I'm still wrapping my head around this whole adulthood thing, but besides paying taxes and having to work every day, there are some upsides. For example, no one can tell you what to do. So if Muppet Babies is getting a reboot from Disney Junior and it's intended for kids ages 4-7, my generation can still watch it, right? Totally. I'll trade three changing-a-flat-tires and two being-nice-to-someone-you-don't-likes for the right to get nostalgic with this blast from the past. That should be enough to earn me the freedom to watch in peace. According to a press release from Disney, production is just beginning and the Muppet Babies reboot will be out in 2018. That may sound a while away, but it's definitely worth the wait.
Apparently the show will use the same "mixed animation" that fans grew up loving, featuring 11-minute stories that center on the mini Muppets' adventures. These tiny heroes will take on everything you can imagine — from traveling in space to building a time machine. The length of the stories and the accessible plots are designed to appeal to kids, particularly to "impart creative and critical thinking skills by harnessing the power and potential of imaginative play," but that sounds like something my own brain would enjoy as well. You're never too old for some creative and critical-thinking skills, amirite? It's almost like doing a Sudoku puzzle or a crossword, except it's actually a burst of '80s- and '90s-themed pure joy. And best of all, someone else has already done all the work for you.
To get that nostalgia flowing, here's a look back at the original 1985 theme song:
As you can see in the main image above, Kermit and his pals have gotten a modern update for the reboot. Still, they're as adorable as ever. Just look at Miss Piggy's pink bow and Fozzie Bear's fun little hat.
Even though Muppet Babies will be geared toward younger kids, Disney is fully aware that fans from earlier generations will be tuning in. In fact, they even encourage it. In a press release, Debbie McClellan, The Muppets Studio Vice President, said,
"Bringing Muppet Babies to Disney Junior is a wonderful opportunity to reach a new generation of viewers and to creatively build on the innovative original series. We hope to engage and delight the nostalgic fans while also entertaining new kids, parents and diverse audiences through heart and humor as only the Muppets can deliver."
Challenge accepted, Disney. I will watch your show and I will love your show. You'll see who's laughing at the end. (Spoiler alert: It will be all of us — this sounds amazing and I can't wait.)
Image: Disney Junior
