Give them a chance and don't criticize them until after you see them.
Nope I'm just being realistic and the Muppets diserve more, just because some Muppet tidbit is tossed at us it doesn't mean it's gods gift to muppets fans it's going to bring back the Muppets to the place they once stood.
Disney is doing a smash up job online with the new videos.
This though I honestly could care less about as I'm sick of seeing Hannah Montannas face everywhere I go.
That's exactly what I plan to do, when it comes out I'll have my say and that will be the end of that.
I'm just not excited as I would like to be.
This should be the Muppets with guest stars Hannah, those singing brothers, and the hotel show not the other way around.
I mean I care so little about those other people I don't even know who they are or what their show is called. *shruggs*
Oh well we're not all always going to agree.
But I just don't think we should be so excepting of everything and saying everything is peachy when it's not.
Give the good with the bad and everything will flow much better. :)
No, Vaugh. You're NOT being realistic. You ARE being pessimistic. End of story.
The Disney Channel are probably Muppet fans too, you know, so that's one reason why folks like you should be more respectful of them and not keep on doing these kinds of behaviors that can be seen as adults criticising or making fun of kids, which is downright sinful and a kind of behavior that even Jim Henson himself would've frowned upon.
Mr. Kingcrab, from what I've read about him, Jim Henson was hardly a paragon of virtue.
Hi Kingcrab. Much of the criticism here isn’t' about, as you put it, "adults...making fun of kids." It isn't a personal attack on you, kids or your tastes. Many of the people posting are merely stating their preferences and tastes.
I believe that while the production quality of Disney's entertainment has improved, it feels more manufactured and empty. Also, actors, of all ages, are professionals and learn to handle criticism early on as part of what they do. Some is fair, some is not, but none of it is an attack on you. It is my opinion they start some of these actors before their time at a disservice them personally and professionally down the line.
High School Musical, Hannah Montana and most of the Disney/Disney Channel programming these days is not to my taste – at all. I'd rather see Ducktales!
I didn't much like the non-cartoon shows in my day either. I found many of them condescending like they were always talking down to kids. That in particular is something Jim Henson was against. He also disliked being pegged as a children's performer and spent much of his creative life trying to break out of that perception. Reportedly he was a very interesting and multifaceted individual.
Nonetheless, I am excited about this project. I am hoping for the best and fully support it! I think it is a great idea. Maybe there will be some special funny moments provided by the DC stars?
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Oh...and an unrelated note about Piggy for the anonymous poster. I don't think she's made out to be unattractive. I think recent writers merely portray her (and many of the characters) as flat. I want to see more dimension to Miss Piggy. [Insert fat joke here] Something interesting! Fozzie Bear has had some fantastic moments recently, I think the pig will come around.
High School Musical, Hannah Montana and most of the Disney/Disney Channel programming these days is not to my taste – at all. I'd rather see Ducktales!
I agree, though I want to see the prize winning famous theatrical cartoons more. To me, these shorts have a dying fanbase due to lack of TV time and that the some people concider them inferior to, say, the Looney Tunes. Sure Mickey and the gang are on DVD, but to me that isn't enough.
Nonetheless, I am excited about this project. I am hoping for the best and fully support it! I think it is a great idea. Maybe there will be some special funny moments provided by the DC stars?
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Oh...and an unrelated note about Piggy for the anonymous poster. I don't think she's made out to be unattractive. I think recent writers merely portray her (and many of the characters) as flat. I want to see more dimension to Miss Piggy. [Insert fat joke here] Something interesting! Fozzie Bear has had some fantastic moments recently, I think the pig will come around.
Ditto on that too. Plus, I would like to see Piggy with long hair again. She looks more beautiful that way, in my opinion.
"I agree, though I want to see the prize winning famous theatrical cartoons more."
Agreed. I remember when animation took up huge chunks of the Disney Channel's programming blocks. I remember it fondly and miss it very much.
