Original release date:  Episode 1 aired July 31, 2020 / Rating: TV-PG / Length: Six episodes, 22 to 25 minutes per episode

Review:

As a Muppet fan, the transition to being Disney property has been as struggle. First they just appeared in a theme park attraction (in an area that we think is being taken away every time they announce changes).

Then they decided to try a new movie, “The Muppets,” with Jason Segel and new Muppet Walter. It was great and a commercial success. Then we got a second movie, “Muppets Most Wanted.” It exceeded budget but was not the big success of “The Muppets.”

Then the Muppets started to kinda disappear again. They appeared in little shorts with children on Disney Channel but otherwise just kinda hid in the Disney closet. Then an ABC show, “The Muppets,” was created in prime-time… and bombed. Apparently doing a show in the style of “The Office” but with Muppets and no stupid jokes isn’t a good move. They hit the shelf again for a bit after that.

Then, finally, we found success and love for our Muppet friends with a relaunch of “Muppet Babies” on Disney Junior. There were Muppet toys in stores for the first time in years!

And that brings us to “Muppets Now.” Created as a modern take on the old “Muppet Show,” it was one of many shows created for the first year of Disney+ original programming.

And you know what? It’s pretty good. It’s the most Muppetty thing we’ve gotten since “The Muppets” (the movie, not the TV show).

The show is aired as if it’s a series of YouTube clips, based off Scooter tying them all together for a show. The skits are mostly recurring skits which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Lifesty(le) with Miss Piggy” appears in all six episodes and features Piggy along with Uncle Deadly and various guests like Taye Diggs discussing fashion and health Zoom-style.

“Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ” is what we’ve always dreamed of, a cooking show starring the Swedish Chef. Chef competes against various celebrity chefs (and Danny Trejo) to see who can cook the better version of a dish. It’s the highlight of all five episodes it is in.

“Muppet Labs Field Test” is another highlight, with Beaker and Doctor Bunsen Honeydew testing out experiments. It’s a concept that never gets old based on how good of a character Beaker is.

There are other recurring skits, such as a gameshow hosted by Pepe the King Prawn and an interview show with various Muppets interviewing celebrities.

Celebrities? We’ve got them! Do I know them? Not many! Besides the already mentioned, Seth Rogan, Audrey Plaza and RuPaul are among the many guests.

The 22-25 minute episodes fly by and it is sad there are only six of them. Bring on season two!

Extras:

Just a one minute trailer.

Should you watch it?

Yes, watch it. Episodes are quick and breezy, the humor is classic Muppets, and it’s very enjoyable.