There has been a lot of children’s television centered on the use of puppets. I grew up in a time when all the kids would run home from school every day to watch Howdy Doody. The puppets used on these shows had a wide range of sophistication from the simple marionette like Howdy to simple sock like hand puppets used on shows like ‘Kukla, Fran and Ollie’. Few have stood the test of time like Jim Henson’s Muppets. They have been around in their various forms since ‘Sam and Friends’ which ran on television from 1955 to 1961. They were featured on family oriented variety shows including ‘Jimmy Dean’ and have been a vital part of ‘Sesame Street’ from 1969 to the present. In 1976 they received a shot at there own television variety series aptly named ‘The Muppet Show’. The third season of this show is now available on DVD released by Buena Vista and Disney. This was the rare kind of television that worked very well on two levels; one for the kids and another for the grown ups in the room. This is a DVD set that the whole family can enjoy together over and over. with so much on television geared to only adults of children you can now return to a time when the whole family gathered in the living room at the same time to have some fun.

The series was styled after a form of television that is regrettably long gone, the variety show. This was a little something for everybody. There were comedy skits, some stand up comedy and typically a musical guest star. In many ways the ‘Muppet Show’ was a brilliant parody of this format but it transcended satire and actually worked as a viable series of that type. A rotating group of Muppet regulars would each perform comedy and musical numbers and there was always a human guest star that would participate in the skits and often do a song or two. One of the things that made this series so much fun was there was always some behind the scenes bits displaying the general mayhem that really takes place in presenting a variety series.

The host and undisputed leader of the Muppets is the ever popular Kermit the Frog voiced by Muppet creator, the late Jim Henson. The frazzled amphibian wore many hats including star, director and producer of the on screen series. Always nearby was Miss Piggy who was voiced by co-creator Frank Oz. She was overbearing, dominating and romantically obsessed with Kermit. Running errands and acting as a general gofer is Scooter, voiced by Richard Hunt. He is completely lacking in any useful abilities but since his uncle owns the theater is job is fairly secure. The general manager of the on screen Muppet troupe is Fozzie Bear, also voiced by Frank Oz. He is an aspirating stand up comedian and frequently is shown trying to get the acts on stage on time. Gonzo voiced by Dave Goelz wants nothing more than to be a stunt man. He is the daredevil of the group and usually his stunts are not very successful. For many of the musical numbers the piano player is Rowlf the Dog. He is quick witted and always at the ready with some quip about anybody near by. Watching the show along with the television audience are two old men, Statler and Waldorf. There ascorbic comments are usually lost on the children watching but they are one of the most memorable cast members for the adults. Now some of the guest stars may not be particularly famous at the moment but most of the adults watching will be able to wax nostalgic in seeing them again at the height of their careers. This season set does contain appearances of some of the greats of stage, screen and music even if they names are less than recognizable today.

The main indication that this was not just another children’s puppet show was the standing of the guest stars. They were some of the best known performers of their day and all of them had a great sense of humor to appear on national television working next to a bit of felt with a hand stuck up it. The first episode of the season featured singers Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge. The two famous singers have to share a dressing room with four oversized monsters. First Kristofferson has a romantic ballet, ‘Help Me Make it Through the Night’ with Miss Piggy. It appears that a lot of the show was improvised since he can hardly stop from laughing as Miss Piggy throws herself at him. After a few skits there is a solo number with Coolidge. It is set in a woodland glen and of course several Muppet creatures join her. There is also a lively duet with Kristofferson and Coolidge backed by a Muppet Band. The next episode has Leo Sayer who was kind of a one hit wonder back then. In episode three the show takes on a country western feel with Roy Clark. In the forth episode one of the comic geniuses of the original Saturday Night Live cast, the late great Gilda Radner, joins the crew. Next there is the legendary singer Pearl Bailey and finally for this disc Edith Bunker herself, Jean Stapelton.

This disc opens with Alice Cooper. Long before singers had elaborated shows his were legendary for the macabre spectacle they created. Then there are performances by Loretta Lynn, one of the most popular country western music stars ever. In episode nine there is Liberace. Decades before Elton John brought flair and over the top style to piano playing he was working his magic. Next up is actress-model Marisa Berenson. Another famous actress, Raquel Welch is in the next episode. She was well known not only for her beauty but her talent. James Coco is in the next episode. He was one of the best regarded comic film and stage actors around. Last for this disc is singer Helen Reddy whose hit ‘I am Woman (Hear Me Roar) became a feminist anthem.

Opening this disc is the calypso great Harry Belafonte. He is followed by actress Lesley Ann Warren. A real treat for all is Danny Kaye. He was famous for his gentle manner and fast pace, manic comedy. His ‘chalice from the palace’ from ‘Court Jester’ is still untouched as one of the great comedy moments in cinema. Then there is the Irish comedian Spike Milligan who had a dark style and unorthodox humor. Singer Leslie Uggams has a few scenes with guest star Muppet Big Bird. Elke Sommer takes the stage and she was one of the most beautiful actresses of the time. Sylvester Stallone gets to have some funs with the Muppets. He had just released Rambo around the time of this appearance.

Another country star Roger Miller who was best known for his ‘King of the Road’ song. The country spirit remains alive with a pair of singers and actors beloved by the public, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Oscar winning actress Lynn Redgrave makes an appearance and the season ends with actress-model Cheryl Ladd. Also on this disc are the extras ‘Muppets of Puppets’, ‘A Company of Players’ and ‘Muppet Commercials’.

This is a series that should never be forgotten and now that season three is on DVD it is one that is a must have.