Kermit's Swamp Years

[Beauregard]

Actually I thought it was Algy the Aligator but my sister said it was Bernie. They sound similar I guess.

Beauregard

 

[frogboy4]

Luke-

Honestly, who cares if I'm being optimistic? It's much better than predicting its failure without firsthand knowledge and it certainly doesn't make me blind.

I think you are considering too much about this release. It is straight to video in the first place so there is little chance it will be a bomb and will quickly be forgotten even it is.

Here in the US, people have fickle minds and short memories. I doubt that Henson is worried about this film at all. They certainly don't seem concerned about anything else these days. [That was a bit of a slam at them if you didn't pick that up. LOL!]

I too have faith in their new series. Competition with (the actually funny) Greg the Bunny could cause the new show some trouble. The Muppets are something completely different so I hope not. Absolutely love that Tardy the Turtle!!! Reminds me of myself. "Tastes like purple."

 

[Luke]

Jamie

I also think that Greg could cause problems for the henson fox show - it's got such a head start against them and is much more suited to Fox. The cult following doesn't help the Muppets either and the show is much more suited to the channel.

Still - the Muppets have more on their side when it comes to international distribution so Fox/Henson should make more money there. I guess we shall see how Greg fares internationally - i doubt so good.

 

[frogboy4]

I doubt Greg the Bunny's international success, but I didn't expect it would have this much appeal so who knows. It certainly wont' be on par with the Muppets overseas.

I can't help but think of Greg as competition, but maybe it really is just another Fox program. It's not like the Simpsons battle The Family guy or King of the Hill so maybe the public and studio execs will be able to make that distinction.

You know, the only Fox program I know of that didn't receive proper support was Action with Jay Mohr. It was a very funny show (better suited for cable) that just didn't make it no matter how the critics raved. And every other word had to be bleeped out, but that became sort of a style thing.

 

[Luke]

Yeah Greg Vs Muppets won't be in competition publicly - there'll be in competition internally which is about a million times worse as most TV execs are middle aged boring men who rarely watch their own shows.

I think the problems will come when it comes to putting the Muppets on air and the execs sit in a board room and say we already have a puppet show, and it's got attitude and is popular so why should we give money to Henson. Obviously the answer there is that they are buying into the Henson 'name' and 'brand' which ensures it a good spot and hopefully a chance, but i doubt Fox will stick with the Muppets if it gets to a dodgy start IF they already have a successful cult puppet show on air too.

Publicly i do see the TV critics comparing the Muppets to Greg when it comes to previewing the new show, and also making a big deal that there are both on Fox. Thats not gonna be pretty but not devastatingly bad either.

Greg won't make it internationally - it's not the right type of humor for some foreign countries. It might do well here in the UK but its the type of show that will be stuck on at 1am on one of our network channels here. It's funny and ironic - but it's very American !

 

[frogboy4]

You are right; Greg is very American (unfortunately) though I do enjoy the show. Tardy the Turtle totally rocks. He's kind of slow, and shrieks like a girl when he's confused just like the frogboy. Only kidding. Kinda.

Anyway, Fox is known for backing their projects so I wouldn't completely agree with you. They have stood behind the critically acclaimed, though poorly rated Family Guy for a while now. Who knows, but it is definitely cause for concern. I just hope they get a Sunday night or Monday-Thursday timeslot. Being on Fox helps insure its success because the network is better known for counter-programming than runaway successes.

 

[dwmckim]

Fox may be good at counter-programming...but the only catch is...aren't people getting bored with watching programs about counters? (Count Von Count nonwithstanding!)

 

[Luke]

Yep i forgot that with Family Guy AND Simpsons they had two animation shows on air. I knew they backed projects but didn't think they would go that far when they already had a winning format in the same genre.

I'd think Fox are probably paying a LOT more to use an existing brand like the Muppets, than with a new animation from indie producers like Family Guy - so i wouldn't expect them to stand behind a failing Muppet show to a really massive extent but it's good that they have a good reputation and are prepared to stand up for their shows.

 

[frogboy4]

Actually Fox has many animated series: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama, King of the Hill...I may be forgetting one. Anyway, They really give most of their shows a fair chance (actually a few chances). Action was cancelled early on, but I think they knew that from the beginning. It was a funny show (about network execs) but it didn't catch on in the few weeks it was given - but that is an extremely rare case that they axe something that quick. They did pass on the Sopranos (which they developed) but everyone is entitled to a goof or two. LOL! I just hope they don’t bring back celebrity boxing.

 

[Gorgon Heap]

Luke

"even people who have seen it already think it's awful"

Who has seen it already that you've gotten word from?

David "Gorgon Heap" Ebersole