The Network TV Pitch Reel for The Muppet Show Made by Jim Henson in 1975

This is the original network television pitch reel for The Muppet Show made by Jim Henson to sell to CBS. It features Leo from the Muppet Meeting Films as an anchorman who announces “Small children will love the cute cuddly characters. Young people will love the fresh innovative comedy. College kids and intellectual eggheads will love the underlying symbolism of everything. Freaky long hair, dirty, cynical hippies will love our freaky long hair, dirty, cynical Muppets.”

Leo, dressed in a suit and tie, announces that Jim Henson and CBS executive George Schlatter have merged into one being, to bring to television: “The Muppet Show! A show that will be loved and adored by Nielsen families all over the country!” Leo insists that the show will make them rich and famous. As his speech continues, he becomes increasingly excited and crazed (a motif previously used in “Sell! Sell! Sell!”). He practically explodes in a burst of patriotism and enthusiasm.

After Leo’s powerful speech, Kermit appears from off-screen against a CBS logo and shrugs, “What the hell was that all about?”

via Tracey Feldstein