On this day April 14, 1989, The Jim Henson Hour premiered on NBC, bringing a fresh and imaginative variety show format to television. Created by the legendary Jim Henson, the series mixed puppetry, fantasy, and behind the scenes creativity, showcasing both new Muppet segments and experimental short films.
The show featured a mix of comedy, music, and storytelling, with appearances from familiar Muppet characters as well as brand new ones. It was divided into two parts the first half often featured classic Muppet humor and sketches, while the second half explored fantasy, science fiction, or documentary style stories, including episodes of The Storyteller. The Jim Henson Hour ran for only one season with 12 episodes, but it was praised for its ambition and innovation. It gave audiences a deeper look into Henson’s creative world beyond The Muppet Show, blending heart, humor, and visual wonder.
Fun fact: The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Variety or Music Program, and The Storyteller segments remain fan favorites to this day.
Trivia question: What 1989 variety series created by Jim Henson mixed Muppet comedy with fantasy storytelling and aired for one season on NBC?
The show featured a mix of comedy, music, and storytelling, with appearances from familiar Muppet characters as well as brand new ones. It was divided into two parts the first half often featured classic Muppet humor and sketches, while the second half explored fantasy, science fiction, or documentary style stories, including episodes of The Storyteller. The Jim Henson Hour ran for only one season with 12 episodes, but it was praised for its ambition and innovation. It gave audiences a deeper look into Henson’s creative world beyond The Muppet Show, blending heart, humor, and visual wonder.
Fun fact: The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Variety or Music Program, and The Storyteller segments remain fan favorites to this day.
Trivia question: What 1989 variety series created by Jim Henson mixed Muppet comedy with fantasy storytelling and aired for one season on NBC?