"I would like to see Piggy with long hair again. She looks more beautiful that way, in my opinion."
I think that short flat platinum bob (not unlike the 80s curly Manhattan "fright wig") is merely easier to maintain on a budget. I hope she gets her stylist back and some long wavy locks.
I'm sensing yet another postponement - no listing for it in Zap2com's 8/3 listings...no on-air promotion for it on Disney Channel, no mention of it on Muppets XD site....just what is going on behind the scenes at Disney Channel programming?
But Disney Channel.com still has it listed on their schedules...at least as of last night.
I don't care if the special is stupid . It gets KIDS watching the Muppets. For years Kermit & Co. have been in danger of becoming antiquated brands like Popeye or Betty Boop. Disney's not stupid. With the new movie coming in 2010 it needs to position the Muppets as an active, viable brand. The movie will tank if it doesn't have kids wanting to see it (20 and 30-something Muppet fans aren't the most lucrative demographic to studios). Will the show be hokey? Probably. Will lifelong Muppet fans cringe? Undoubtedly. But Disney has to start somewhere to relaunch the Muppets, and it might as well use some of its greatest assets to do so.
I happen to be in the 20-30 year old viewing audience and will have my tv tuned to anything that has the muppets. Lets all understand that this is not anything like the old "Muppet Show" as Jim Henson is no longer with us (god rest his soul). I will be watching more to see how his son will carry on the legacy that has become Jim Henson Studios. I think the merger of Disney with the muppets is a brilliant idea and I hope its successful in showing todays generation of kids what their moms and dads were watching when they grew up. Long live Sesame Street....enough said.
It's nice to hear more support for this project.
Just to make sure we're all on the same page:
Brian Henson (along with the other Hensons) still helms Jim Henson Productions, but only performs a few lesser-known characters (Sal, Van Neuter, Seymour) for the now Disney owned Muppet brand. He has also filled in for some of Richard Hunt's characters in the past, but does not perform any of his father's characters. Brian Henson will likely have little (if anything) to do with the Studio DC production. The Muppets already appear to be in capable hands. That would be Disney owned "Muppet Studios" AKA "Muppet Holding Company".
I think its great that old standard (the Muppets) are coming back for a new generation.
The original Muppet Show rocked - it was a great pice of satrical comedy. While this new oncarnation will probably not approach that, its still nice to see them again.
What is wrong with you people? Are none of you Muppet fans? Do none of you have tween girls? I grew up on the Muppets and cannot wait for this premiere, as it sounds reminiscent of the old Muppet Show. And having three tween daughters who love Hannah, HSM, the Suite Life, and the rest of the current Disney Channel offerings, I am looking forward to sharing this experience, and their excitement, with them.
I loved The Muppets when I was little. My sister and I watched the show all of the time! We loved the grouchy old men in the balcony seats. I own all of the movies and DVDs of the first and second seasons. My children love them as much as I do/did. The Muppets are good clean funny entertainment for all children. Our family is very excited for the premier of this show.
My sister is having a premier night party for her daughter and 6 of her friends who also like The Muppets! In a world of trash entertainment, thanks for bringing back innocent fun!
It is good to see Disney's interest in the Muppets and see the characters in this family venue, but keep in mind that The Muppet Show was not an innocent children's show.
Jim Henson designed it as an adult prime time show - a departure from Sesame Street. The pilot is contains the tongue-in-cheek title: Sex and Violence. That pretty much sums them up. They have a mature wit, they sing songs and aren't really teaching anything except that a bunch of crazy personalities can sort of put on a show. The Muppets are for everybody.
That is precisely why this tween-centered special has some fans concerned. I believe it is a necessary step in gathering a new generation of viewers. However, if the Muppets were making some kind of weekly tween show I'd yak. This is clearly something. It appears to be gracefully done and Muppets do not appear to be lobotomized. I'm excited.
By the way, the Muppets never went away. The problem is that many people assumed they did and that’s what this special will help remedy.
