Since their debut in the ‘70s on Sesame Street, the Muppets have become a fixture in American culture. From their early days on The Land of Gorch on Saturday Night Live, to their own The Muppet Show and eventual movie franchise, the Muppets are implanted in nearly everyone's memory. Depending on when you were born, you’ve got your own collection of Muppets' greatest moments to choose from.
The Muppets have had an amazing array of celebrity cameos. Pretty much anybody who’s anybody has shared the spotlight with the Muppets. They’ve handled themselves quite well around all kinds of celebrity, no matter how lofty their status. How they managed to not gush around the likes of Johnny Cash, Peter Sellers, and Mark Hamill is a testament to their professionalism. Hilarious sketches like "Pigs in Space" and "Veterinarian's Hospital" are also a testament to Jim Henson's writers' comedy chops. They took performance well beyond the puppet show, and created a whole new category of entertainment.
As Henson puppetry became more elaborate in films like The Dark Crystal, some of the best Muppet moments were the simplest. Kermit’s “It’s Not Easy Being Green” duet with Ray Charles is one example of how Jim Henson made a huge impact with one simple little frog puppet. And Miss Piggy’s narcissism can always be counted on for a solid comedy foundation.
Star Wars fans got a thrill when C3PO, Luke, and R2D2 showed up on the pig’s spaceship. Watch Miss Piggy as Princess Leia fawn over Mark Hamill, but Gonzo ends up stealing the show in the end, as usual.
Part homage to Laugh-In, part showtunes send-up, The Muppet Show theme made many a child and grown-up alike giggle and run to the TV every week. It can still brighten those dark days when 'The Mahna Mahna Song" isn’t handy.
Many have taken on this epic Queen anthem, but few have mastered it. Here, The Muppets safely land in the Top 5 performances of the song. They avoid the whole “Mama, just killed a man” thing by having Animal ponder where his mama was.
The first incarnation of Elton John was his psychedelic shimmer and glam rock days of the ‘70s. He was a perfect fit for The Muppet Show, where Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem were already dressed in matching stage costumes. And of course, the crocodiles harmonize during the chorus.
Star Wars fans got a thrill when C3PO, Luke, and R2D2 showed up on the pig’s spaceship. Watch Miss Piggy as Princess Leia fawn over Mark Hamill, but Gonzo ends up stealing the show in the end, as usual.
If you grew up on it, "The Mahna Mahna Song" is your go-to song when you’re in a tight spot, or need a happy song.
