Paul and Corey Cross the Streams is a bi-monthly podcast in which hosts Paul Pakler and Corey Pepper watch and review streaming content. It’s the Great American Podcast where two friends learn about life as they float down the river of streaming services.

Let’s put on a show! It’s season 8 for Paul and Corey Cross the Streams, and this season we’re watching musicals. It’s a singular art form with a dynamic history, and we get to listen to a lot of cast recordings…

This week, Paul made a left at the large fork in the road and chose The Muppet Movie (1979).

The Muppets have been a cultural institution for nearly 60 years, and this was a great opportunity to talk about the artistry and philosophy of Jim Henson and the other artists who created them, including but not limited to Jane Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, and Dave Goelz, and writers (of The Muppet Show and film) Jerry Juhl and Jack Burns.

The Muppet Movie was an offshoot of The Muppet Show (which itself was a reworking of their time on Saturday Night Live), and so Paul and Corey talk about how the two relate and the type of sketches, celebrity cameos, and humor the Muppets were known for.

Of course, the film might possibly not be as beloved if not for the beautiful songs and music written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher.

And ultimately Paul and Corey talk about the magic of the Muppets. Why they appeal to kids of any age, and why Jim Henson is such a beloved artist.

This Episode’s Focus: The Muppet Movie (1979)
Host’s Choice: Paul Pakler
Stream on: Stream on Disney+; Rent on all the usual suspects
Corey’s Recipe Recommendations for This Episode: Pork Belly Burnt Ends and Louisiana Frog Legs

Be sure to subscribe to Paul and Corey Cross the Streams on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@PACCTSpodcast)!

Special thanks to Tobin for our incredible theme song and Dave Droxler for our podcast’s logo and artwork.