The Muppet Show - Season Two (1976) DVD Review

I have an especially fond memory of The Muppet Show growing up, at a time when the zaniness and puppet spectacle was sure to keep my attention. I had little knowledge of the classic show tunes and other wonderful numbers which hold so much history, nor did I appreciate the caliber of stars who gladly guest starred on the show with the famed puppets, which is what makes returning to the show so gratifying. Often the things we love as a child are quickly dated and become a source of embarrassment upon viewing as adults, but The Muppet Show is timeless even when it is dated. What’s more is the specific quality of the second season, which is filled with some of the show’s greatest moments.

Guest stars are what make The Muppet Show seem somewhat dated, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Although watching Steve Martin bang conga drums in a puffy shirt screams out to a time when he was the jerk rather than the parent of dozens of kids. It is a piece of history, somewhat like the later-night interview shows which have been placed on DVD, only the guests on The Muppet Show sing and dance. It is a fabulous idea for a show which allowed for children and parents to enjoy at the same time and this generation of children is sorely missing out on anything like this. It isn’t as if the guest stars are minor personalities either. In season two alone Don Knotts, Milton Berle, Steve Martin, George Burns, Elton John, Julie Andrews, Peter Sellers, John Cleese and Bob Hope all guest starred. This is such an amazing lineup that the show can no longer merely be considered a children’s program. Watching these entertainment greats do bits, routines and musical numbers with the famous Jim Henson puppets is truly amazing.

The special features are somewhat improvised, but it remains surprisingly true to the character of the show. There is a Weezer music video that they made a few years ago as if they were guests on The Muppet Show, even allowing Animal to play the drums for the video. There are also interviews with the Muppets, which is filled with quick one-liners and often ends with the laughter of the people behind the scenes. The humor is quick and fitting for the Muppets even if it isn’t quite the same as the show. There is also a special Muppets episode which was a Valentine’s Day special. This special has guest Mia Farrow.