The Muppets are back–big time. Capital Cities/ABC and Jim Henson Productions said Thursday they’ve signed a 5-year partnership to create TV programming. The companies will have equal ownership of all shows under the partnership, with ABC getting first-look broadcast rights.
“Muppets Live!”, the first project, will be a prime-time show slated as a mid-season replacement. It promises a cast of new Muppet characters, though Kermit The Frog, Miss Piggy, and old Muppet pals will make appearances. Unlike the original “The Muppet Show,” set in a music hall, the new one will take place at a TV studio.
A live-action comedy series called “ALIENS in the Family” is also being developed. Cap Cities/ABC has been under pressure from advocacy groups to create children’s programming, a factor that may affect FCC deliberations over its merger with Disney.