Eisner, still interested in the Muppet properties, re-opened negotiations with the Hensons and announced the purchase of "The Muppets" and "Bear in the Big Blue House" assets from The Jim Henson Company for $75 million on February 17, 2004. The acquired Muppet assets were then placed into The Muppets Holding Company with Chris Curtin as general manager within Disney Consumer Products. One of the first appearances that the Muppets made after the purchase was on the TV special "The Nick and Jessica Variety Hour" in April 2004, starring Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. A new website was launched in November 2004 and the Muppets made an appearance on the 2004 Christmas episode of "Saturday Night Live".