Untitled ABC Late Night series

In 1972, Jim Henson began talks with ABC to develop projects for the network, following his successful appearances on their own programs such as This Is Tom Jones and The Dick Cavett Show. The idea was a late night, adult-targeted show running just five minutes, not unlike Henson's prior Sam and Friends series.
A series of recurring characters and sketches were conceived for the show, such as the "Sage," who could remove his own head and answer questions from a pair of unhip Muppets. Another fleshed-out idea was a talk show spoof entitled "The Jackie Kavson Show," with Kermit the Frog playing the titular host. Not unlike the Panel Discussions that appeared during The Muppet Show's inaugural season, the show would feature an eclectic group of guests discussing a certain topic, which dissolves into chaos (requiring the arrival of the police).
Many other proposed characters and sketches would take on new life on The Muppet Show, such as a pair of elderly people chatting in their club or on a bench (Statler and Waldorf), a comical news report (Muppet News Flash), and a band of country musicians planned to resemble Henson and his compatriots.
ABC eventually passed on the idea, but continued to work with Henson in developing a full-length Muppet series, producing and airing the two Muppet Show pilot specials - The Muppets Valentine Show and The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence.
==Sources==
*Jim Henson's Red Book: 9/19-28/1972 – ‘UNIMA Festival – Jane and I go to Brussels then Charleville-Mezieres. Lost 5 min. show on ABC-Late Night.’
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Category:Unfinished TV