I found this site because my 10 year old daughter asked me to look up Studio DC for her.
I can't believe there's a bunch of people my age debating over how Miley Cyrus doesn't belong on stage with the Muppets.
Are you kidding me? Let me clue you in folks. If you are over the age of 25, you are not relavent. Disney couldn't care less what we think. It's the kids that matter. The kids are the ones that beg mommy and daddy to buy them DVD's. Yeah, we have the money, but we end up buying stuff like uhh food with it.
If you want the Muppets to be around for awhile, your gonna have to have a dose of Miley too. It doesn't matter if YOU think she has talent or not, she puts little fannies in the seats and sells DVD's
(...to the anonymous post above)
How cynical. Disney has been showing that they do care about the Muppets lately, and on many fronts - young and old. It’s all good if done right as DC appears to be. Also if you don't think people over the age of 25 matter as far as marketing you must not be aware of many high-end Muppet items and entertainment geared toward adults over the last few years. Kids are great, but not everything is about or for them unless you are his or her parent.
I don't care if the special is stupid . It gets KIDS watching the Muppets. For years Kermit & Co. have been in danger of becoming antiquated brands like Popeye or Betty Boop. Disney's not stupid. With the new movie coming in 2010 it needs to position the Muppets as an active, viable brand. The movie will tank if it doesn't have kids wanting to see it (20 and 30-something Muppet fans aren't the most lucrative demographic to studios). Will the show be hokey? Probably. Will lifelong Muppet fans cringe? Undoubtedly. But Disney has to start somewhere to relaunch the Muppets, and it might as well use some of its greatest assets to do so.
I have to agree.
I'm a 30-something mother of two girls (7 & 4). This is a GREAT way to show the kids of today what we grew up watching. The Muppets is classic family entertainment. This is the perfect platform for exposing today's generation to The Muppets.
Regardless of what you may think of Disney Channel's programming, it's geared towards children, not adults. It's not meant to be entertainment for the adults/parents.
Miss Piggy came off as a pushy jerk just the same in the 70's & 80's...why would that change any?
I am so excited! I love to watch the Muppets! I'm so happy to know that they are coming back to television! I will most definitely be watching on Sunday! Can't wait! :)
i wanan bang miss piggy
My wish for this show is that perhaps it can bring the Muppets to a new generation. And perhaps if they can get the attention of all those kids that purchase all the videos and merchandise of the stars(?) from these shows, maybe the folks at Disney will see how much of a money maker they have in the Muppets. Then they would give the Muppets more money to do what the Muppets do best;
make us laugh with silly humor.
I remember back in the 70's you could not go to the mall without seeing Kermit the Frog on a t-shirt or lunch box. Now its all the Disney kids. If Kermit and the gang can get a boost from some of this I say more power to them. I think it would do that audience some good to see true veteran talent among all those freshman.
i wanan bang miss piggy And I would like you to post in proper sentences and not bash the gang on a Muppet news site, bub.
George Lucas raped my childho... Oh, wait... Wrong discussion. Sorry.
how could anyone like watching guys with their hands up the butt of some sock puppets? if i were a disney star i would be embarassed to be seen on this.
i dont like this idea at all the only reason im going to watch it is because the Jonas Brothers are on it!=]
the muppets is a great show that till this day still draws attention to adults and children of all ages. honestly if you dont like it or the characters keep it to yourself, quit trying to ruin it for everyone else that enjoys its sill humor & tactics.
i just finished watching this on dc. and i need to see more MUPPETS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! :[
it lasted 7 minutes! I expected an hour! But no!!!!! commercials commerialsCOMMERCIALS! i had high expactations for this.i tryin to figure out how to email them but i can't.they're also comin out wit a nutter in october
It was actually much better than I had expected. I certainly think it will get today's kid/tween audience likig the Muppets. It was great, I loved seeing the Pepe/Rizzo combo again. But where was Fozzie? He wasn't in the entire thing! Or did I miss him or something? I also thought Gonzo looked a bit different.
