The Jim Henson Hour
Jim Henson hosts an anthology series. The typical format has the first part being the misadventures of Muppet TV as Kermit the Frog struggles to operate a television super station with the usual level of help from his friends. The second part being varied short productions, including episodes of The Storyteller (1987) as an old man and his sarcastic dog tell obscure fairy tales in the tradition of the great classics.
- 1987-1992
- 1 season
- NBC
- Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Jim Henson hosts an anthology series. The typical format has the first part being the misadventures of Muppet TV as Kermit the Frog struggles to operate a television super station with the usual level of help from his friends. The second part being varied short productions, including episodes of The Storyteller (1987) as an old man and his sarcastic dog tell obscure fairy tales in the tradition of the great classics.
Season 1 Episode Guide
14 Episodes 1987 - 1992
Episode 0
Pitch Reel
13 mins
In this pitch reel, Jim Henson and his alter-ego Kermit the Frog explain a then-upcoming anthology series featuring comedy, music, celebrities, imaginative fantasy, and amazing special effects.
Episode 1
Outer Space
Fri, Apr 14, 1989 48 mins
In the "MuppeTelevision" segment, Digit overloads his circuits while trying to show programming from outer space. Louie Anderson appears in sketches. The second half of the show is the "Storyteller" episode "The Heartless Giant."
Episode 2
Oceans
Fri, Apr 21, 1989 48 mins
In "MuppeTelevision," the studio gets flooded while Ted Danson delivers an environmental message. The second half is a short film called "Lighthouse Island."
Episode 3
Power
Fri, Apr 28, 1989 48 mins
In "MuppeTelevision," the gang doesn't know what to do when Kermit takes a vacation, while Fozzie visits "The Today Show." The second half is the "Storyteller" episode "The Soldier and Death."
Episode 4
Dog City
Fri, May 5, 1989 48 mins
In the tough streets of Dog City, Ace inherits a saloon from his late Uncle Harry and is unwilling to pay the protection money.
Episode 5
First Show
Sun, May 14, 1989 48 mins
In "MuppeTelevision," Kermit tries to find a way to up the ratings. In "Miss Piggy's Hollywood," Piggy attempts to hobnob with celebrities but finds her plans inadvertently foiled by Gonzo.
Episode 6
Monster Maker
Sun, Jul 9, 1989 45 mins
A young boy wants to work with a famous creature/fx man but gets more than he bargained when one of the creatures, The Ultra-Gorgon, takes him under his wing. Literally.
Episode 7
Fitness
Sun, Jul 16, 1989 48 mins
"MuppeTelevision": In an episode focusing on health and fitness, Digit gets a cold, the chickens catch sneezing fits, and Link Hogthrob worries that he has Canadian snout fever. "The Song of the Cloud Forest": In the rainforest, Milton the Golden Toad worries that he may be the last of his species alive, and he'll never find a mate to love.
Episode 8
Videotape
Sun, Jul 23, 1989 48 mins
In "MuppeTelevision," Buster Poindexter visits, the band plays, and Kermit finds that Gonzo's prerecorded appearance can strangely interact with him in real time. The second half is the "Storyteller" episode "The True Bride."
Episode 9
Garbage
Sun, Jul 30, 1989 48 mins
Singer k.d. Lang visits "MuppeTelevision" while Kermit tries to get rid of a bunch of unwanted talking garbage bags. The second half is the "Storyteller" episode "Sapsorrow."
Episode 10
Secrets of the Muppets
Sun, Nov 29, 1992 48 mins
After a dog named Jojo asks Jim Henson, "How do the Muppets work?" Jim explains many of their tricks and special effects, even though Gonzo and Leon and other characters get freaked out when he tries to do so.
Episode 11
Living with Dinosaurs
Sat, Aug 7, 1993 47 mins
Dom's about to turn ten and he doesn't like fish, his father, his cousin or his new school. He's also not sure that he likes The Bulge that's about to become his new sibling. But he has a very special friend to listen to his troubles: his stuffed toy dinosaur, Dog, who talks to him and sings Elvis songs when other people aren't around.
Episode 12
Food
48 mins
Kermit has trouble getting the show going, because his entire staff is waiting for their lunch to be delivered.
Episode 13
Sesame Street... 20 Years & Still Counting
Fri, Apr 7, 1989
A 20th anniversary celebration of the classic educational TV series.