The Muppets All-Star Comedy Gala

Originally aired on Christmas Eve, 2012, this Muppets 90 minute Special takes place at the Just For Laughs venue in Montreal. It shares some concept with the recent (2011) Muppets movie with Jason Segal in that Kermit hosts several acts, mostly Canadian comedians, and is in the style of the old Muppet Show as well. The highlight for me is Wawa, Ontario born Pete Zedlacher, whose set kept me in hysterics. I have watched this show 3 times just for his performance. There are several other notable comedians as well, including well-know Canadian Steve Patterson. Many of these performers tour with Just For Laughs across the country from time to time, but this TV special is Free, and you can see it at home! I strongly recommend this 90 minutes of great Family entertainment to all - whether you are from the Great White North or not (some of the cultural or other domestic references may go over your head though). The Muppets themselves are also ALWAYS welcome in my home - the 70's era program was the best television show of all time!

I was very suprised to find "The Muppets All-Star Comedy Gala" on Tubi, as you just don't think about seeing these puppets hosting a live television show! But apparently some French-Canadian folks convinced the Muppets to host this comedy extravaganza.

So is it any good? Well, yes and no. As you'd expect, the Muppets were generally great (aside from the musical number sung by Miss Piggy) and you wanted to see more of them....even after seeing bits by Fozzy, Dr. Honeydew and Beaker, the Swedish Chef, Gonzo, and Statler and Waldorf. As for the comedy acts, sadly, they were mostly poor. The second guy, the Aussie, was very funny. But the rest....not. One, the third, was loud and abrasive...but not funny.

BTW, I noticed that one review said that there were Christmas themes in this. I just saw all of it and saw no references to Christmas nor any Christmas decorations and audience members were dressed (mostly) in t-shirts. Is there another different Muppets video like this but set around Christmas?! I just know what I saw had none of this.

So, overall this is a very mixed bag....good Muppets, mostly poor comedy.