Muppet Babies is an American animated television series that originally aired on CBS from September 15, 1984, to November 2, 1991. The series was inspired by a fantasy sequence in the 1984 live-action film The Muppets Take Manhattan, which depicted the Muppets as infants.
The show follows the adventures of baby versions of prominent Muppets characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Rowlf the Dog, and Scooter, under the care of their unseen nanny, Nanny. Later seasons introduced additional characters such as Skeeter (Scooter's twin sister) and Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker as babies.
Each episode typically revolves around the imaginative adventures the Muppet Babies embark on, fueled by their creative play and vivid imaginations. They often transport themselves to different environments and situations using their imaginations, represented through animated sequences often incorporating clips from classic movies and television shows. These fantasy sequences allowed the show to explore various genres and themes.
A key element of the series was the character of Nanny, who was only ever seen from the torso down. Her nurturing presence provided a sense of security and guidance for the Muppet Babies. Her voice was provided by Barbara Billingsley.
Muppet Babies was known for its positive messages about friendship, imagination, and problem-solving. It was also praised for its innovative animation style and its ability to appeal to both children and adults through its clever writing and pop culture references. The series spawned merchandise including toys, books, and video games.
The series was produced by Marvel Productions and Henson Associates, and was created by Jim Henson.