Is ‘The Muppets’ undergoing big overhaul? Showrunner exiting, reported changes coming

Who knew that a show featuring puppets could be so complicated?

We will start this article by admitting that we are a little bit behind on “The Muppets.” However, we did love the presentation that was filmed earlier this year, and found the first episode to be for the most part enjoyable and very funny. However, the ratings have declined sharply since the premiere, and critical reception has at times wavered.

Now, it is appearing as though some major creative changes are coming behind the scenes of the show. According to Deadline, showrunner Bob Kushell (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) is set to exit amidst some creative differences, and Kristin Newman (the brilliant “Galavant”) is in discussions to replace him. The show is airing ten episodes this fall, and the remaining six coming up for midseason are being considered in some ways a relaunch of the franchise.

Does this mean that the show is shifting away from its faux-documentary style, or from a focus on personal lives that has made Kermit the Frog and company a little bit more adult? It’s too early to say some of that, and may even be too early to say that the show will be drastically different. The thing to remember here above all else is that showrunner changes on comedies can be tricky. “Community” struggled without Dan Harmon, and “Awkward” has never been the same since Lauren Iungerich exited. At least “The Muppets” still has Bill Prady, who has always been a part of the creative vision with Kushell, around as an executive producer. He is limited mostly by schedule, as he also works in a similar capacity on “The Big Bang Theory” for CBS.

We’ll hopefully have some other news when it comes to what “The Muppets” plan on offering soon.