It looks like ABC’s new grown-up series featuring Jim Henson’s beloved Muppets will be around for a while.
Following a successful five episodes that have aired thus far, ABC has given the new series The Muppets a full-season pickup, and ordered three more episodes for a total of 16 for the inaugural season, reports Variety.
Airing on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., the single-camera show that follows the format of series like The Office has sparked some controversy. While some love seeing favorites like Kermit and Miss Piggy, and reliving their childhoods, others aren’t too fond of the more adult format.
Related: The ‘Wah-Wah’ master: Trombone Shorty to ‘play’ the adults in upcoming Peanuts movie
As you may have guessed from the prime time air slot, the show isn’t exactly meant for kids. Instead, it follows the more adult storyline of Miss Piggy’s gig as host of a late night show that’s executive produced by her now ex (yes, they broke up) Kermit the Frog.
Some parents believe that the nature of the show doesn’t allow them to introduce their young kids to the characters they used to know and love as kids. What’s more, how do you explain to your kids that mommy and daddy are watching a show with puppets but they’re not allowed to view along? Given the success of adult cartoons like The Simpsons and Family Guy, it shouldn’t be surprising, but the issue many have is with the fact that The Muppets are already established characters that are known to be kid-friendly.
The show was created by Bill Prady (co-creator of The Big Bang Theory) and Bob Kushell, and produced by ABC Studios and The Muppets Studio. It stars performers Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, and Peter Linz in various roles. Similar to the original Muppets series from the late ’70s and ’80s, the series also hosts a stream of guest stars, which have thus far included the likes of Ed Helms, Kristin Chenoweth, Christina Applegate, and Liam Hemsworth. Upcoming guests stars are set to include Sofia Vergara and Jennifer Lawrence, among others.
The Muppets is the first series for the franchise since 1998’s Muppets Tonight, which also aired on ABC. The movie Muppets Most Wanted, was released in theaters last year.
