‘Muppet Babies’ Reboot Set to Premiere on Disney Junior March 23

When I first heard that the “Muppet Babies” was getting a reboot on Disney Junior, I nearly jumped off the couch with excitement.

On March 23, the lovable felt, playroom friends are returning to television after nearly 30 years—hence, my giddiness over the news.

See, the “Muppet Babies” is my all-time favorite cartoon. As an ‘80s baby, the series was a staple in my Saturday morning cartoon rotation. Because it was such a fond childhood memory, I’ve always wished I could share the series with my children—now I can.

The reimagined, CG-animated series premieres with two back-to-back episodes in less than a week (Friday at 10am ET) and I don’t know who’s more excited, the kids or me. I get to relive a bit of my childhood while my kids are introduced to new lovable characters.

Like the original Emmy-nominated series, “Muppet Babies” chronicles the always-fun adventures of the younger versions of Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal (bonnet and diaper-free) and a brand-new playmate, Summer Penguin—as they use their imaginations to go places far beyond their playroom.

The series encourages young viewers to unlock their imaginations and dream big, which is what I tell my children all the time. In every episode, through a rainbow transition, the Muppet Babies use their imaginations to transport them into a fantasy sequence, each with a distinct style ranging from collage, comic book and classic cartoons to live-action footage—just like the original. While spotlighting the comedy that the characters are known for, each story is also designed to introduce viewers to the unique problem-solving power of imagination.

 

If my excitement for the upcoming show could get any higher, it reached a fever pitch when I got the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the series. Last month during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (#DisneySMMC), an invitation-only professional conference for social media-savvy mom bloggers hosted by Disney, I had the pleasure of seeing the first episode, “Sir Kermit the Brave.” Attendees got the scoop from Tom Warburton, the series’ executive producer on how the reboot came to be, as well as other fun tidbits about the project.

If you’re wondering if Miss Nanny is still in the picture, rest-assured—she is! Her trademark green-and-white striped tights have been updated with patterns (i.e dinosaurs, etc.) that serve as clues about each episode. However, if you’re hoping you’re going to get a glimpse of her, you’re not in luck. True to the original series, viewers will never see Miss Nanny’s full body. I was happy this element remained unchanged.

One change I was thrilled about was the addition of Summer Penguin. She’s smart, spunky and brings some girl power to the series. Now, Piggy will have a partner-in-crime when it comes to hanging tough with the boys.

After Tom’s presentation, he met with us moms to chat further. I took my preschooler son, MJ, to meet him. After telling him his favorite Disney characters, MJ received a cool, autographed poster and got a picture with the man responsible for spearheading a series that will hopefully create lasting memories for him like the original did for me.

Get to know the new Muppet Babies here:

Did you watch the “Muppet Babies” as a child? If so, who was your favorite character?