I loved it! I thought it was great! I do agree though, I wish they showed more of the muppets, and I do miss Fozzie Bear!
The special was what it needed to be and not much more than that. The Muppets didn't embarrass themselves as some fans feared and they just may have gained some new fans. I still feel this is a good thing. There were reports of two more such 30 minute DC specials with the Muppets. I will watch those too with the same expectations. I just wish they'd bring their A game. That will likely come with Segel's movie that should have more of an audience after tonight.
I totally agree. I can not wait for the new Segel's movie when it comes out. I thought it was a good thing for the muppets to return to the screen and I do believe that they did an awesome job last night. I can't wait for the other two to come out.
I personaly am excited for this show. If disney gets alot of hits then the muppets might get there on show.
I was horribly disappointed. What happened to the muppets witty humor?
This special felt devoid of the muppet soul.
In the 70's kids appreciated the muppets while there was also an element designed to entertain adults.
This version is so watered down that it was almost painful to watch.
As a parent whose children watch Disney - I was thrilled to see the Muppets. Unlike the rest of you I didn't hear anything about them coming on TV and was surprised to see them last night. I love the muppets and they were just like they were when I was a kid. While many want that to change - it was kind of nice watching something that hadn't changed while it still entertained my children. I love my muppets and my kids love Disney Channel so what better way to get all of us to sit down and spend sometime together even if it is watching TV.
I was excited to see the Muppets last night and today and tomorrow!! We set the DVR to record it and my kids (5 and 3) have now watched it at least 10 times.
I am excited to have new muppet fans! I can only hope they make this a regular show. We need the Muppet Show to return.
Have you actuly seen it.It is really funny.Stop critizing it before you even see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One word: Unwatchable.
Have you actuly seen it. It is really funny. Stop critizing it before you even see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Exactly!
Also, I happen to be in the camp that thought that this program was pretty good and an excellent much-needed boost for the Muppets to get further out of obscurity and more and more back into the limelight where they belong...and to generate a new generation of fans.
And stop putting down the D.C. stars (a.k.a. criticizing/making fun of kids) already. It has already gotten old and annoying.
Besides, the D.C. stars and the Muppets had great chemistry and got along so well that it very well would've squashed a purist's fears.
Enjoy things for what they are, not for what YOU personally want them to be.
>>the D.C. stars and the Muppets had great chemistry and got along so well that it very well would've squashed a purist's fears.
Enjoy things for what they are, not for what YOU personally want them to be.<<
Someone around one of the forums referred to the special as being wooden. Not bad, not great, just a little bit of going through the motions rather than it being a really fun ride. That's exactly how I felt. It didn't need to be more than it was but I still wish they'd written a layer of humor for the purist fans like me to enjoy.
The DC kids appeared to be having a good time. Neither the Muppets nor the Disney personalities embarrassed themselves. However, I did feel the writers and producers let everybody down just a little bit. It is my wish that they step up their game for the next time around.
Lesser quick cutting will allow the charm of the Muppets and the Disney stars to shine through. That was the something missing that would have made this rather ho-hum special into something really special.
This project was/is still a good thing in my long-time-Muppet-fan eyes. I enjoyed it enough for what it is while keeping in mind what it could help give fans like me later on.
I have watched it. Twice, in fact. I know what I wanted it to be. I wanted it to be good. This was a 30-minute long commercial for the tripe that passes for children's entertainment. I'm not old, I simply want to be entertained by characters whom I know can entertain me.
So I stand by what I said earlier: Unwatchable. I'm not happy about it, but that's what it is.
what has happened to disney and the muppets in the last few years!!!! I watched this and it was so horrible it was almost painful
To the 2 Anonymouses, I completely disagree with your all-too negative views. I don't see this program as being a "30-minute commercial" at all--I dearly HATE the mentality that all of people have these days thinking that EVERYTHING that ANY company does is ONLY for money and refuse to see the positives and enjoy the entertainment value that they do have.
