"The Muppets" may be coming back to TV with a new series revival. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a proof of concept pilot is currently being filmed for ABC Studios.
The official presentation of the new series will commence production next week in Burbank, California, with many of the original Muppet performers coming back to portray the characters, such as Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog.
According to the report, the presentation is about the Muppets meeting with the executive heads of ABC Studios to talk about a revival of "The Muppets." The show won't get green lit until Miss Piggy signs on the project. The only problem is, Miss Piggy is reluctant due to her rocky relationship with Kermit, thus preventing the series from moving forward.
Plans for the show also include two celebrity cameos as well as the introduction of new characters such as Fozzie's new girlfriend and her parents.
Co-creator of "The Big Bang Theory" Bill Prady is said to be co-writing the pilot episode's script. Bob Kushell of "Anger Management" and "3rd Rock from the Sun" will also co-write the script and is attached as the new series' showrunner. Randall Einhorn of "Wilfred's" will executive-produce and direct the show's presentation. The revival series is being produced by The Muppet Studios and ABC Studios, both of which are owned by Disney. Sources tell THR that should the presentation be a success, "The Muppets" will continue as a series on ABC.
The Muppets was originally created by Jim Henson in 1955, and the characters made appearances in "Sesame Street" since 1969 before getting their own syndicated TV variety show from 1976 to 1981. During the variety show, Kermit the Frog functioned as the primary host and each episode featured at least one guest celebrity.
The brand has also enjoyed several feature films including a 2011 brand revival featuring the talents of Jason Segel and Amy Adams. The latest film "Muppets Most Wanted" was released in 2014.
