The Muppets S01E01
Can The Muppets ever be relevant again? That's not a question asked by the show, but I was wondering it while watching. I remember when the film The Muppets opened to a bit of success, it was a love letter to the fans, but failed to win many new ones, who seemed to not get what makes The Muppets funny.
Now comes the TV Series filmed in the style of "The Office", and I loved it. It's everything that's been at the core of the Muppets' success while finding a new fresh pipeline for their humor. But I'm already a fan. I grew up with "The Muppet Show" and I have a VHS with every episode of "Muppets Tonight". (It's remarkable how the new series follows a similar format of how and where the Guest Star and Musical Act are incorporated.) There's also a healthy amount of behind the scenes showbiz humor, which is also going to appeal to me more than most.
I just don't see non-fans tuning in. The jokes are funny, but wouldn't they be just as funny with people instead of Muppets? If you're a fan of The Muppets, I say enjoy it while it lasts. I'll probably buy the DVD with the never aired episodes a few months after the show gets cancelled.