The Muppets to be a vital component of its increasing popularity, providing an "effective and pleasurable viewing" method of presentation for the series' educational curriculum. In the early 1970s, the Muppets continued their presence in television, primarily appearing in "The Land of Gorch" segments during the first season of "Saturday Night Live". As his involvement with "Sesame Street" continued, Henson mused about the possibility of creating a network television series featuring the Muppets; as opposed to "Sesame Street", however, this proposed series would be aimed at a more adult audience and focus largely on sketch comedy. Two pilot specials, "The Muppets Valentine
The Muppets (TV series) the same network that aired "Muppets Tonight"—as the characters, the network, and the production companies are all owned by The Walt Disney Company—on the ABC network schedule. This marks the second time Prady has attempted to revive The Muppets. Before co-creating CBS' "The Big Bang Theory", the writer-producer shot some test footage that ABC ultimately passed on. Prady's history with The Muppets dates back to his work on "Fraggle Rock" in 1987. His previous writing credits for Muppet productions include the "Muppet*Vision 3D" attraction at Walt Disney World, and the tribute special "The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson", which earned Prady