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The term "Muppet" was coined by Jim Henson to describe his unique puppets, a blend of marionettes and puppets. These characters, typically made from foam rubber, plastic, and fabric, first appeared on Henson's show Sam and Friends in the 1950s. They gained widespread popularity through their appearances on Sesame Street starting in 1969.

Henson aimed to create content that appealed to adults as well as children, leading to the creation of The Muppet Show. This popular TV series, which ran from 1976 to 1981, featured iconic characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo, as they put on a weekly vaudeville show, often with celebrity guest stars. The success of The Muppet Show led to several films and spin-off series. The rights to the Muppets were acquired by Disney Company in 2004.1234

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