The Muppets Take Manhattan Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and Animal), who previously co-directed "The Dark Crystal" with Henson. The film introduced the Muppet Babies, as toddler versions of the Muppet characters in a fantasy sequence. The eponymous animated television series premiered on CBS in September 1984, airing until 1991. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and the rest of the Muppets have graduated from Danhurst College by entertaining their fellow graduates with their theatrical production of "Manhattan Melodies". Upon the suggestion of taking the show to Broadway, the Muppets proceed with the idea, certain they will become stars instantly. Arriving in Manhattan, the group meet producer
The Muppets taking time, often up to a year, slowly developing their characters and voices. The characters are also "test-driven, passed around from one Henson troupe member to another in the hope of finding the perfect human-Muppet match". When interacting with them, children tended to believe that the Muppets were living creatures, even in the presence of the puppeteers. On September 17, 2002, Rhino Records released "", a compilation album of music from "The Muppet Show" and subsequent film outings. The Muppets also released "", with John Denver in 1979. Under Disney ownership, albums featuring the Muppets have been released by Walt