The Muppets "The Simpsons", "Family Guy", "The West Wing" and "Robot Chicken" have referenced The Muppets. The Muppets The Muppets are an ensemble cast of puppet characters known for their self-aware, burlesque, and meta-referential style of variety-sketch comedy. Created by Jim and Jane Henson in 1955, they are the namesake for the Disney media franchise that encompasses television, music, film, and other media associated with the characters. The Muppets originated in the short-form television series "Sam and Friends", which aired from 1955 to 1961. Following appearances on late night talk shows and in advertising during the 1960s, the Muppets began appearing on
The Muppets (film) F scale. Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film three stars out of four, praising the revitalized Muppets and their distinctive personalities.<ref name="http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111121/REVIEWS/111129993"></ref> Justin Chang of "Variety" called it "an unexpected treat," noting that the film effortlessly blends "wised-up, self-reflective humor with old-fashioned let's-put-on-a-show pizzazz." Todd McCarthy of "The Hollywood Reporter" praised the film as "A mostly winning return for childhood favorites from a prior century [that] looks to accomplish its goal of pleasing old fans and winning new ones." Alonso Duralde of "The Wrap" agreed writing that, ""The Muppets" has the same brilliant absurdity, anarchic humor, subtle uplift and