The Muppets industry and popular culture in the United States, receiving recognition from various cultural institutions and organizations, including the American Film Institute, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Library of Congress, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Muppets were created by puppeteer Jim Henson in the 1950s, beginning with Kermit the Frog, who would become Henson's most recognizable character. Originally conceived for an adult audience, Henson claimed, and later retracted, that he coined the term "Muppet" as a portmanteau of the words "marionette" and "puppet". In 1955, the Muppets were introduced in "Sam and Friends", a short-form television series
The Muppets and release a series of comedy shorts on YouTube. After the Muppets' cover version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was posted on the Muppet Studio's YouTube channel, it ultimately amassed 50 million views and won two Webby Awards. Videos are posted on the site regularly. In 2010, the Muppets starred in "The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora", which co-starred Cat Cora and showcased cooking demonstrations. A television special, "", premiered on NBC on December 17, 2008; and was released on DVD on September 29, 2009. In 2010, Disney used the Muppets to promote their volunteerism program at the company's theme parks. A