[5] The series stars Muppet performers Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, and Peter Linz in multiple roles.

Before co-creating CBS' The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019), the writer-producer had previously shot test footage on which ABC ultimately passed.

"[5] The Muppets find out ABC is interested in filming a documentary series about them but Miss Piggy is not on board, forcing Kermit to break the bad news that the show will not air.

The Muppets tackle some of the show's ongoing issues and try to find guest stars that Miss Piggy approves of since she does not want Elizabeth Banks.

Trying to spare Fozzie's feelings after he writes a terrible sketch for the show, Kermit inadvertently convinces him to quit and pursue a career as a screenwriter.

Gonzo uses Liam Hemsworth's picture on a dating website, leading to problems when his online girlfriend Debbie wants to meet him in person.

Miss Piggy finds out that the crew meet at Rowlf's Tavern at the end of taping and gets herself invited where they perform karaoke with Ed Helms.

Miss Piggy's feud with Reese Witherspoon (who previously beat her out for the lead female role in Walk the Line) hits a new level when they both volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Meanwhile, after appearing on Up Late with Miss Piggy, Kristin Chenoweth agrees to perform a gig at the anniversary of Floyd Pepper's parents and causes an argument between The Electric Mayhem members.

Following some incidents at the studio and the fact that Patrick Dempsey cancelled upon contracting poison ivy, Kermit is advised by Miss Piggy and Denise to go to a local spa.

Once there, Kermit has a hard time relaxing when he encounters Jason Bateman, who harasses him by asking for his help with his daughter's school play.

Scooter fills in for Kermit, which leads to some unfortunate circumstances like the air conditioner breaking and the resulting condensation causing the power to go out.

The president of the network, Lucy Royce, visits the show and forces them to work with a consultant named Pizza to "update" the program.

Pizza visits the show during the night's taping and informs Kermit that he cancelled Key and Peele's scheduled appearance due to them pitching their oven mitts on Shark Tank.

Meanwhile, Gonzo is distraught that Camilla the Chicken broke up with him and rents a house with Rizzo and Pepe that used to belong to Ian Ziering.

Lucy Royce and Sam advise Kermit to talk Miss Piggy into not going through with it, citing the loss of jobs and sponsors that will follow.

Kermit goes on stage at the night's taping and says that although the network has banned Miss Piggy's scheduled stunt, he and the staff are permitted by default.

Meanwhile, Rizzo, Pepe, Yolanda, Big Mean Carl, and Sweetums out how to deal with Pizza, eventually calling his father with whom he had an estranged relationship.

Other Muppet characters have appeared at the studio after they saw the news as Howard Tubman hooks up some acts for Rizzo and Scooter to present on Up Late with Miss Piggy.

Bill Prady originated the idea to bring The Muppets back to prime-time television and enlisted Bob Kushell as co-creator and showrunner for the project, allowing Prady to concurrently continue performing his duties as executive producer on The Big Bang Theory, which CBS had renewed through its tenth season, for the 2016–17 season.

[5] The series was shot at Stages 6 and 7 of the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California, and on-location throughout Los Angeles.

The move was reportedly part of a creative overhaul of the series, which saw the final six episodes of the first season act as a relaunch of the show.

The site's critical consensus reads: "The Muppets brings new energy to a beloved franchise—and although longtime fans may be taken aback by the show's adult mockumentary approach, the classic characters retain their essential spirit.

"[57] The Washington Post's Hank Stuever complimented the series, calling it "a smart and often witty update to the Muppet brand," giving it a "B".

[58] Merrill Barr of Forbes wrote a negative review, stating, "By taking these creatures and turning them into 'real' people, the only way to make them funny becomes having them do outlandish things.

[66][independent source needed] The Parents Television Council also criticized the series for not meeting "family viewing" guidelines and suggested a boycott, based on the mockumentary format of the series including mentions of plastic surgery, "inside" business language being used in a crude manner, and the Muppets in a bar consuming alcoholic beverages.