I wonder if one of you could be the always-negative DrTooth from Muppet Central, who should be banned from that forum, IMO, for his constant condescending attitude.
Staying on topic, this special IS good and not horrible or unwatchable at all, so just enjoy it for what it is and stop asking for too much, since asking for too much will only cloud your judgement and lead to nothing but utter disappointment.
I DVR'd the show. It was exactly what I expected. I'm not a fan of Disney Channel's shows (seeing how I'm not ages 2-15) but this is EXACTLY what Disney should have done with the Muppets from day one. Yes, it would be nice to have every Muppet production be as great as the Muppet Show or the earlier films, but Disney has to start somewhere to retool a rusty franchise. Good job, Disney.
I think it's easier to understand the placement of the Muppets in this special when you look at their placement in the opening credits...last. Not to say that's a horrible thing, somebody's gotta be last. Jim, Kirk, and Martin all were consulted on this project, and I think that made a huge positive difference.
But I also think many of us had the idea in our heads that the Muppets would be RUNNING the show, not playing second fiddle to the two blond kids, the Jonas brothers, London Tipton, etc. They were part of the show, yes, but clearly not the focus. That's what's so unsettling for many of us. It would be difficult FOR them to be the focus, since they aren't extremely familiar to DC's young audience.
Okay, lemme hear the tween response: "GOSH! You're soo OOOLD! You don't understand ANYTHING! It was AWESOMEZ!"
Okay, timeout - i hate to get sidetracked on this, but i have to cry foul when i see someone from another forum being unfairly slandered elsewhere when they may not even be here or aware what's going on to defend themselves...
Kingcrab, i have to call you on your comments about drtooth on the Muppetcentral forums saying he should be banned there. Granted, i'm getting back to getting caught up on the forums after having been away from them for awhile, but i've gotten caught up enough to where i can safely say that while the forums certainly hasn't been immune to its fair share of flamers and trolls over the years that should rightfully be banned, drtooth is not among them - i've always found his posts to be legitimate contributions to discussions, enhancing and not taking away from a discussion. Maybe you find his opinions negative and may not agree with them, but having a negative opinion of something on its own is no reason for a banishment, especially when it's presented in a constructive manner - there's worlds of difference between that type of posting and postings by others that are true "flames", posted just to get a rise out of people and be disruptive.
To go on a different forum (one where most people most anonymously and can say any manner of things) and falsely call out someone as a troll/flamer who does not fit that category is just very bad form.
Nuff said, back to regularly schduled discussion...
Jim Henson said that when there comes a time that the public doesn't care about the characters anymore, or they aren't a viable product, he's pack them up and move on.
His family and company couldn't move on initially because of ego. Producing Muppet movies and specials and DVDs when the show wasn't on the air anymore was pointless. The kids did not know who they characters were and therefore didn't care.
In addition, the original writers for "Sesame" and the "Muppets" were COMEDY writers. Instead, they allowed the muppeteers to write the scripts which was a mistake. Beating to death 20 year old bits or just going to farting humor (which I love but here, it's lazy). On Sesame Street, it was the puppeteers or educationists so it became more "hugging and caring" sappy stuff bad pun-named characters instead of the comedy gags and bits that made the show famous.
And after all this time, they can only come up with "Puppet Up!" ? SO lame. I happen to know they were pitched more adult material even 5 years ago but they wouldn't hear of it. Then Broadway's "Avenue Q" opened and now as usual, they are late and trying to sell similar stuff. It's just a shame.
D.W. McKim, I'm sorry to say this, but I have yet to see DrTooth actually write a really rational post on Muppet Central. Just about all of his posts slam one thing or another up one side and down the other...and I'm sick of it! I'm especially fed up with him criticizing the Disney Channel programs in all of his posts!
He's waaaaaaaaay too negative for his own good.
Also, I hate wwfpooh, who's just as bad and negative as DrTooth and should be banned from Muppet Central as well.
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