Kelly Younger on Storytelling and Bringing the Muppets Back to the Stage

Kelly Younger '94, professor of English and affiliate professor of Theatre Arts, is a writer on the recently released "The Muppet Show" special. Produced by Seth Rogen, the special stars Sabrina Carpenter and features guest appearances from Maya Rudolph and others. It also marks the 50th anniversary of "The Muppets," which first aired in 1976 and introduced generations of audiences to iconic characters like Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and, of course, Kermit the Frog.

The original "Muppet Show" emerged during a period of economic and political uncertainty, offering audiences a joyful escape through music, comedy, and gleeful chaos in its vaudeville-style format. This latest iteration returns to that classic theater setting and structure, proving just as delightful and just as timely. As reviews pour in, the consensus is clear: the Muppets remain a much-needed mood boost. As The New York Times notes, "'The Muppet Show,' it turns out, doesn't need to be retooled for a new era, because the Muppets exist outside of time. These are, in fact, your grandparents' Muppets, and your parents'. And yet they're exactly the Muppets you need right now."

Younger recently took time to answer a few questions about the special and to share insights on storytelling, collaboration, and the enduring appeal of the Muppets.

After working on "Muppets Now," " Muppets Haunted Mansion," and writing Kermit's commencement speech, you've spent a lot of time with these characters. How does your familiarity with the characters inform the storytelling in your newest Muppet Show special?

It's a dream come true to work on so many different Muppet projects (including a few you don't know about yet). But every time I'm on set, it really does feel like hanging out with old friends who just happen to be extremely funny and slightly chaotic. Over time, you develop an instinct for how each character reacts under pressure… who panics, who over-performs, and who completely misunderstands the assignment. That familiarity lets us push the comedy while still keeping everyone emotionally true to who they are.

With the new "Muppet Show" coinciding with the original show's 50th anniversary, what do you think it is about the characters and storytelling that keeps audiences connecting with the Muppets after all these years?

At their core, the Muppets are underdogs. There's never enough money, rehearsal time, or organization, but they show up anyway and somehow create joy, empathy, and entertainment in a cynical world. They care too much. They fail publicly. They keep going. That mix of heart, humor, and chaos never gets old. And it's not lost on me that when the original show aired in the late 1970s, it was also a time of economic and political turmoil. The world needed the Muppets then… and I think we need them just as much now.

With Sabrina Carpenter and Seth Rogen featured in the special, were you able to collaborate or interact with them as part of the process?

One of the joys of working on any Muppets project is that everyone involved genuinely wants to play. Our special guests and celebrity cameos bring an incredible sense of humor and generosity to the process, and the writing always benefits when performers fully lean into the ridiculousness. And it's never not fun to watch a major star get completely starstruck when they meet their favorite Muppet.

To give some insight to aspiring writers, how do you and the Story team approach the writing process for a special like this?

We approach it the same way we approach any writing… by asking, "What will be the most entertaining?" Of course, we want to stay true to the characters and honor the legacy, but we also remind ourselves that for some viewers, this will be their very first Muppet Show. That raises the bar. We want it to be the best version we can possibly make, and we're incredibly proud of how it turned out.

How does your approach change when writing for an iconic character like Kermit, with a well-established voice and personality, compared to creating a brand-new character from scratch?

Most of these characters have very distinct, well-established personalities, which makes it fun to drop them into new situations or pair them in unexpected ways. With a new character, there's a lot more creative exploration and collaboration with the performer… trying different voices, inflections, and character traits until something clicks.

In the teaser, Kermit (voiced by Matt Vogel) says, 'It's the return of the Muppet Show… Back on the very stage where it all started, and then ended, and is maybe starting again depending on how tonight goes.' Could this line be hinting that the special might lead to a series relaunch?

Fingers crossed! The more of you who watch it, the more likely there will be more to watch!

How do you bridge your work as an English and screenwriting professor at LMU with your work as a writer in Hollywood?

Honestly, they feed each other. Teaching keeps me sharp, and writing keeps me honest. I'm very open with my students about the realities of a writing career, but I'm also always looking for ways to help them get their foot in the door through internships, interviews, and real networking connections. Seeing my students succeed is genuinely one of the best parts of the job.

How excited are your students about this special-and how do they feel knowing their professor was one of its writers?

You'd have to ask them. I think they appreciate that their professor is actively working in the industry and can share real, current insight. There's that old saying, "Those who can't do, teach," but I've always believed the opposite. Those who can do should teach. We have an obligation to support, guide, and invest in the next generation the same way others once did for us. That's why I love LMU.