The stars of ABC’s upcoming “The Muppets,” Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy made an appearance at the series’ panel during the Television Critics Association’s 2015 summer press tour ahead of the series’ premiere next month.
In their first public appearance since their split, which Kermit announced via Twitter on Tuesday, the couple fielded questions about their break-up, the reality format of their new show as it compares to their previous projects, and working with ABC, the duo lit the mic on fire with sniping and quips.
“It can be tough to work with your ex … Especially when your ex is a pig.” – Kermit
When asked about his split from Miss Piggy, Kermit said that though it can sometimes be tough to work with an old flame, they are both professional adults who can put aside their personal issues when at work. Without going into too much detail about the split, Kermit allowed that: “People change. So do frogs and pigs.”
“It’s not really me. It’s me playing a version of me.” – Kermit
Kermit said that this project will be different from The Muppet’s previous projects because as a reality show, this will be the first time they aren’t playing characters on screen.
Here is the official statement from @RealMissPiggy and myself regarding our relationship: pic.twitter.com/uHCSsokqWR
— Kermit the Frog (@KermitTheFrog) August 4, 2015
“You will know who they are. Even if I don’t.” – Miss Piggy
“The Muppets” will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Miss Piggy’s new talk show, “Up Late With Miss Piggy,” on which Kermit will serve as an executive producer. The show promises lots of big-name guest stars, even the ones Miss Piggy doesn’t recognize.
“You can touch me! If I give you permission.” – Miss Piggy
Executive producer Bob Kushell pointed out that practical props and effects always have more impact than computer generated effects, leading Miss Piggy to proclaim that her physical body is a big draw of the show.
“I just decided one morning that I wasn’t going to get any older. You should try it.” – Miss Piggy
The Muppets have been appearing in movies and TV series for decades, but Miss Piggy never ages. According to her, the secret to her eternally youthful appearance is simple: willpower. According to the star, she simply looked in the mirror one morning and decided she was done with aging.
“I will meet anyone, anywhere, anytime. And put them in their place.” – Miss Piggy
Miss Piggy isn’t afraid of anyone, not even Ronda Rousey. When asked if she would be willing to take on Ronda Rousey, the UFC fighter who knocked out competitor Bethe Correia in 34 seconds last weekend, she declared that she’d be willing to take on any challenger.
Earlier in the day, Kermit issued the following statement on Twitter about the termination of longtime couple’s romantic entanglement:
After careful thought, thoughtful consideration and considerable squabbling, we have made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship. We will continue to work together on television (“The Muppets” Tuesdays 8/7c this fall on ABC) and in all media now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, throughout the universe. However, our personal lives are now distinct and separate, and we will be seeing other people, pigs, frogs, et al. This is our only comment on this private matter … unless we get the right offer. Thank you for understanding.
“The Muppets” will premiere on Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC.