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The following is a list of Muppet Mentions made in TV shows outside of the Henson/Sesame fold, which are too brief or minor to constitute having their own page in the TV Mentions category. See also: Minor Movie Mentions.
2 Broke Girls
The CBS series chronicles the lives of two waitresses, Max and Caroline, in their early twenties working together at a Brooklyn restaurant and dream of one day opening a cupcake shop for which they need to raise $250,000. Although they can barely afford anything with the pay they receive at work, and must continually find ways to make ends meet.
In the episode, "And Hoarder Culture," Caroline takes a temp job as a professional organizer from Craiglist, but doesn't realize she is cleaning a hoarder's apartment till she arrives at the place. When Caroline brings Max with her to the apartment, Max is excited at the hoarder's items around her. Then Caroline ask what pile of items are in the corner and Max replied, "It is either an old shag carpet or a masquerade of dead Muppets."
- Connections
- Martha Stewart appeared in "And Martha Stewart Have a Ball"
An animated Canadian sitcom set in the fictional "Galleria Shopping Mall", and follows an ensemble cast of six sixteen-year-old friends as they explore their first part-time jobs and lives as teenagers.
In episode, "Boo, Dude," Jen Masterson has to dress up as a pig for Halloween at her job and one guy says, "Yo Miss Piggy, digging the snout, man."
According to Jim
- In the season 8 episode "Two for the Money", Jim tells Cheryl that he took the twins to the art institute and mentions some exhibits they saw. Andy pulls Jim aside and asks him where he knows all that stuff from, Jim tells him that Elmo and Big Bird from Sesame Street went to the museum.
- Connections
- Kimberly Williams Paisley played Dana
- Dan Aykroyd played Danny Michalski
- Brad Paisley played Chad
- Tara Strong voiced the Crying Babies in "Separate Ways" and "The Blankie"
- Erik Estrada as himself
All That
Nickelodeon sketch comedy show, in the pilot episode, a frog rapper (played by Kenan Thompson) is asked if Kermit is his father?
In another episode, in a "Good Burger" sketch, recurring character Ed falls in love with a co-worker. The co-worker asks a customer "Isn't he cute?" and the customer says "Yeah, he should be a Muppet!"
A.N.T. Farm
A Disney Channel sitcom about the lives of kids, who are part of a high school program for advanced young adults.
In the episode "bad romANTs," self-centered Lexi Reed makes it a mission to make it into the school newspaper. One of her attempts to to have her friend Paisley pretend to choke. She states she has food caught in her "Snuffleupagus."
In "amusemANT," Paisley, Lexi and Olive compete in a doll beauty pageant, hosted by an aging puppet character Bernie, formally a character on the 70's childrens' show Poppyseed Place (a Sesame Street spoof). When Olive's talent portion results in a chemical explosion, he mentions he hasn't seen such a bomb since Cookie Monster's performance in The Color Purple.
Antiques Roadshow
An American show on PBS, based on a British program of the same name, the program has had one partially unintentional reference to Sesame Street. Rudy Franchi, of Heritage Auction Galleries of Dallas, wore an Oscar the Grouch tie in a 2001 appraisal, that didn't air until November 2008 episode "Politically Correct".
Henson Alternative has parodied the format.
An MTV sitcom about a high schooler named Jenna and her friends and enemies.
In the episode "Knocker Nightmare," Jenna wears a green sling with googly eyes. At one point, she mentions that she has Elmo on her arm.
Back To You
- In the series pilot, Marsh McGinley recalls one wild time when he and Chuck Darling hung out with two skater girls with gorgeous legs, who were dressed up as characters on Sesame Street on Ice. Marsh recalled that Chuck banged Bert and Chuck replied, "That particular night was brought to you by the letter O."
- Connections
- Ty Burrell played Gary Crezyzewski
- Kelsey Grammer played Chuck Darling
- Christopher Lloyd is one of the co-creator and executive producer of the show
- Fred Willard played Marsh McGinley
Beavis and Butt-head
- During the music video, I Don't Think So by Dinosaur Jr, Beavis and Butt-head talk about how this music video relates to Sesame Street. Butt-Head mentions one of the band looks like Grover and Beavis starts to sing, "One of these things is not like the other/One of these things just doesn't, uh, belong...." Then Beavis says, "You know the guy that comes out, and he goes "Twelve chocolate cakes", and then he, like, falls on his butt, and the cakes spill all over the place? That was pretty cool." The duo then later notice that one of the chick puppets looks hot and Beavis said that she is one of the top three Muppets that he would do. Butt-Head then asks who else he would do.
- Beavis: Well, Miss Piggy's kinda hot.
- Butt-head: That fat pig?
- Beavis: Shut up, Butt-head! I like 'em with a little meat on their bones.
- During the music video, The Family Ghost by King Diamond, Beavis says that the lead singer looks like the Count. Butt-head agrees and does an imitation of Count as he counts four buttknockers with the trademark laugh.
- During the music video, Mockingbirds by Grant Lee Buffalo, Butt-Head notice there are a lot of big Muppet-like birds there and then Beavis talks about Big Bird and how he never poops.
- Connections
- Cloris Leachman voiced Old Woman in Beavis and Butt-head Do America
- David Letterman voiced Mötley Crüe Roadie #1 - a.k.a. Butt-Head's Dad (credited as Earl Hofert) in Beavis and Butt-head Do America
- Robert Stack voiced ATF Agent Flemming in Beavis and Butt-head Do America
- Demi Moore voiced Dallas Grimes in Beavis and Butt-head Do America
- Bruce Willis voiced Muddy Grimes in Beavis and Butt-head Do America
- In the episode, "Man Plans, God Laughs", John Becker's nurse and office manager, Margaret, is at home with the flu and Becker's other flaky nurse, Linda, is left in charge of the office. When the office is in chaos, Linda recommends Becker to rename the exam rooms to A, B and C and put the patients in them according to the letter of their ailment. Becker then calls up Margaret to beg her to come back to the office by explaining to her, "She wants to bring the patients in alphabetically, Margaret. She's turning the place into Sesame Street."
- In the episode, "Heart Breaker," Becker goes on a date with a woman who is younger than him. When his friends at Reggie's diner find out because Margaret called them, they made fun of him. Bob says, "So Becker's taking a walk down Sesame Street?" and Jake replies, "Looks like Oscar the Grouch has a girlfriend."
- In the episode, "Really Good Advice," Becker plans a date with a woman name Beth and tells Reggie that they are going to meet tomorrow. Reggie tells Becker that today is Tuesday and tomorrow is Wednesday to make a point that Wednesday dates are pity dates. Becker replies, "Well thanks Big Bird. Maybe later we'll work on numbers."
- Connections
- LeVar Burton played Mr. Haller in "Beckerethics"
- Bill Capizzi played Mr. Capelli in "Pilot" and "Smoke'em If You Got 'Em"
- Ted Danson played John Becker
- Rhea Perlman played Dr. Simmons in "Psycho Therapy"
- Richard Schiff played Berry in "Truth and Consequences"
- Avery Schreiber played Mr. Perkins in "My Boyfriend's Back"
- Dick Van Dyke played Fred Becker in "Becker the Elder"
- Hattie Winston played Margaret Wyborn
Being Erica
In the third season premiere of the CBC drama series Being Erica, Julianne Giacomelli comments to Erica Strange about the gay village-area coffee shop Goblin's, then under renovation. Both Fraggle Rock and Being Erica were produced by CBC.
- Erica: Whoa, what is going on here?
- Julianne: Well it looks like Fraggle Rock, but it sounds like Queer as Folk.
Ben 10
An animated series, and two sequels, about a boy who can turn into aliens with a device called the Omnitrix.
The ninth episode of the second season of Ben 10: Ultimate Alien was titled "It's Not Easy Being Gwen".
- Connections
- Michael Dorn voiced Viktor, Benvicktor
- Rob Paulsen voiced Ditto
- Tara Strong voiced Ben Tennyson, Upgrade, Benwolf, Lucy Tennyson, Ken Tennyson, and Sandra Tennyson.
- Cree Summer voiced Frightwig
Better Off Ted
In the episode, "Change We Can't Believe In", Veronica (Portia de Rossi) calls scientists Phil (Jonathan Slavin) and Lem (Malcolm Barrett) "Bunsen" and "Beaker".
The Bill Engvall Show
In the episode "Car Trouble", Bryan Pearson (Skyler Gisondo) gets in a fight at school, and tries to get his parents to not call the school because they'll embarrass him. Lauren Pearson (Jennifer Lawrence) points out that he has an Elmo lunchbox and is worried that his mother (Nancy Travis) would embarrass him. Bryan points out that "The Muppets are timeless!"
Black Dynamite
An animated series on Cartoon Network's [adult swim] block, based on the movie of the same name.
The pilot episode, "Trouble on Puppet Street," features many references to Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. Black Dynamite and his crew are hired to take out That Frog Curtis, a the main character of "The Puppet Show" (described by a government agent as a low-budget way to entertain kids while the school system was fledgling), as he is about to start a child robbery wave across the country. Arriving at Puppet Street, they blow up Crenshaw the Slime, a trash can-dwelling creature. They are soon captured by Curtis and his army (featuring spoofs of Ernie, Bert and Big Bird), but Curtis is quickly defeated. "The Puppet Show" seen in the episode mixes elements of The Muppet Show (such as the logo and theater setting), Sesame Street (a brownstone and garage are seen on stage) and other tiny references (including a rainbow on stage).
The Bob Newhart Show
The second season episode "The Last TV Show" deals with psychologist Robert Hartley appearing on a public television show. His neighbor Howard Borden says, "Oh, I love public television. They have such interesting people on: William F. Buckley, David Susskind, The Muppets."
- Connections
- Peter Bonerz played Jerry Robinson
- H. B. Haggerty played the Hammer in "Ex-Con Job"
- Mariette Hartley played Marilyn Dietz in "Have You Met Miss Dietz?"
- Raul Julia played Greg Robinson in "Oh, Brother!"
- Bruce Kirby played Dr. Klein in "Fit, Fat and Forty One"
- Penny Marshall played a stewardess in "Fly the Unfriendly Skies" and Miss Larson (1972-1973)
- Pat Morita played the bartender in "Bob and Emily and Howard and Carol and Jerry"
- Howard Morris played Shorty Vance in "Jerry's Retirement"
- Bob Newhart played Dr. Robert Hartley
- Tom Patchett wrote several episodes, served as executive producer and story consultant from the third season onward, and appeared as David Robbins in "Mister Emily Hartley" and Dave Death in "If Death Be My Destiny."
- John Ritter played Dave in "Sorry, Wrong Mother"
- Richard Schaal played Chuck Brock in "Goodnight Nancy" and Don in "By the Way.... You're Fired" and "Life Is a Hamburger"
- Jay Tarses wrote several episodes, served as executive producer and story consultant from the third season onward, and appeared as a waiter in "Mister Emily Hartley" and "Enter Mrs. Peeper"
- Fred Willard played John Tobin in "Tobin's Back in Town"
- Henry Winkler played Miles Lascoe in "Clink Shrink"
Bo' Selecta!
The British show Bo' Selecta! has referenced The Muppets numerous times, especially in the third series premier in which celebrity stalker Avid Merrion gets his own TV show and promises it will be "Just like the Muppets!". Statler and Waldorf who rebut that it is not at all like The Muppets- "The Muppets dumps all over this dumps all over this shit!" The duo appear throughout the episode commenting on Avid's antics.
Boston Legal
- In the season two episode "Stick It," Paul Lewiston's daughter Rachel can be seen cleaning up her daughter's toys. Clearly visible in one shot is The Sesame Street Treasury Volume 8.
- In the episode "Truly, Madly, Deeply," Zozo the Clown cites Sesame Street as an influential children's television program.
- Connections
- Candice Bergen played Shirley Schmidt
- Corbin Bernsen played Eli Granger in "...There's Fire!"
- Julie Bowen played Denise Bauer
- Phyllis Diller played herself in "Brotherly Love"
- Michael J. Fox played Daniel Post (2005-2006)
- Ken Jeong played Coroner Myron Okubo in "The Innocent Man"
- Larry King played himself in "Truly, Madly, Deeply"
- Heather Locklear played Kelly Nolan in "The Black Widow" and "Schadenfreude"
- Jane Lynch played Joanna Monroe
- Michael McKean played Dwight Biddle in "Truly, Madly, Deeply"
- Jenny O'Hara played Judge Kimberly Ohlund in "Squid Pro Quo"
- Bernadette Peters played Judge Marianna Folger in "Guantanamo by the Bay"
- Richard Portnow played Judge Peter Harding in four episodes
- Carl Reiner played Milton Bombay in "Let Sales Ring"
- Joan Rivers played herself in "Whose God Is It Anyway?"
- Tom Selleck played Ivan Tiggs
- William Shatner played Denny Crane
- Nicole Sullivan played Joan Rubin in "...There's Fire!"
- Meredith Vieira played herself in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
- Lisa Waltz played Dorothy Scanlon in "Trial of the Century"
- Betty White played Catherine Piper
In the game "Faces" in the pilot episode, a distorted image had two Fraggles Red and Mokey. In the game "Museum Mis
stakes" in the second episode, a 1663 Dutch family pic has a TV set with Cookie Monster.
In the first episode, head ranger Woody Johnson recalls his former PTSD. A flashback cutaway is shown of him attempting suicide, with a gun in one hand and a Kermit puppet in the other.
In the season one finale, "A Nutcracker in Paradise," Weezer's cover of "Rainbow Connection" from The Green Album plays during Boo's speech to Carl and their dance.
- Connections
- Sutton Foster plays Michelle
California Dreams
In the season 4 episode, "Two Too Much," Tiffani Smith introduces her date, Bruce, to her friend, Jake Sommers. Bruce replies that they only have a few minutes because they have expensive tickets to "Muppets on Ice." Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus are mentioned in dialogue.
Cash Cab
Cash Cab is a Discovery Channel television game show that takes place in a New York City taxi cab, where contestants must answer trivia questions for different amounts of money whilst trying to get to their destination without getting three wrong answers and getting kicked out.
In one episode, a Red Light Challenge topic as to name the six Sesame Street Muppets that have appeared on the show since its start in 1969. The contestants won the challenge before time ran out.
- Errors
- The show mistakenly lists Mr. Snuffleupagus as a character that has appeared since 1969, when he has only been around since 1971.
In the first season episode "Home Is Where The Heart Stops," Rick Castle (Nathan Fillion) refers to the main suspect in a murder case as a "perp." Two assisting detectives ask why writers always call them that, and offer a list of other names real cops call them. Among them are several pop culture references including Destro (from G.I. Joe), Sleestacks (from Land of the Lost) and Skeksis.
- Connections
- Lisa Waltz played Laurie Horn in "Hell Hath No Fury"
A sitcom about a Boston bar, which ran on NBC from 1982 to 1993.
- In the 1984 episode "I Call Your Name," Diane describes Sam as "a man whose idea of intellectual stimulation is to count along with Big Bird."
- In the 1987 episode "A House Is Not a Home" Sam and Diane are hosting one last Christmas for the Miller family as they have bought their house. One of the kids gets a Cookie Monster plush.
- Connections
- Dick Cavett played himself in "They Called Me Mayday"
- Thomas Haden Church played Gordie Brown in "Death Takes a Holiday on Ice"
- John Cleese played Dr. Simon Finch-Royce in "Simon Says"
- Ted Danson played Sam Malone
- Kelsey Grammer played Dr. Frasier Crane
- Arsenio Hall played himself in "Where Nobody Knows Your Name"
- Pat Hingle played Gus O'Malley in "The Last Picture Show"
- Carol Kane played Amanda Boyer in "A Ditch in Time"
- Christopher Lloyd played Phillip Semenko in "I'll Be Seeing You"
- Bebe Neuwirth played Lilith Sternin
- Rhea Perlman played Carla Tortelli
- Markie Post played Heather Landon in "Just Three Friends"
- Alex Trebek played himself in "What is... Cliff Clavin?"
- George Wendt played Norm Peterson
- On the third episode of Chuck, the title character's best friend and sister discuss Chuck's future:
- Morgan: You don't understand. He is a fragile little gelding. You know? Still trying to find his legs. The real world will crush him.
- Ellie: Do you know what a gelding is?
- Morgan: [scoff] It's that weird creature from The Dark Crystal. "Smells like gelding"... that guy.
- In the third season episode "Chuck Versus the Mask," Chuck is looking for the antidote to a poison in one of several vases in a museum. He says to himself, "C'mon Chuck, one of these things is not like the others."
- In "Chuck vs the Aisle of Terror" Ellie and her mom are shopping in a baby store where some Sesame Street dolls are on display.
- Connections
- Chevy Chase played Ted Roark in three 2009 episodes
- Udo Kier played Otto von Vogel in "Chuck Versus the Role Models" (2010)
- Jenny McCarthy played Sylvia Arculin in "Chuck Versus the Suburbs" (2009)
- Robert Picardo played Perseus in "Chuck Versus the Lethal Weapon" (2009)
- Andy Richter played Brad White in "Chuck Versus the Suburbs" (2009)
- Brian Thompson played Cliff in "Chuck Versus the Suburbs" (2009)
- Fred Willard played Craig Turner in "Chuck Versus the Role Models"
The Cleveland Show
- In the fifth episode of the Family Guy spin-off, "Cleveland Junior's Cherry Bomb," depicts Cleveland and his son at a baseball game when the giant screen shows the "Kiss Cam." One of the couples making out is Ernie and Bert.
- In the episode, "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Roberta," Cleveland asks his wife, Donna, to hand him a towel with a hood that makes him look like Cookie Monster. Donna gets a blue towel with Cookie Monster Eyeballs on it.
- In the episode, "Terry Unmarried", as Cleveland Junior was walking to the bathroom, he scats to the Sesame Street cartoon: "Loaf of bread, container of milk, stick of butter...".
- In the episode, "Brown Magic", Cleveland told Rallo that he is just a prop and that nobody remembers Oscar the Grouch, but they did remember Caroll Spinney.
- In the episode "American Prankster", Donna is taking away Rallo's toys, including a Tickle-me-Elmo doll. Later, Cleveland is seen playing in his bedroom with the same doll, but throws it away.
- Connections
- Edward Asner voiced The Daily Splash Editor in "The Curious Case of Jr. Working at The Stool"
- Jason Alexander voiced Saul Friedman in "Brotherly Love"
- Seth Green voiced his Family Guy character Chris Griffin in various episodes and in "Our Gang." He also voiced Kurt Cobain in "Da Doggone Daddy-Daughter Dinner Dance."
- Jane Lynch voiced Ms. Eck in "Love Rollercoaster"
- Kevin Michael Richardson voices various characters.
- Ashley Tisdale voiced Lacey Stapleton in "The Curious Case of Jr. Working at The Stool"
- Danny Trejo voiced Danny Trejo in "Hot Cocoa Bang Bang" (2011)
- Patrick Warburton voices Joe Swanson in various episodes.
- Kanye West voices Kenny West
- Will.i.am voices Bernard
Click and Clack's As the Wrench Turns
Satirical animated limited series aired on PBS in 2008 loosely inspired by Car Talk and featuring numerous jokes about public television and radio. In one episode, Big Bird and Cookie Monster beat up Click and Clack after their station fails to meet its fundraising goals.
In the episode "Campaign," Sal gambles away Click and Clack's fundraising money on a bet on whether or not the number of the day on Sesame Street will be even. After she discovers it is even (4), she angrily comments, "The Count is killing me this month!"
Comedy Central's Last Laugh 2005
Last Laugh 2005 was a TV special that aired on Comedy Central and opened with a number by William Shatner as The Devil.
In a public service announcement sketch spoof concerning the possible threat of the Avian Flu, a red bird puppet named Burt Flu teaches viewers about the disease, how to avoid it, and what they should and shouldn't do (demonstrated by child actors and some adults)
Burt then says that his brother "Big Bird" Flu will give out a list of more do's and don'ts. The camera cuts to a park where "Big Bird" Flu (full-body puppet like Big Bird of Sesame Street) is seen almost featherless, shaking, coughing and falling to the ground.
Corner Gas
Corner Gas is a TV show set in Dog River, Saskatchewan. It airs on CTV.
In the episode "TV Free Dog River", Dog River is competing against another town for who survives not watching TV for one week. However, Oscar offers to people "You want some Muppets? Or how about The Flintstones?
- Connections
- Eric Peterson played Oscar
The Critic
The Critic is an animated series that ran on ABC and FOX from 1994 to 1995 about a movie critic named Jay Sherman. In an episode guest starring Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert as themselves, Sherman is seduced by the two for a position as their co-host on their own TV show. As Ebert thumbs through a photo album, he points out a picture of he and Siskel from the year they went as Ernie and Bert for Halloween.
- Connections
- Judd Apatow was a writer and producer for the show
- Christine Cavanaugh voiced Marty Sherman
- Margaret Cho appeared in the pilot episode
- Judith Ivey voiced Eleanor Sherman
- Jon Lovitz voiced Jay Sherman
- Rhea Perlman voiced Ardeth
- Gene Shalit voiced himself
- Russi Taylor voiced Penny Tompkins
Curb Your Enthusiasm
An HBO comedy starring Larry David, executive producer of Seinfeld, playing a fictional version of himself, his life following the successful series, and the odd situations he gets himself into, often due to his social awkwardness.
- "The Nanny From Hell" (Season 3, episode 4)
Martine (Cheri Oteri), the nanny in the title, divulges she knows the secret from Susie Greene. (Susie Essman)
- Martine: Hey congratulations!
- Susie: Congratulations on what, dear?
- Martine: (whispers) On the baby. Congratulations.
- Susie: How did you know about that?
- Martine: (motions to Larry) Big Bird told me.
- "The Grand Opening" (Season 3, episode 10)
Larry has inadvertently broken both thumbs of food critic Andy Portico (Paul Wilson). Now both his hands are in casts.
- Portico: I look like a fuckin' Muppet.
- "The Lefty Call" (Season 6, episode 4)
Larry and Richard Lewis (himself) argue over a couple wanting more children.
- Richard: Who are you to them how many kids to have?
- Larry: She's got nine kids. C'mon, that's plenty!
- Richard: She wants more children!
- Larry: How many does she need?"
- Richard: Who the fuck are you, the Messiah? The Count?
- Connections
- Jason Alexander played himself in five episodes
- Anne Bancroft played herself in "Opening Night"
- Philip Baker Hall played Doctor Morrison in two episodes
- Michael Bloomberg played himself in "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox"
- Mel Brooks played himself in four episodes
- Ted Danson played himself in 13 episodes
- Madeleine Doherty played herself in "Opening Night" (2004)
- Judah Friedlander played Donald in "The Blind Date" (2004)
- Ricky Gervais played himself in "The Hero"
- Harry Hamlin played Dino in "The Smiley Face"
- Cheryl Hines plays Cheryl David
- Michael J. Fox played himself in "Larry vs. Michael J. Fox"
- Nathan Lane played himself in "Opening Night" (2004)
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus played herself in eight episodes
- Michael McKean played Matt Tessler in two episodes
- Rosie O'Donnell played herself in four episodes
- Michael Richards played himself in three episodes
- Robert Smigel played Yari in "Mister Softee"
- Mary Steenburgen played herself in five episodes
- Ben Stiller played himself in four episodes
- Rita Wilson played Anne Michaelson in "The Doll" (2001)
- Jerry Seinfeld played himself in six episodes
- Wanda Sykes played herself in nine episodes
- Moon Unit Zappa played Haboos in "The Blind Date" (2004)
Da Ali G Show
In episode #4 of Season 1, Ali G conducts an interview with four media analysts. He mentions that he's learned a lot from watching Sesame Street and asks why there isn't a version of it for kids, oblivious that it's a kids' show to begin with.
Dave's World
- In the series pilot, Shel ask Beth if it is the breast that makes them good with kids. Kenny tried to bring up another subject relating to breast, but Dave tried to stop him from talking about it. Kenny replied back, "Oh I'm sorry. If they're not on a Muppet, you people aren't interested."
- In the episode, "It's A Small Van After All," Dave tries to keep the family happy in the van ride to Walt Disney World. He mentions some cds to listen including "Sing Along with Kermit."
- Connections
- Patrick Warburton played Eric in the second season.
Dead Like Me
- In the pilot, George considers talking to a little girl before saving her soul. After asking her name, she thinks to herself, "I didn't know what to say after that. I mean, it's not like they cover this sort of thing on Sesame Street."
- In the episode "Curious George", a photographer uses a Tutter puppet to try and make Reggie smile for a family photo.
- In the same episode, George and Mason have the following exchange:
- George: I was dreaming about frogs.
- Mason: Real ones, or like Kermit?
Degrassi: The Next Generation
- In the episode "Ghost in the Machine, Pt. 2", Ashley Kerwin and Craig Manning are having a discussion about their rock band and fellow bandmembers.
- Ashley: You know, you guys should try going a little more post-Emo. Still punk, but less mopey.
- Craig: I don't think the other guys even know what regular Emo is. Spinner probably thinks it's a Muppet.
- In the episode "Ladies' Night", Anya tricks Holly J. Sinclair into devouring a double chocolate chip cookie during a fast for charity, during which Holly is also secretly videotaped and shown to an auditorium. Later when Holly J. comes to speak in the auditorium, Anya introduces her as: "It's the Cookie Monster!" A student in the audience taunts in a gruff monstery voice, "Holly J. hungry!"
- In the episode "Crocodile", Rita (Julie Benz) serves Dexter (Michael C. Hall) a plate of cookies and tells him that he is "snarfing them down like the Cookie Monster".
- Connections
- John Lithgow played Arthur Mitchell
- Jimmy Smits played ADA Miguel Prado
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner played Rita's lawyer in "Seeing Red"
Dexter's Laboratory
Dexter's Laboratory originated as a part of Cartoon Network's What A Cartoon! show before becoming it's own series, which initially ran from 1996 to 2003.
Puppet Pals Mitch and Clem, who visually resemble Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie and stand behind the traditional brick wall, star in a show-within-a-show featured primarily in The Justice Friends segments. The Puppet Pals have also been seen in live-action form in their own filler segments. They've also appeared on The Powerpuff Girls.
- Connections
- Christine Cavanaugh was the original voice of Dexter.
- Eddie Deezen voiced Mandark.
- Dom DeLuise voiced Koosalagoopagoop in several episodes.
- Rob Paulsen voiced Puppet Pal Mitch and other characters.
- Paul Williams guest starred in the episode "Just an Old Fashioned Lab Song."
Dharma and Greg
- In the season 4 episode "Sleepless in San Francisco," Pete mentions his dad's favorite movie is The Muppets Take Manhattan.
- In the season 5 episode "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's ... My Wife" Kitty hired a decorator to design Greg's office at his father's company. In one of the designs, a Kermit telephone is on Greg's desk. When the phone rings, Edward says, "Your frog's ringing."
- Connections
- Edward Asner played Earl Tucker
- Dick Clark appeared as himself
- Paul Dooley played Judge Harper
- Mimi Kennedy played Abby O'Neil
- k.d. lang appeared as herself
- Jessica Lundy played Patty
- Kevin Nealon played Mr. Clayborn
- Stuart Pankin played Mr. Gottlieb and Rabbi Mutchnik
- Penn and Teller played a Pimp and Mr. Boots
- Yeardley Smith played Marlene
- Kevin Sorbo played Charlie
- Florence Stanley played Rose Hoffman
- Ellis E. Williams played Al in "Hell to the Chief" (2000)
Diagnosis Murder
In the second part of the fifth season episode "Retribution", Canin is counting backwards when Steve surprises him. "I guess watching Sesame Street finally paid off for you, Canin. You count real pretty."
Diff'rent Strokes
In the episode "Arnold's Hero", when Arnold's adopted father Mr. Drummond informs Arnold that he won't be able to meet Muhammad Ali as promised, he says that he'll make it up to him by taking him "to see the Muppet film, for the twelfth time."
- Connections
- Dabney Coleman played Fred Tanner in "Arnold's Girlfriend"
- Whitman Mayo played Jethro Simpson "The Adoption" (1979)
- Edie McClurg played Betty in "Arnold the Entrepeneur"
- Charlotte Rae played Mrs. Edna Garrett (1978-1979)
- In the tenth episode of the first season, "Haunted":
- Jocelyn Bashford: [crying] God, I'm so emo.
- Margaret Bashford: I have to say, there's a part of me that's not sad to see someone mourning my friend.
- Jocelyn: Is that what this is?
- Margaret: You lost your mother. It's only natural you'd be so elmo.
- Jocelyn: Emo.
- Margaret: That's not a word, sweetie.
- In the first episode of the second season, "Vows":
- [Claire wakes up Topher by sexually seducing him]
- Topher Brink: What the hell? Are you drunk?
- Claire Saunders: I'm just trying to be my best.
- Topher: Whoah, I don't want your best.
- Claire: [notices his arousal] Well, I think you do.
- Topher: [covering his crotch] That is the minority vote. And you tricked it. Okay? A guy's asleep... could'a been Fozzie Bear and it would have...
- Topher: [gestures]
- Topher: Not that I think about Fozzie Bear.
- Connections
- Jane Espenson wrote two episodes and served as Consulting Producer
Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
- In episode 6, "It's Just Sex", June donates some stuff of Chloe's to the rummage sale, and the woman at the desk finds love letters from a celebrity and says, "I had a suitor myself - Frederick Spitz." When June looks puzzled, she says, "The famous puppeteer. His hand manipulated a Muppet for 40 years."
- Connections
- James van der Beek plays a fictionalized himself
The Drew Carey Show
In the season six episode "Drew Pops Something on Kate," Drew has lost his job and is unable to make payment on his engagement ring. He tells his friends Lewis and Oswald, "All Kate needs to see is me drinking a beer every morning and watching Sesame Street. Nothing like a drunk guy in his underwear singing about the letter E."
- Connections
- Daffy Duck appeared in the episode "My Best Friend's Wedding"
- Craig Ferguson played Mr. Wick
- Caroline Rhea played Bonnie
- Penn and Teller appeared in "Drew Meets Lawyers"
- "Weird Al" Yankovic appeared as himself in "Drew Between a Rock and a Hard Place"
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist
In the episode "Pretzelkins" Ben is shown laying on his bed, watching "Sesame Street". The clip is very brief, showing Bert and Ernie on the television screen.
- Connections
- Sandra Bernhard played Sandra
Eek! the Cat
- In the episode "Eek vs. The Flying Saucers," Eek begs a race of aliens not to blow up the Earth, listing a large amount of reasons, including the Muppets.
- In the fifth season episode "The FugEEKtive", America's Most Wanted searches for a missing Sharky. John Walsh, playing himself in a cameo, introduces Weird Al Yankovic, who has footage of Sharky filmed during his music video "Peppermint Twister". In one shot, Sharky is clearly visible among a kickline of dancing tornadoes. Weird Al narrates: "If you look close...well, to quote a famous educational show that is also heavily copyrighted, one of these things is not like the others." During Al's video, a knockoff instrumental version of the Sesame Street theme song is played.
- The 12th episode of season 3 is titled "It's Not Easy Being Green." After members of a bowling team are turned green as a prank by the opposing team, Tess Fontana says that it's a pretty color. Sheriff Jack Carter replies, "Yeah, if you're a Muppet." Later during an argument, a bowler calls one of his green opponents, Kermit.
- Connections
- Colin Foo played a retired scientist in "Dr. Nobel" (2006)
- Matt Frewer played Jim Taggart (2006-2007, 2009)
A television drama that ran on the WB network from 2002 to 2006.
In the episode "The Great Doctor Brown," Amy Abbott reveals to Ephram Brown the origin of her unusual nickname.
- Amy: Grover.
- Ephram: Grover?
- Amy: It's my nickname. I always loved Grover as a kid. I know for most kids it's all Winnie the Pooh and Hello Kitty, occasionally Strawberry Shortcake, but for me, life was about a little blue Muppet named Grover.
- Ephram: Well, Grover was a very underrated Muppet.
In the episode "The Reflex," Hannah Rogers and Dr. Harold Abbott comment on a picture in the Abbott family photo album.
- Hannah: Is that Bright wearing Muppet slippers?
- Dr. Abbott: Ah, yes. Bright was oddly bewitched by Miss Piggy. And Amy simply would not remove her Fozzie Bears for all the tea in China.
Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Chris is a sitcom narrated by and loosely based on the life of Chris Rock.
In episode 4.08 (entitled "Everybody Hates Big Bird"), Chris begins dating a tall girl in class who has been dubbed "Big Bird" by others at school. The episode includes background music similar to the Sesame Street theme, and a scene in which members of the football team mock the couple:
- Football Player #1: Hey, it's Big Bird!
- Football Player #2: Hey, where's Bert and Ernie?
- FP #1: (to Chris) I guess that makes you . . . Snuffleupagus?
- FP #2: No, it makes him Roosevelt Franklin!
- FP #1: Cookie?
- Both: COOKIE!
When she breaks up with him, the narrator says "Tonight's episode was brought to you by the letters D, A, M and N!"
- Connections
- Jason Alexander played Principal Edwards in "Everybody Hates the Buddy System" (2006) and "Everybody Hates Snow Day" (2007)
- Debbie Allen played a mother in "Everybody Hates Elections" (2006) and a gun woman in "Everybody Hates Minimum Wage" (2007)
- Wayne Brady played Louis in "Everybody Hates Thanksgiving" (2006) and "Everybody Hates the Buddy System" (2008)
- Whoopi Goldberg played Louise in "Everybody Hates Rejection" and "Everybody Hates a Liar" (2006)
- Kadeem Hardison played the judge in "Everybody Hates Driving" (2007) and "Everybody Hates PSATs" (2009)
- Steve Landesberg played Mr. Levine in "Everybody Hates Mr. Levine" (2009)
- Chris Rock voices the narrator and played Mr. Abbott in "Everybody Hates the Guidance Counselor" (2007)
- Tyler James Williams plays Chris
Everybody Loves Raymond
- In the season 4 episode "Prodigal Son," Raymond tells Debra about how he is a good person and that he doesn't have to go to church on Sunday morning. He replies he treats people normal and gives an example of a plumber he hired with a big eye. Raymond said he would treat the plumber normal, but other people would make fun of the plumber and call him, "Big Muppet-Eye Guy."
- In the season 4 episode "Bad Moon Rising," Raymond secretly recorded Debra yelling at him with a tape recorder. After playing the tape recorder and making Debra cried, Raymond tries to cheer up Debra. He tells her that when he first heard himself in a radio interview, his voice sounds like Snuffleupagus.
- Connections
- Ray Barretto played Raymond and was a writer for the series.
- Peter Boyle played Frank
- Dan Castellaneta played Brian Trenberth in "T-Ball" and Coach Brian in "It's Supposed To Be Fun."
- Charles Durning played Father Hubley
- Brad Garrett played Robert
- Gary Halvorson directed episodes of the series
- Kevin James played Kevin Daniels and co-written the episode, "Golf"
- Doris Roberts played Marie
- Sherri Shepherd played Judy Potter
- Jean Stapleton played Alda in "I Wish I Were Gus"
- Fred Willard played Hank MacDougall
A British sitcom about film extras, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
In episode 2.4, Darren Lamb and Barry discuss Crazy Frog.
- Darren: I'd have thought he's probably the second-richest frog in the world, after Kermit.
- Barry: Kermit, yeah! There was his nephew, Robin...
- Darren: Ah, Robin was good.
- Barry: Looked set to take over the empire for a while, didn't he.
- Darren: Oh yeah, he was a very good actor, and singer.
- Barry: "Halfway Up the Stairs".
- Darren: Good song.
The Fairly OddParents
An animated series shown on Nickelodeon.
In the made-for-TV movie "Channel Chasers" one of the TV shows is entitled "Poppyseed Avenue," a parody of Sesame Street. A puppet version of Vicky walks up to a brick wall and says "Today's show is brought to you by the letter 'V'." (She holds up a letter 'V' ) She runs into a fake TV and jumps through the screen. Then, puppets of Timmy, his adult form, Cosmo, and Wanda walk up to the wall. Timmy and his adult form walk towards the TV. Cosmo looks at Wanda and blurts out, "I've never felt more alive. Get it? Felt!" They all jump through the TV.
In another episode, the town baseball team, The Pirates, is playing, and a real pirate is running around saying nothing but "Arrrr." He passes two Sesame Street type monsters who are holding up the letter R.
- Connections
- Jason Alexander portrayed the live-action version of Cosmo in A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!
- Alec Baldwin voiced Future Timmy in "Channel Chasers"
- Gilbert Gottfried voiced Dr. Bender and Wendell
- Cheryl Hines portrayed the live-action version of Wanda in A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!
- Chris Kirkpatrick voiced Chip Skylark
- Jay Leno voiced the Crimson Chin and the Nega Chin
- Rob Paulsen voiced Mark Chang, King Grippulon, Bucky McBadbat and Happy Peppy Gary
- Tony Sirico voiced Big Daddy
- Ben Stein voiced The Pixies
- Tara Strong voiced Timmy Turner and Poof
- Frank Welker voiced Doidle
Fish Police
In the first episode of this short-lived 1992 prime-time cartoon, Inspector Gil tells waitress Pearl "You know how I feel about you" and winds up repeating "How..." when at a loss for words. Pearl asks why he talks like that, and Gil retorts that "all the great couples talk like that... uh, Fred and Wilma, Kermit and Miss Piggy, Rocky and Bullwinkle..."
- Connections
- Edward Asner voiced Chief Abalone
- Tim Curry voiced Sharkster
- Buddy Hackett voiced Crabby the cabbie
- Don Knotts voiced Mr. Lichen in "The Two Gils"
- Megan Mullally voiced Pearl
- Rob Paulsen voiced Richie in "No Way to Treat a Fillet'dy"
- John Ritter voiced Inspector Gil
- Sally Struthers voiced Shelly in "Beauty's Only Fin Deep"
- Frank Welker voiced Mussles Marinara and Doc Croaker
- Jonathan Winters voiced Mayor Cod
- The second episode of the first season "White to Play," features a Kermit pillow in the little girl's bedroom.
- The same pillow appeared again in the sixth episide, "Scary Monsters and Super Creeps."
The Flight of the Conchords
In the episode "Bowie", Bret has visions in which he receives advice from various incarnations of David Bowie. The third and final Bowie is Jareth from Labyrinth.
- James Bobin directed, produced and wrote the show
- Sutton Foster played Coco
- Judah Friedlander played Isabella on "Sally "
- Bret McKenzie played Bret and wrote and produce the series and the music
- Kristen Schaal played Mel
- In the third season episode "Look Before You Leap," Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and his producer Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin) are volunteering at a PBS pledge driver. Roz, who is answering telephones, remarks (apparently to a small child) "No, Lamb Chop's not here. Big Bird isn't here either. What are you doing up so late? Oh. Do you have your mommy's credit card handy?"
- In the seventh season episode "The Dark Side of the Moon," Daphne complains she is overworked, saying that her boss, Frasier, "keeps her in stitches," to which he responds "Wocka Wocka!"
- In the eleventh season episode "Caught in the Act," a copy of I Like School is seen on the shelf in the bookstore.
- Connections
- Jason Biggs played Dr. Hauck in the episode "Goodnight, Seattle"
- Matthew Broderick voiced Mark in the episode "She's the Boss" (1995)
- Blair Brown played Jill in the episode "Shrink Rap" (1995)
- Mel Brooks played Tom in the episode "Miracle on Third or Fourth Street" (1993)
- Dan Castellaneta played Brad in the episode "Maris Returns" (2003)
- Laura Dern played June in "Sleeping with the Enemy" (1995)
- David Hyde Pierce played Dr. Niles Crane
- Judith Ivey voiced Lorraine in "I Hate Frasier Crane" (1993)
- James Earl Jones played Norman Royster in the episode "Roz's Krantz & Gouldenstein Are Dead" (1997)
- Nathan Lane played Phil in "Fool Me Once, Shame on You, Fool Me Twice..." (1995)
- Jane Lynch played Cynthia in "A Lilith Thanksgiving" (1996)
- William H. Macy played Ralph in "Good Samaritan" (1999)
- Virginia Madsen played Cassandra Stone
- Brian Stokes Mitchell played Cam Winston in multiple episodes
- Megan Mullally played Beth Armstrong in "Four for the Seesaw" (1997)
- Brittany Murphy played Olsen in "Give Him the Chair!" (1994)
- Rhea Perlman played Carla Tortelli LeBec in "Cheerful Goodbyes (2002)
- Ben Stiller played Barry in "Miracle on Third or Fourth Street" (1993)
- Lisa Waltz played Tricia in two episodes
- Wendy Wasserstein voiced Linda in "Head Game" (1996)
- Rita Wilson played Hester Crane
- In the first season episode "Unleashed," Walter Bishop describes the animal characteristics that might have been involved in the death of an activist. His son Peter, attuned to his father's eccentricities, quips to investigating agent Olivia Dunham that they're looking for Big Bird.
- From the second season episode "Momentum Deferred":
- Rebecca Kibner: After awhile, it wasn't just during the experiments. I would see their faces in front of me. They seemed to have a certain glow about them.
- Peter: The shapeshifters?
- Rebecca Kibner: Mm-hm. It took me a year or two to really understand it. But I realized that I was recognizing people that didn't belong. Huh, you know, like that children's song. One of these things is not like the other.
- Walter: One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just doesn't belong. Sesame Street.
- Rebecca Kibner: Yes, that's it.
- From the third season episode "Stowaway":
- Lincoln: (looking at a book) One of these things is not like the others.
- Peter: Hm?
- Lincoln: You never watched Sesame Street?
- Connections
- Carlo Alban played an FBI tech in "The Dreamscape"
- Blair Brown plays Nina Sharp
- Michael Giacchino scores the series
- Joshua Jackson plays Peter Bishop
- Leonard Nimoy plays William Bell
Ghostwriter was a CTW show which aired on PBS. Focusing on a group of young detectives who work with a ghost (who manifests by rearranging words and writing), most stories were serialized in four or five parts.
In the first season story "Building Bridges", the 1992-1998 Sesame Street theme and the cold open for Episode 3092 can be heard in the background when Rob visits Victor's home.
In the second season story "Just in Time", when Jamal's grandmother asks Alex if he'd like to stay for lunch, he replies "Is the sky blue? Do birds sing? Is Sesame a Street?"
- Connections
- Blaze Berdahl played Lenni Frazier
- Fran Brill played Calvin Ferguson's Mother
- Samuel L. Jackson played Jamal Jenkins' father
- Jeremy Miller played Craig Mitchell
Good Morning, Miss Bliss
A sitcom that ran on Disney Channel from 1988 to 1989. The series is about a junior high school teacher Miss Carrie Bliss (Hayley Mills) and her students at John F. Kennedy Junior High in Indiana. This series was revamped for NBC as Saved by the Bell.
- In the episode, "Leaping to Conclusions," Nikki refuses to do the science class's frog dissection and comes up with a sign petition to stop frog dissecting. When her friends questioned about her petition, Nikki asked, "You don't think frogs have feelings?" Screech asked, "What about Kermit?" and Nikki replied, "You toad. You're talking puppets. I'm talking mother nature."
The Goodies
A surreal sitcom broadcast by the BBC from 1970 to 1980, and by ITV from 1981 to 1982. It starred Bill Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.
- In the 1977 episode "Earthanasia" (sometimes called "The End of the World Show"), after the Goodies learn of the world's impending destruction, Tim laments that the Muppets will have to go as well, and that he hopes they won't suffer. Graeme then informs him that all the Muppets are puppets, demonstrating with impersonations of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Statler and Waldorf and Robin the Frog singing "Halfway Down the Stairs"
Growing Pains
A sitcom that ran on ABC from 1985-1992.
In the episode "Feet of Clay", Ben Seaver finds out that his favorite rock star isn't such a nice guy after meeting him, and decides to stop being a fan. At one point, his father, Jason compares this to the time when Ben learned that Kermit the Frog isn't real. Ben said that because of that he couldn't get himself to watch Sesame Street for awhile.
- Connections
- Kirk Cameron played Mike Seaver.
- Jennie Garth played Denise in "Ben and Mike's Excellent Adventure" (1989)
- Tracey Gold played Carol Seaver.
- Jeremy Miller played Ben Seaver.
When Claire researches her birth parents in the first season episode "The Fix," she and her friend Zach find a newspaper article from Kermit, Texas. When Zach wonders why that sounds so familiar, Claire replies, "`Cuz of the frog?"
- Connections
- Eugene Byrd played Nathan's campaign manager in four episodes
- Jesse Corti played the LAPD police captain in "The Fix"
- Christopher Eccleston played Claude in five episodes
- Stana Katic played Hana Gitelman in two episodes
- Stan Lee played the bus driver in "Unexpected"
- Hayden Panettiere plays Claire Bennet
- Eric Roberts played Thompson in five episodes
- Richard Roundtree played Charles Deveaux in four episodes
- George Takei played Kaito Nakamura
- In the episode "Megalomaniacs", after Froggo introduces Julius Caesar for the "Word of the Day" sketch, Caesar responds to his introduction by saying "Thanks, Kermit."
- In the episode "Presidential People" during the "Ask me if I care" segment, Toast interviews Lyndon B. Johnson and Lydia Karaoke interrupts half-way to comment on Johnson's achievement of creating public television. Toast replies by taking offense at the fact that Johnson was the one who gave them "those boring English dudes and those tickle me spaz puppets".
- Connections
- Laraine Newman voiced Miss Information and Charity Bazaar
- Rob Paulsen voiced Mr. Smartypants and Sammy Melman
- Cree Summer voiced Aka Pella
- Frank Welker voiced Father Time, Fetch, and Pule Houser
Hope and Faith
- In Season 3, Hope gets mad at Charley for letting Justin watch The Exorcist, and states that he still has nightmares from Elmo In Grouchland.
- Connections
- Lynda Carter played Summer
- Kathie Lee Gifford played Marge
- Susan Lucci played Jacqueline Karr
- Jenny McCarthy played Mandi
- Andrea Martin played Madame Elizabeth
- Regis Philbin played Handsome Hal
- Kelly Ripa played Faith Fairfield
Hot in Cleveland
- In the first season episode "Good Neighbors," Elka comes back to the house and the ladies find out she changed the color of her hair to red. Elka says she found the picture in a magazine to show her stylist and Joy asked if the picture was Elmo.
- In the second season episode "I Love Lucci: Part Two," Victoria refers to Susan Lucci's hand in the following way: "I can still feel that little Muppet hand on my mouth."
- Connections
- Roger Bart played a Jersey Boys cast member in "Claus, Tails & High Pitched Males: Birthdates 3"
- Sandra Bernhard played Caroline's lover in "Beards"
- Kristin Chenoweth played Courtney in "The Gateway Friend"
- Tim Conway played Nick in "It's Not That Complicated"
- Paul Dooley played Santa Claus in "Claus, Tails & High Pitched Males: Birthdates 3"
- Bonnie Franklin played Agnieszka in "Bad Bromance"
- Melanie Griffith played herself in "Sisterhood of the Traveling SPANX"
- Sean Hayes is Executive Producer for the series and played a self-centered hand model in "One Thing or a Mother"
- Joe Jonas played Melanie's secretive son Will in "Good Luck Faking the Goiter" and "Love is Blind"
- Jimmy Kimmel played himself in "I Love Lucci: Part One"
- Hal Linden played Alex Chase in "Meet the Parents"
- Jon Lovitz played Artie
- Susan Lucci played herself in multiple guest appearances
- Mary Tyler Moore played Diane in "Free Elka"
- Kevin Nealon played George in Season 3
- Rhea Perlman played the lazy housekeeper in "Everything Goes Better With Vampires"
- Carl Reiner played Carl and Max in multiple guest appearances
- Andy Richter played Melanie's former priest in "Claus, Tails & High Pitched Males: Birthdates 3"
- Don Rickles played Bobby in "Elka's Wedding" and "Elka's Choice"
- Joan Rivers played Elka's twin sister in "Bye George, I Think He's Got It!"
- Doris Roberts played Elka's old friend in "Dancing Queens"
- Sherri Shepherd played Judge Lesser in "Hot for the Lawyer"
- Betty White plays series regular Elka Ostrovsky
The fourth episode of the BBC series features Robert Vaughn's character standing in front of a store with a Tutter doll in the window display.
In the crossover with sister show Victorious called "iParty with Victorious", Sam Puckett (Jennette McCurdy) insults a ventriloquist dummy named Rex Powers (handled by Matt Bennett in character and in real life, voiced by Jake Farrow) during a rap scene by calling him "a rejected Muppet."
- Jack Black guest starred in the episode "iStart a Fanwar" as Aspartamay.
- Jane Lynch guest starred as Sam Puckett's mother Pam in "iSam's Mom."
- Michelle Obama guest starred as herself in "iMeet the First Lady."
- Jim Parsons guest starred as Caleb, a mental patient at Troubled Waters Hospital in "iLost My Mind."
- Emma Stone made a cameo in "iFind Spencer Friends".
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
In the season one episode "The Gang Gives Back", Dee (Kaitlin Olson, who guest starred in a Late Night Buffet pilot) wears a yellow pantsuit, and her friend Mac tells her she looks like Big Bird.
In the season three episode "Mac is a Serial Killer" a pimp named Pepper Jack mistakes Dee for one of his prostitutes. Her brother Dennis offers to buy her back for seven dollars and a Fraggle Rock thermos. Pepper Jack agrees, enthusiastically saying he loves the show.
The Jamie Foxx Show
In the season one episode "Break Yourself, Fool," Jamie and Braxton become robbery hostage at a bank. One of the robbers call the two as Bert and Ernie.
- Ruth Buzzi as Judge Jackson in "I've Fallen and I Won't Get Up"
- Michael Clarke Duncan played an inmate in "A Little Red Corvette"
- Jamie Foxx played Jamie King and Tyrone Koppel
- Savion Glover played Nile in "Taps for Royal"
- Gladys Knight as Janice King in "Save the Drama for your Mama" and "Always and Forever"
- Sherri Shepherd played Sheila
- Ben Vereen played Royal in "Taps for Royal"
- In one episode of the Disney Channel comedy series, entitled "Glue Dunnit: A Sticky Situation," Emma mentions Mrs. Chesterfield has more feathers in her outfit than Big Bird.
- In the same episode, Ravi parodying popular crime shows interviews his sister Zuri as a suspect. To get a confession, Ravi promises candy. In agreement, Zuri tells him, "I'm about to squeal like Miss Piggy.
Judging Amy
- In the season 5 episode "Motion Sickness" Kyle are having his morning coffe and asks a bunch of plushes if everyone sleept well among them are a Ernie, Big Bird and Cookie Monster. Later in the episode Donna asks Kyle to hand her a Elmo plush.
- Connections
- Amy Brenneman played Amy Gray
- Karle Warren played Lauren Cassidy
- Tyne Daly played Maxine Gray
- Cheech Marin played Ignacio Messina
- Jon Polito played D.A. Gerald Abner
- Jane Lynch played Perkins
Just Shoot Me!
- In the season 3 episode "Steamed" Jack calls the tenant above his office as Oscar the Grouch.
- In the episode, "Puppetmaster," Maya starts dating a guy, Steven, who is a puppeteer on a children show. When Maya asked Steven how he got started with puppets, Steven replies he was obsessed with Sesame Street in college and how Cookie Monster's talking made sense when you are stoned. Maya said that Oscar the Grouch must have made him paranoid and Steven mentions that Big Bird look delicious.
- Connections
- Tyra Banks appeared in "Nina Sees Red"
- Bernie Brillstein was executive producer on the series
- Steve Carell played the Border Control Agent in "Funny Girl"
- Snoop Dogg appeared in "Finch in the Dogg House."
- Elliott Gould appeared in "Hot Nights in Paris"
- Melissa Joan Hart played Krissy in "A&E Biography: Nina Van Horn"
- Mark Hamill appeared in "The List"
- David Hasselhoff appeared in "The Burning House"
- Jay Leno appeared in "Secretary's Day" and "Liotta? Liotta!"
- Ray Liotta appeared in "Christmas? Christmas!" and "Liotta? Liotta!"
- Jon Lovitz played Nina's husband in "A Simple Kiss Of Fate"
- George Lucas appeared in "It's Raining Babies"
- Ed McMahon appeared in "Finch on Ice"
- Megan Mullally played Stephanie Griffin-Cooper in "Amblushed"
- Stephen Root played the corporate therapist in "Blush Gets Some Therapy"
- Amy Sedaris played Betsy in "The Two Faces of Finch"
- Brooke Shields played Erlene in "Erlene and Boo"
- French Stewart played Steven in "Puppetmaster"
Kids in the Hall
In one sketch from Season 5, a little boy is waiting for the Chicken Lady (Mark McKinney) to finish riding a quarter horse at the mall. He asks "Are you Big Bird?" and the Chicken Lady replies, "No, but I want to meet him, 'cause the Bearded Lady says they call him Big Bird 'cause he's got a really big--" at which point the boy's mother prevents the Chicken Lady from finishing the sentence.
- Connections
- Like Fraggle Rock, this show was produced for HBO and CBC. As a result, several of the Fraggle Rock crew members also worked on this show.
- Frank Meschkuleit puppeteered the cat in the 2010 miniseries "Death Comes to Town"
King of the Hill
- "Plastic White Female" - Hank and Peggy are arguing over whose fault it is for how their son Bobby turned out. Hank accuses Peggy of letting Bobby watch "all them Muppets! ... They got frogs kissin' pigs - what the hell did they think was gonna happen?"
- "Goodbye Normal Jeans" - Peggy overhears Hank watching a Thanksgiving Day parade on TV with Bobby. She hears Hank say to Bobby, "That Miss Piggy balloon has the same hairdo as your mother."
- "Stressed for Success" - In a discussion about the presence of pop culture in academics, Boomhauer points out that Oberlin College has a course on the Muppets.
- "Edu-macating Lucky" - Lucky comments on Luanne's sense of humor: "I'm datin' a regular Fozzie Bear."
- One episode was titled It's Not Easy Being Green.
- Connections
- Christina Applegate played an Attorney in "My Hair Lady" (2004)
- Tom Arnold played Norm Glidewell in "Megalo Dale" (2003)
- Jason Bateman played Dr. Leslie in "The Petriot Act" (2005)
- Laura Dern voices Katherine
- Snoop Dogg played Alabaster Jones in "Ho, Yeah!" (2001)
- Carmen Electra played Angela in " Boxing Luanne" (2003)
- Sally Field played Junie Harper in "Hilloween" (1997)
- Brendan Fraser played David Kalaiki-Alii in "Peggy Makes the Big Leagues" (2000) and Irv Bennett/Jimmy Beardon in "Gone with the Windstorm" (2005)
- Paul Giamatti voiced Mr. McKay in "It's Not Easy Being Green" (2001)
- John Goodman played Tommy in "Serpunt" (2007)
- Vince Gill played Assistant Pastor Larry in "Peggy's Fan Fair" (2000) and Boomhauer's Singing Voice in "The Bluegrass Is Always Greener" (2002)
- Jeff Goldblum played Dr. Vayzosa in "The Substitute Spanish Prisoner" (2002)
- Michael Keaton played Trip Larsen in "Pigmalion" (2003)
- Heather Locklear played Ms. Donovan in "Old Glory" (2000)
- Lindsay Lohan played Jenny Medina in "Talking Shop" (2004)
- William H. Macy played Dr. Rubin in " Pregnant Paws" (1998)
- Debra Messing played Mrs. Hilgren-Bronson in "Get Your Freak Off" (2002)
- Mary Tyler Moore played Reverend Karen Stroup in "Revenge of the Lutefisk" (1999)
- Brittany Murphy voiced Luanne Platter
- Kathy Najimy played Peggy Hill
- Willie Nelson played himself in "Hank's Got the Willies" (1997)
- Alan Rickman played King Philip in "Joust Like a Woman" (2002)
- John Ritter played Eugene Grandy in "The Son That Got Away" (1997), "What Makes Bobby Run?" (2000), and "Witches of East Arlen" (2003)
- Chris Rock played Roger 'Booda' Sack in "Traffic Jam" (1998)
- Ben Stiller played Rich in "That's What She Said" (2004)
- Meryl Streep played Aunt Esme Dauterive in "A Beer Can Named Desire" (1999)
- Randy Travis played himself in "Peggy's Fan Fair" (2000)
- Danny Trejo played Enrique in 17 episodes
- Travis Tritt played Walt in "Livin' on Reds, Vitamin C and Propane" (2003)
- Fred Willard played a voice in "Lupe's Revenge (2001)", Officer Brown in "New Cowboy on the Block" (2003), Ranger Bradley/Reclining Hippie in "Phish and Wildlife" (2004), and Officer Brown in "Doggone Crazy" (2008) and "The Accidental Terrorist" (2008)
- Henry Winkler played himself in "A Rover Runs Through It"
- Reese Witherspoon played Debbit in "Hanky Panky" and "High Anxiety" (2000)
The King of Queens
thumb|300px|right|Arthur talks to Carrie about Sesame Street
- In the second season episode "Flower Power," Doug (Kevin James) takes Carrie (Leah Remini) to Coney Island to the carnival fair booths. One of the game booths has a Ernie doll.
- In the third season episode, "Twisted Sitters," Doug and Carrie are watching Deacon and Kelly's kids while they are out of town. When Doug came back from work, Carrie told him that she and the kids were watching Elmopalooza three times in a row and fielded some tough questions about Bert and Ernie's relationship.
- In the sixth season episode "Secret Garden," when Carrie sees Spence (Patton Oswalt) in his bathing get-up (a shower cap, blue robe and large scrub brush), she claims "[he] look[s] like Ernie, from Sesame Street."
- In the eighth season episode "Sold-Y Locks," Robert Goulet tells Doug that he once performed in a Muppet special with Jamie Lee Curtis in which she sang a haunting duet with Fozzie Bear.
- In a later season eight episode, "Four Play," Carrie and Arthur (Jerry Stiller) share the following exchange:
- Arthur: I've dealt with this type of character when I worked as a production assistant on a little show called Sesame Street.
- Carrie: You worked on Sesame Street?
- Arthur: Sure, from March of '76 to mid-March of '76. Anyway, I can't name names, but I had a similar situation with a large bird with an even bigger ego.
- Carrie: Big Bird?
- Arthur: You said it, I didn't.
- Connections
- Peter Boyle plays Frank Barone also in episode 109: "Road Rayge"
- Erik Estrada appeared in "Gorilla Warfare."
- Joe Flaherty plays Father McAndrew, priest at the Heffernan's Church
- Brad Garrett plays Robert Barone in episode 109: "Road Rayge"
- Florence Henderson in episode 308: "Dark Meet"
- William Hurt in episode 425: "Shrink Wrap"
- Kevin James plays Doug Heffernan
- Robert Klein in episode 211: "Sparing Carrie"
- Ricki Lake plays Stephanie Heffernan, Doug's sister
- Sam McMurray plays Supervisor Patrick O'Boyle, Doug's boss
- Anne Meara plays Veronica Olchin, Spence's mother
- Jenny O'Hara plays Janet Heffernan, Doug's mother
- Donny Osmond in episode 110: "Supermarket Story" and episode 217: "Meet By-Product"
- Doris Roberts plays Marie Barone in episode 119: "Rayny Day"
- Eric Roberts in episode 314: "Paint Misbehavin´"
- Ray Romano plays Ray Barone in episodes 109: "Road Rayge", 119: "Rayny Day" 208: "Dire Strayts" and 810: "Raygin Bulls"
- Pat Sajak appears in episode 317: "Inner Tube"
- Adam Sandler in episode 909: "Mild Bunch"
- Steve Schirripa in episode 116: "S'Ain't Valentine's"
- Ben Stiller in episode 425: "Shrink Wrap"
- Jerry Stiller plays Arthur Spooner
- Nicole Sullivan plays Holly Shumpert
- Vanna White appeared in episode 317: "Inner Tube"
The Knights Of Prosperity
- "Pilot" - When Eugene wants to enter the building to find out which key fits Mick Jagger's appartment, Esperanza has to distract the doorman that stays behind, while the other doorman goes for a cup of coffee. When he leaves the building, this is referred to as "Big Bird has left its nest."
The L.A. Complex
- In the episode "Help Wanted" the character of Nick Wagner (Joe Dinicol) refers to his boss Scott Cray (Ryan Belleville), who allowed him to take the blame for bringing drugs to work and get fired for it, as "...a Muppet without its fur."
- In the episode "Make It Right" the character of Raquel Westbrook (Jewel Staite) refers to the two filmmakers Cam (Kristopher Turner) and Kevin (Jordan Johnson-Hinds) as "Bert and Ernie."
Last Comic Standing
Season 6:
- In the "international audition" episode, an Israeli prop-comic does an imitation of Grover by placing a blue wig on his head and wiggling around.
- In episode #9, the comics have to look for props for a prop comedy routine. Marcus finds a blue dishwashing glove, and remarks, "This is what happens when Cookie Monster was lonely and he didn't listen to his parents ..."
Let's Make a Deal
Let's Make a Deal is a game show which has been run in various incarnations since 1963.
On the episode of November 16, 2009, the audience helps Wayne Brady count $800 to a contestant who refused a deal (which turned out to be a Zonk!). He stops at $500, the audience continues counting, and Wayne remarks, "It's like Sesame Street for grown-ups or something"
On the episode of October 26, 2012, the second game involved an audience poll using three multiple-choice questions. The third question was "Cookie Monster" or "Monster Truck". The correct answer was Cookie Monster.
- Lance Bass played the game on Gameshow Marathon.
- Gilbert Gottfried appeared in a Celebrity Zonk! in a Gameshow Marathon episode.
- Ricki Lake hosted the show Gameshow Marathon which featured Let's Make a Deal in one of the episodes.
- Kathy Najimy played the game on Gameshow Marathon.
- Leslie Nielsen played the game on Gameshow Marathon.
Life's Too Short
Life's Too Short is a BBC comedy series featuring Warwick Davis who plays a fictional version of himself.
- In a promo for the series Ricky Gervais is sitting on a stairway with Davis dressed as a frog. Gervais says that he had the opportunity to combine two favorite things in fiction Robin from The Muppets and Warwick Davis, who comments that he's just glad that he didn't bring the puppeteer. (YouTube)
- Warwick Davis
- Ricky Gervais
- Liam Neeson
- Johnny Depp
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Right Said Fred
The Listener
In the episode "Lockdown", Osman 'Oz' Bey (Ennis Esmer) comforts the daughter (Erin Pitt) of a quarantined patient (Krista Bridges) with food. Leaving her with the plate, he suggests: "Can you keep an eye on them, make sure there's no Cookie Monsters running around?"
Little Britain
- In the pilot episode, Marjories Dawes was asking a fat kid what names the bullies at school call him (suggesting the names in a mocking tone), she asked him if they called him "Pigs in Space."
- In Season 3 episode 6, Linda insultingly described a group of multi-ethnic or physically diverse students as "the cast of Fraggle Rock."
Little Britain USA
- In Season 1, episode 6, Ellie-Grace who, while sharing love sentiments with her mother before parting with her for a short time, tells her mother that she loves her more then "Sesame Street"
- In Season 1, episode 6, Marjorie Dawes asked her fat-fighters groups about nicknames they get called, she asked if they get called "Pigs in Space" (and she said it with the echoing sound effect the Narrator usually said it with)
- Connections
- Rosie O'Donnell played herself in the first episode
Malcolm in the Middle
- Malcolm's Girlfriend - After recently breaking up with a cute girl, Malcolm decides to "go back" and play in the moon bouncer at the birthday party for his little brother Dewey's new friend. As he does, the Sesame Street Theme plays (the 1998-2001 version), and then suddenly stops when Malcolm wrecks the moon bouncer.
- Cheerleader - A subplot involves little Dewey wanting a Tickle Me Elmo-type doll called Sleepy-Time Herbie, a blue aardvark. They are very expensive and can be ordered by a special TV offer, and Dewey hallucinates the Herbie talking directly to him from the TV. Once he gets the Herbie, he imagines it saying "Break me."
- Lois Strikes Back - While Malcolm argues with his mom, he asks her if it felt good to cut through Elmo's neck.
- Connections
- Jason Alexander played Leonard in "Future Malcolm" (2003)
- Dakota Fanning played Emily in "New Neighbors" (2001)
- Cloris Leachman played Grandma Ida
- Christopher Lloyd played Walter in "Family Reunion" (2002)
- Hayden Panettiere had a recurring role as Jessica in some episodes.
- Andy Richter played Dr. Kennedy in "Clip Show" (2002)
- Susan Sarandon played Meg in "Company Picnic" (2002)
- Florence Stanley played Mrs. Griffin in "Old Mrs. Old" (2001)
Mama's Family
In the season one episode, "Positive Thinking," Eunice gets angry when she finds out most of her lines for a play is given to a scene-stealing actress name Sally. When Sally says it is lucky that the theater would let Eunice on stage, Eunice replies back, "Well, I don't see you on Broadway, Miss Piggy!"
- Connections
- Carol Burnett played Eunice
- Imogene Coca played Gert in "Aunt Gert Rides Again"
- Richard Dawson appeared in "Family Feud"
- Harvey Korman played Ed Higgins and directed some episodes.
- Jerry Reed played Leonard Oates in "The Return of Leonard Oates"
- Alex Trebek appeared in "Mama on Jeopardy!"
- Betty White played Ellen Jackson
In the fifth season episode, "One Flew Over the Hoochie's Nest," Martin Payne (Martin Lawrence) tries to rescue Pam James (Tichina Arnold) from the mental hospital after being mistaken for her twin cousin Tammy. At the mental hospital, Cole Brown, Martin's friend, and his girlfriend, Shanise McGullicuddy, are watching the TV. When Shanise notices that Sesame Street is on, Cole asks his girlfriend, "Was Big Bird a boy or a girl?" Also when Martin is bringing food for Pam's party and makes a joke about her, Pam calls him " Tickle me Earmo."
- Connections
- Shaun Baker appeared in "Snow White"
- Halle Berry appeared
- Coolio appeared in "All the Players Came"
- Kim Fields played Monica in "Radio Days"
- David Alan Grier played The Reverend Leon Lonnie Love
- Sherman Hemsley played the rude DMV clerk in "D.M.V. Blues"
- Rebecca Lobo appeared in "Banging Hard in the School Yard"
- Whitman Mayo appeared in "All the Players Came"
- Richard Pryor appeared
- Lou Rawls appeared in "California, Here We come"
- Christopher "Kid" Reid appeared in "Forever Sheneneh"
- Little Richard played the exterminator in "Three Men and a Mouse"
- Chris Rock played Sheneneh's disrespectful date in "The Love Jones Connection"
- Mr. T appeared in "Boo's in the House"
- Billy Dee Williams appeared in "The Break Up"
Mary Shelley's FrankenholeOn the second season of the Adult Swim animated comedy about Dr. Victor Frankenstein and the world of the monsters, Count von Count has become a regular character of Dracula's vampire entourage.
The Mentalist
A procedural drama on CBS with some comedic elements centering on Patrick Jane, who formerly posed as a psychic, but became a consultant for a team in the California Bureau of Investigation following the murder of his wife and daughter by a serial killer.
In an episode of the program's second season, "Red Bulls" (11/14/2009), a member of another team refers to Wayne Rigsby (one of Jane's co-workers) as "Bert." Talking about it with his partner, Cho Kimball, Kimball reveals that he already knew that they were being referred to jointly as "Bert and Ernie." Rigsby asks if this bothers Kimball, but he says it doesn't because "Ernie's the clever, handsome one."
In the episode "Rose-Colored Glasses" (01/14/2010) from season 2, the team investigates an incident inside a high school that happened 20 years earlier. During a conversation between LJ and Phil (at their joint igh school reunion), LJ asks Phil if anyone still calls him "Frog Man." Phil answers "Pretty much everyone calls me Phil, except for my son who calls me dad." LJ replies, "You fathered a kid? Go, Frog Man! Wait - does he play the french horn too? Because if he does, then you could call him Frog Boy, or, Kermit!"
- Connections
- John Aylward played Professor Stutzer in the first season episode "Red Brick and Ivy"
- Eugene Byrd played Russell Bigelow in the second season episode "Red Letter"
- M. C. Gainey played Pete in the third season episode "Cackle-Bladder Blood"
- Bob Gunton played Alexander Harrington in the second season episode "Red All Over"
- Jon Polito played Duesterberg in the second season episode "Red Herring"
- Raphael Sbarge played Hollis Dunninger in the season two episode "Redemption"
Mike & Molly
- In the episode, "Molly Gets a Hat," Mike's mother, Peggy, gives Molly a hat as a present of goodwill. When Molly doesn't like the hat, Mike gives the hat to his police partner Carl's grandma. Carl tells Mike that his grandma loves ugly hats and that she has one that looks like Bert and Ernie in a caged match.
Modern Family
An ABC television series about the life of three interconnected families told in mockumentary style, Modern Family premiered in 2009 and it has won the Best Comedy Emmy two years in a row.
- In "Hit and Run", Cameron and Mitchell mistakenly enter a showing The Muppet Movie. Believing they are going to watch a film with a lot of blood and gore, Cam tries to convince a father to leave the cinema before the movie starts. When he leaves, he explains to the other family that he was "always a fan the Muppets, specially of the two guys in the theater who wouldn't shut up". Once at home, they retell their story to their extended family. When their daughter, Lily, overhears that they were kicked out of The Muppet Movie she responds sorrowfully, asking, "you saw The Muppet Movie without me?" Mitchell tries to convince her that they have only watched "just the first two numbers".
- Connections
- Ed O'Neill plays Jay Pritchett
- Sofia Vergara plays Gloria Delgado-Pritchett
- Julie Bowen plays Claire Dunphy
- Ty Burrell plays Phil Dunphy
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson plays Mitchell Pritchett
- Nolan Gould plays Luke Dunphy
- Sarah Hyland plays Haley Dunphy
- Rico Rodriguez plays Manny Delgado
- Nathan Lane plays Pepper Saltzman
- Fred Willard plays Frank Dunphy
- James Marsden played Barry in 'Slow Down Your Neighbors'
- Eric Stonestreet plays Cameron Tucker
- Danny Trejo played Gus in 'Dance Dance Revelation'
Mr. Show with Bob and David
In a sketch from the first episode, co-creator/actor David Cross breaks character to complain about the sketch, claiming that "HBO spent more money on Fraggle Rock."
Mr. Sunshine
In the pilot episode Roman asks Ben if he knows the song "The Rainbow Connection."
- Connections
- Allison Janney played Crystal Cohen
My Life as a Teenage Robot
In the episode, "Puppet Bride," one of Mrs. Wakeman's old creations, a robot puppet named "Li'l Acorn," tries to make Jenny his bride and have revenge on Mrs. Wakeman for abandoning him. When Jenny refuses to marry Li'l Acorn, he sends out an army of puppets to make her marry her. The puppet army include puppet parodies of Ernie and Bert.
- Connections
- Cree Summer voiced Stephanie (one episode), Tiff, Queen Vexus (one episode), Vicky, and QT2
My So-Called Life
In the first season episode "On the Wagon," Rayanne Graff watches a Bert and Ernie sketch. Later, while waiting on line at a movie theater with her friends Angela and Rickie, Rayanne breaks out into the Sesame Street theme song.
- See also: Minor Internet Mentions#Mythbusters
- The July 17, 2005 episode looks to debunk myths surrounding the 1975 film Jaws. Adam Savage describes building a shark replica: "I'm using a technique called additive foam build-up which involves using upholstry foam ... and some contact cement. Which is exactly how they make Muppets, in fact." Later in the program, the narrator announces that "Adam's Muppet man-eater is nearing completion."
- An August 27, 2008 episode takes on the long-rumored NASA moon landing hoax. In one segment, Grant Imahara constructs a reproduction of the rod-framed American flag placed on the moon by astronauts during the Apollo missions. As he prepares to place the rig inside a vacuum tube, Kari Byron asks "is this your first riiiiig iiiin spaaaace?," placing an emphasis on the words mimicking Jerry Nelson's voice-over in The Muppet Show's Pigs in Space segment. The MythBusters announcer echoes Kari's joke with the same playful expression.
The New Normal
The New Normal is an American television comedy series that began airing on NBC in 2012.
In the pilot episode (originally aired on September 10, 2012), Jane Forrest launch a tirade explaining that Clay Clemmons' excuses had forced her to take drastic measures into a divorce.
- Jane: (Aiming what appears to be a lighter in the shape of a gun) You, Hello Kitty out.
- Clay: Hey, that is a toy right?
- Jane: You know something Clay. I have put up with you for the past nine years. I put up with your ridiculous Fozzie Bear impersonations, with you're self diagnosed narcolepsy.
- Clay: No, that's real it's not just naps.
- Jane: I can't think of anything else to do except to kill you. Now unforunatley I couldn't live in prison without my lean cusine. So I am open to other options.
- Clay: (Revealing himself) I always found you to be really sexy Nana.
- Jane: Oh put that gherkin away.
- Clay: What's a gherkin.
- Jane: A tiny pickle.
- Clay: That's messed up.
A sitcom about a middle-aged couple who run an inn in Vermont, which ran on CBS from 1982 to 1990.
In the episode "Dick the Kid," Dick Loudon spends a week at a Western ranch. On movie night, while the other residents want to watch High Noon, a tough resident wants to watch The Muppets Take Manhattan, and he almost gets his way until Dick takes a stand for the others.
- Connections
- Jason Alexander guest starred in the episode "Courtin' Disaster".
- Johnny Carson guest starred in the episode "Malling in Love Again".
- Tim Conway guest starred as himself in "Dick and Tim"
- Dave Coulier guest starred in the episode "The Prodigal Darryll".
- Merv Griffin guest starred in the episode "Hi, Society".
- Ed McMahon guest starred in the episode "The Nice Man Cometh".
- Brandon Maggart guest starred in the episode "The Boy Who Cried Goat".
- Bob Newhart played Dick Loudon
- Don Rickles guest starred in the episode "The Nice Man Cometh".
- Gedde Watanabe played Mr. Tagadachi in "The Last Newhart".
NOVA scienceNOW
- The November 21, 2006 episode of the PBS documentary series NOVA scienceNOW featured a segment on the development of sociable robots. One robot in particular, "Leonardo" developed by Cynthia Breazeal, is used in an on-camera study of recognition behavior. The tools used are an Elmo doll and a Cookie Monster puppet, which are presented to Leonardo and vocally asked to find the character by name. After a simple demonstration, the technician holds up Cookie Monster and asks Leonardo to find Elmo, but the robot cannot be tricked. (video)
- The June 25, 2008 episode featured a segment about dark matter. As experts study what dark matter is, host Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the ambiguity surrounding what the scientific community uses to describe the material that makes up 85% of the universe. The term has been applied ambiguously because the material is unobservable with current methods. Because of this, the label could just as easily have been called Ernie and Bert. (video) (The episode also features Wikia founder Jimmy Wales in a segment about statistics).
One Tree Hill
An hour-long young adult drama that premiered on the WB in September 2003. Set in Tree Hill, a fictional town in North Carolina, it revolves around half brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott (played by Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty).
- In a Season 3 episode, Peyton (Hilarie Burton) tells Pete Wentz (played by himself) that she was worried that he would become her Mr. Snuffleupagus, after he arrived at the cabin that they are staying in a few days late. When Pete questions what a Snuffleupagus is, Peyton explains to him the story of Mr. Snuffleupagus, and how only Big Bird could see him.
- In a Season 4 episode, Lucas is showing Glenda his impression of Gollum from The Lord of the Rings. Glenda, not knowing who he is impersonating, guesses that he is impersonating Elmo.
- In a Season 5 episode, Jamie (Jackson Brundage) talks to Brooke (Sophia Bush) about what color he wants his racecar, and mentions that his parents want it red like Elmo, but he wants it blue, like Grover.
- In a Season 6 episode, Victoria (Daphne Zuniga) is helping Sam (Ashley Rickards) pick out a dress for Peyton's baby shower. Victoria picks out a green dress for Sam, but Sam doesn't take it, and claims that is makes her look like Kermit the Frog.
- In a season 8 episode, Nathan tests out the new stage by singing "Mahna Mahna"; The recording from The Muppet Show is used.
- Connections
- Nick Lachey appeared as himself for a few episodes.
- Kelly Collins Lintz played Alice
Oh Madeline
Short-lived 1983-84 ABC sitcom starring Madeline Kahn. In the episode "Ah, Wilderness," Madeline and her husband Charlie are stuck in the woods at night. They hear the sound of a bullfrog, which they affectionately refer to as "Kermit."
Penn and Teller: Bullshit!
On a fourth season episode of the Showtime documentary show entitled "Numbers," interviews are shown with two Washington, D.C. think-tank consultants. They are introduced by name and narrator Penn says "We asked them why there are so many songs about rainbows. They had no idea. They did know something about the national debt though."
Perfect Couples
In the first episode of the NBC comedy series, Amy attempts to play "Celebrity" on game night, and immediately bombs after giving a clue: "He's a Muppet ... he's a frog ..."
The Proud Family
Animated series that aired on the Disney Channel from September 2001 to August 2005. The show centered around an African-American teenager, Penny, her family, and her friends. Basically an animated sitcom in format, it was geared towards a pre-teen and teen audience.
Episode 214: Pulp Boot Camp: Penny's family sends her to boot camp because they fear she is becoming a bully, and she steals cookies from a little girl there. The sergeant catches her and says "Well, well. We have ourselves a little Cookie Monster."
- Connections
- Soleil Moon Frye voiced Zoey
- Kyla Pratt voiced Penny Proud
- Tara Strong voiced Bebe Proud and Fluff
Raising Hope
Season 2, episode 3 of the series Raising Hope has a Sesame Street reference. It has yet to air.
- In the episode "The Good Girl", when Barbara Jean claims that she put a scratch in Van's car, and is worried about what he will say, Kyra says "It's true! He gets this look on his face where his two eyebrows murge together, and he looks like that Muppet who lives in the Trash Can!" (referring to Oscar the Grouch).
- Connections
- Nell Carter played Dr. Susan Peters in three episodes
- James Denton played Dr. Morgan in two episodes
- Dolly Parton played Dolly Majors
The Ricky Gervais Show
- In the episode "Art" of HBO's animated comedy (based on the podcast with the same name), Gervais and Stephen Merchant explain that the only way to improve Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol was doing it with the Muppets and they go to suggest new story ideas with The Muppets, as The Muppets' Schindler's List (with Fozzie and Gonzo), Schindler's List in Space and Miss Piggy's Choice.
- Connections
Animated television show that first aired on Nickelodeon in 1991. This series focuses on the point of view of a group of babies, including Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Phil and Lil, and Angelica Pickles.
In the episode "Toys in the Attic," Tommy and Angelica's grandparents, Boris and Minka, argue over which one of them will turn on the "Sesame Seed," an obvious reference to Sesame Street.
- Connections
- Craig Bartlett was a writer on the series during the show's initial 1991-1993 run
- Justine Bateman voiced an art patron in the episode "Opposites Attract/The Art Museum" (1999)
- Dan Castellaneta voiced a lawyer in "Pickles vs Pickles" and Jonathan in "Jonathan Babysits"
- Christine Cavanaugh voiced Chuckie Finster
- Margaret Cho voiced Lt. Klavin in The Rugrats Movie (1998)
- E.G. Daily voiced Tommy Pickles
- Phillip Namanworth wrote songs for the series
- Pat Paulsen voiced the garbageman in "Feeding Hubert/Spike the Wonder Dog" (1993)
- Tara Strong voiced Dil Pickles and Timmy McNulty
- Cree Summer voiced Susie Carmichael
Rules of Engagement
- In the 2009 episode, "Buyer's Remorse," Russell says to the owner of the Island Diner, "Shouldn't you be in a balcony insulting Muppets?"
- In the 2010 episode, "Harassment," Timmy challenges Jeff to a game of cricket to porve it isn't a sport for wimps. During the match, Russell says, "Dude, you're about to be struck out by Scooter from the Muppets!"
- Connections
- Joan Collins appeared in "Les-bro"
- Heather Locklear played Barbara in two episodes
- Patrick Warburton plays Jeff
Running Wilde
In the episode "One Forward Step", Steve suggests to Emmy that she use the laundry chute in the house, saying "You know there are people at the bottom of that thing? They've got their own subterranean world, kinda like Fraggle Rock."
- Connections
- Will Arnett as Steve Wilde
- Andy Richter as Dan Thorngood in "The Junior Affair"
A Russell Peters Christmas
In the stop motion animation segment "Little Russell Saves Christmas", Russell Peters' mother sends him to the store for "A Loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter".
- Connections
- Michael Bublé as himself
- Jon Lovitz as himself
Samurai Pizza Cats
On Saban's English dub of Samurai Pizza Cats, an episode features a giant Buddha statue that has a bird's face. One of the characters remarks, "A Big Bird? Go back to public television! We don't want your kind here!"
The Sarah Silverman Program
- In the last episode of the series, "Wowschwitz", Brian and Steve steal a gun from a cop and replace it with a banana. Referring to him as "Banana Cop" throughout the episode, the two sing a rendition of "Mahna Mahna" replacing the words with "Banana Cop." The episode ends with Sarah's dog going back in time to kill Hitler, preventing the Holocaust. In the present, an old man asks, "What never happened?" Brian: "The Holocaust." Steve: "Do doo do do do!"
- Connections
- Sarah Silverman as "Sarah Silverman"
- Jimmy Kimmel appeared in two episodes
- Andy Richter appeared in "Fetus Don't Fail Me Now"
Saved by the Bell
- In the Season 1 episode, "The Gift," Jessie Spano tells Zack that she have had straight A's since she started watching Sesame Street. Zack then calls Jessie as a Big Bird brain.
- In the Season 1 episode, "The Friendship Business," Zack and his friends form a company selling friendship bracelets for a business class project. Zack decides to call himself president over Jessie because he thinks Jessie is to sensitive. When Jessie doesn't agree, Zack tells Jessie that she cried when Kermit and Miss Piggy broke up.
- In the Season 2 episode, "Miss Bayside," Kelly gets mad at Jessie when she finds out Jessie was entering the Miss Bayside Beauty Pageant even though Jessie talk her out of it. Jessie replies that Kelly wouldn't understand because her view of the politics is limited to who won the elections on Sesame Street.
- In the Season 3 episode, "Fourth of July," Stacy heard from Screech that Kelly and Zack had gone out together and were getting back together now. When Stacy told Kelly about it, Kelly doesn't believe what Screech says and told Stacy, "Screech also said that Elvis has a day-care center for the Muppet Babies."
- Connections
- Ruth Buzzi played Roberta Powers in "House Party"
- Casey Kasem appeared as himself in "Dancing to the Max" and "Rockumentary"
- Denise Richards played Cynthia in "The Last Weekend"
- Avery Schreiber played Dr. Mertz in "Beauty and the Screech"
- Gary Shimokawa directed episodes
Saved by the Bell: The College Years
- In the episode, "The Homecoming," Alex Tabor becomes the California University's mascot, Freddy the Falcon. When she goes out with A.C. Slater and dressed as the mascot at the homecoming banquet, A.C. Slater tells her that he feels ashamed like he is on a date with Big Bird.
- In the episode, "Teacher's Pet," Professor Jeremiah Lasky thanks Kelly for getting him cologne and Kelly replies it is better than getting him a Bert and Ernie Bath Kit.
- In the episode, "A Question of Ethics," Screech sings the Sesame Street Theme as he is emptying out the trash at his workplace, The Falcon Nest. However, he mumbles the chorus, "Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?," because he started to drink a soda can.
- In the episode, "Bedside Manner," Mike Rogers reveals to Screech and the Sigma Alpha members that he has a real tattoo in college when the members found out Screech's tattoo was drawn by Leslie Burke. After Mike show his tattoo to the members and Screech in the boy's bathroom, Screech tells Leslie that Mike has a tattoo of Big Bird on his butt. Mike corrects Screech that it is actually Tweety Bird, but Screech replies it is a "Big" Bird.
- Connections
- Marv Albert appeared as himself in "A Thanksgiving Story"
Saved by the Bell: The New Class
- In the episode, "Belding's Baby," Scott Erickson finds Barton 'Weasel' Wyzell hiding in a trash can from Mr. Belding. When Scott ask Weasel why he is hiding, Weasel replies "Would you believe I'm visiting Oscar the Grouch?"
- In the episode, "Swap Meet," Scott tries to get two tickets to the Janet Jackson Concert by selling a Defender Dog comic book worth $600 with a misprint on it. When the comic gets ruined and Scott still doesn't have any tickets, Weasel offers his tickets to Sesame Street on Ice.
- In the episode, "Belding's Prank," the new superintendent to Bayside is covered in slime and chicken feathers from the pranks between the main characters. When Mr. Belding asks Screech, who is administrative assistant to Mr. Belding, where the superintendent is and the superintendent arrives covered in chicken feathers, Screech replies, "Sir, that's not Big Bird."
- In the episode, "Casino ID's," Tommy had just finish his book report on Moby Dick. His friend, Lindsay Warner, finds it hard to believe and said that Tommy had trouble finishing a book entitled Big Bird goes to Paris.
- In the episode, "Trash TV," Eric Little asked Screech and Mr. Belding if they saw the commercial for Yukon Yogurt and reality show which portrays him and the gang as selfish and irresponsible people. Screech replied that they got home late and that Mr. Belding had recorded "Muppets on Ice" instead of the show.
- Connections
- Fred Willard played Mr. Huffington in "Stealing Screech."
Sealab 2021
- In the episode "Splitsville," one of the rock bands at the Battle of the Bands is named the Ocean Bottom Nightmare band, a reference to the Riverbottom Nightmare Band in Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas.
- In the season 4 episode "Craptastic Voyage", the crew undergoes a mission of entering Captain Shanks' body and destroying a tumor. Stormy comments, "Wow, a shrink ray. Just like that time on Muppet Babies! You know, when Scooter had spinal meningitis?" This is a reference to the Season 3 episode "Scooter's Uncommon Cold". Shortly afterwards, Stormy sets up a talk show similar to The Tonight Show, and fails to show a video clip from the episode.
- Connections
- Erik Estrada voiced Marco the entire series.
- Kid 'n Play appear as themselves in an episode sponsoring the fictional action movie Tinfins.
The Secret Lives of Vampires
A 2005 documentary produced for television by NBC studios looks at vampire culture and the history of such characters as Dracula. Examples include Count Chocula cereal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sesame Street's Count von Count. Video footage of the sketch with the Count counting his mail is featured, as well as a photo of a stage version of the character.
The 2011 US version of the UK series airing on Showtime set in Chicago's South Side Back of the Yards neighborhood.
- From "Three Boys":
- Veronica: What good is a dress if I don't have a priest?
- Debbie: You could hire an actor. Remember the guy who played Elmo at my birthday party?
- Fiona: You remember that?
- Debbie: He took his head off. It was traumatizing.
- Connections
- William H. Macy plays Frank Gallagher
- Joan Cusack plays Sheila Jackson
Shining Time Station
A 1989 to 1997 PBS show that introduced Thomas the Tank Engine to America
- From Mr. Conductor's Movie
- Stacy: Now Schemer, don't you think you should wait & see what the director needs?
- Schemer: Little lady, let me tell you what the director: needs he needs a star name because star names sell tickets! John Wayne, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Big Bird, and now Super Schemer!
- In the episode How to Have Style à la Schemer from the Schemer Presents Home Video lessons spin off of Shining Time Station Schemer does a Kermit the Frog voice when he shakes his mannequin to make it look like it's talking
- Connections
- Ringo Starr played the role of Mr. Conductor in the first season.
- Olga Felgemacher puppeteered Didi, the drummer of the Jukebox Band.
- Leonard Jackson starred as Harry Cupper in the first season & made his return on the Family Special: One of the Family
- Gerry Parkes starred as Barton Winslow in the second & third season.
- Paul Fierlinger animated the songs "Baking a Cake" & "Follow Directions" in season 1.
- Wayne Moss directed various episodes.
- Myra Fried guest starred as Ms. Smith in a "Schemer Presents" short.
- Joe Raposo composed the theme song on the show
$#*! My Dad Says
- In the series pilot, Ed has to retake his test for driver's license at the DMV. When Ed has to retake his eye exam, he says to the DMV applicator, Tim, that he shouldn't have to identify letters on the chart. Ed tells Tim that he has been driving for sixty years and that he has never been rear ended by a gigantic letter E. Tim replies, "Clearly you never driven down Sesame Street."
- Connections
- William Shatner played Dr. Edison Milford "Ed" Goodson III
- Nicole Sullivan played Bonnie
The Smoking Room
A British comedy first aired on BBC Three in 2004, focusing on the conversations of characters while on their smoke breaks, all shot inside their office's smoking room.
In episode 3, "Paintball," the manager's assistant Janet is trying to get other employees to sign up for a company paintballing event:
- Janet: No, what I was getting at is - I hope [the sign-up sheet] doesn't end up covered in jokey names. According to the one downstairs, the only people planning to go paintballing are Marge Simpson, Osama Bin Laden, Barbara Windsor and The Bear in the Big Blue House.
Spaceballs: The Animated Series
In the season one episode, "Revenge of the Sithee", two aliens resembling the Martians are seen in the NasPod race crowd. Also, a blue creature resembling Kermit is seen during the Sithee presentations. Later, Yogurt remarks "It's not easy being chosen...or green for that matter."
- Connections
- Mel Brooks created and wrote the show and voices Yogurt and President Skroob
- Rino Romano voices Lone Starr
Spin City
In the Season 5 episode, "Lost and Found," Caitlin tries to describe Charlie to her friend, Sam, as "warm, funny, and kids love him." Sam replies that Caitlin had just described Elmo.
- Connections
- James Carville appeared in "Catcher in the Bronx"
- Stephen Colbert played Frank in "The Competition"
- Mos Def appeared in "Gentleman's Agreement"
- Michael J. Fox played Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty
- Kathie Lee Gifford played herself in "Radio Daze"
- Jeff Gordon played himself in "The Kidney's All Right"
- Richard Kind played Paul Lassiter
- Heidi Klum played herself in several episodes in Season 3.
- Ed Koch played the city councilman in "The Competition" and as himself in "Family Affair"
- Queen Latifah played Robin in "Yeah Baby!" and "Sleeping with the Enemy"
- Christopher Lloyd played Mike Flaherty's political mentor in "Back to the Future IV: Judgment Day"
- Heather Locklear played Caitlin in Season 4-6
- Paula Marshall played Laurie Parres
- Marlee Matlin played a leading advocate for deaf rights in "Deaf Becomes Her"
- Rosie O'Donnell played herself in "The Image Maker"
- Conan O'Brien played himself in "Dead Dog Talking"
- Regis Philbin played himself in "Radio Daze" and "How to Bury a Millionaire"
- Lou Diamond Phillips played Mike's childhood friend in "An Officer and a Gentleman"
- Denise Richards played Jennifer in several episodes in Season 6
- Martin Sheen played Charlie's father in "Rags to Riches"
- Jon Stewart appeared in "Wall Street"
- Meredith Vieira played herself on The View in "The Marry Caitlin Moore Show"
- Raquel Welch played Paul's Mom
Sports Night
In the episode "The Apology," Casey asks Dan if the Muppets are cool. Dan replies that they are.
- Connections
- Josh Charles played Dan Rydell
- William H. Macy played Sam Donovan
- Yeardley Smith played Malory Moss
- Meredith Vieira played herself
State of Georgia
In the episode "Know When to Fold 'Em", Georgia Chamberlin (Raven-Symoné) and Jo (Majandra Delfino) are wearing chicken mascot-style costumes; Georgia quips "We look like Big Bird's illegitimate kids."
Another first season episode was titled "It's Not Easy Being Green".
Step by Step
In the episode "2 B or not to Be" Frank and JT are performing a scene from "Hamlet" in the kitchen. After the performance, Dana remarks "Yeah, I didn't know Bert and Ernie did Shakespeare". Cody answers "I'm not surprised, Bert's a very versatile actor". Mark says "Cody, Bert is a sock!"
Still Standing
Judy Miller, one of the show's lead characters, is sometimes seen wearing Sesame Street T-shirts.
- Connections
- Mark Addy played Bill Miller
- Justine Bateman played Terry
- Tim Doyle was a writer and executive producer of the show.
- Richard Kind played Dr. Nathan Gerber
- Tom Martin was a writer and supervising producer of the show.
- Kevin Nealon played Ned Halverson
- Sally Struthers played Louise Miller
In the sixth episode of the first season, entitled "The Bailey Family" (originally aired on February 28, 2005), a 38-year-old father named Bill Bailey and his 2-year-old son named Billy Bailey are reading a Elmo's World book about food during bedtime at 8:00pm.
- A fourth season episode of the CW series was titled "The Monster at the End of This Book."
- In the fifth season episode "Free to Be You and Me" Dean Winchester tells Castiel, "there are two things I know for certain. 1) Bert and Ernie are gay. 2) You are not gonna die a virgin."
- In the second season episode, "Twilight of the Vampires", the Count is shown to be the head vampire in the vampire takeover of Hollywood.
- In the second season episode, "Soggy Doobies and Strippers", Barack Obama hosts a Job Fair. He shows one possible job in the bad economy is become the President of Afghanistan. Afghan President Hamid Karzi claims he's like a puppet in the system and firing him would be like "firing Kermit the Frog." Joe Biden then complains that Obama has now canceled The Muppet Show.
- Connections
- "Weird Al" Yankovic appears as himself in the episode, "Weird Al Colabo Jam", and teamed up with the show's creators to create his "Ringtone" music video.
Talk Soup
Entertainment show on the E! Network that features clips of other talk shows.
During the John Henson era (mid to late 90's; no relation) a recurring character called McDermott the Frog was used, which was simply a commercially available Kermit puppet.
A sitcom about New York City cab drivers, which ran on ABC from 1978 to 1982, and on NBC from 1982 to 1983.
In the episode "The Great Race," Alex picks up two nuns who are fighting over what movie to see. One of them wants to see The Muppet Movie, and the other one wants to see The Sound of Music. One of the nuns says, "I can't stand that little frog!" After Alex tells them to pick one, they finally decide to see The Muppet Movie.
- Connections
- Ted Danson played Vincenzo Senaca in "The Unkindest Cut" (1982)
- Tony Danza played Tony Banta
- Danny DeVito played Louie DePalma
- Tom Hanks played Gordon in "The Road Not Taken, Part 1" (1982)
- Judd Hirsch played Alex Rieger
- William Hootkins played a liquor authority agent in "Jim's Mario's" (1983)
- Carol Kane played Simka Gravas
- Andy Kaufman played Latka Gravas
- Julie Kavner played Monica Banta Douglas in "Tony's Sister and Jim" (1980)
- Lassie played "herself" in "Fantasy Borough, Part 2" (1980)
- Christopher Lloyd played "Reverend" Jim Ignatowski
- Penny Marshall played herself in "Louie Moves Uptown" (1983)
- Mandy Patinkin played the new father in "Memories of Cab 804, Part 2" (1978)
- Julie Payne played one of the nuns in "The Great Race" (1979)
- Rhea Perlman played Zena Sherman
- Tom Selleck played Mike Beldon in "Memories of Cab 804, Part 2" (1978)
- Martin Short played Mitch Harris in "Jim Joins the Network" (1981)
- Jeffrey Tambor played Congressman Walter Griswald in "Elaine and the Lame Duck" (1979)
- Hervé Villechaize played himself in "Fantasy Borough, Part 1" (1980)
- George Wendt played the exterminator in "Latka the Playboy" (1981)
Teen Titans
In the season three episode, "Bunny Raven... or... How to Make A Titananimal Disappear," this animated DC Comics spin-off series features two elderly characters who sit in a theatre box and make wisecracks about the mock variety show being performed on stage. The manner in which they laugh at their particular flavor of jokes is reminiscent of, and likely a direct reference to, Statler and Waldorf. Most of the episode's third act is a homage to The Muppet Show, complete with a spoof of the theme music and a parody of Scooter.
- Connections
- Dave Coulier voiced Tramm
- Kevin Michael Richardson voiced Trigon, Mammoth, and See-More
- Tara Strong voiced Raven, Kole, Jinx ("Titans Together"), and Gizmo ("Revved Up," "Titans Together")
- Russi Taylor voiced Melvin and Timmy Tantrum
- Wil Wheaton voiced Aqualad
Terrifying Times
The Daily Show correspondent John Oliver's television special of his stand-up comedy act premiered on Comedy Central on April 21, 2008. He opens the show citing a disclaimer about his nationality; "Primarily, I've gathered you here this evening to tell you this: that, it's not easy being British... as Kermit so nearly sang."
An animated variety series similar to Animaniacs and produced by Steven Spielberg featuring Dr. Vic Frankenstein with his assistant Igor and their dim-witted Frankenstein monster known as Phil. The show featured rotating segments with other characters like a family of zombies called the Deadman and a bratty girl named Melissa Screetch.
In the Night of the Living Fred episode, "Bang," the family zombies were about to have dinner when the house started to shake and Fred shouted, "Snuffleupagus is that?"
- Connections
- Brad Garrett voiced Phil
- Nancy Cartwright voiced Melissa Screetch
- Matt Frewer voiced Deadgar Deadman (first season)
- Sandy Fox voiced Darla Doily
- David Warner voiced Dr. Vic
TV's Most Censored Moments
The program, an original presentation of the now-defunct Trio Channel, briefly touches on Sesame Street's state-wide banning from broadcast in the state of Mississippi for one month during 1970, due to its integrated neighborhood.
Two and a Half Men
- In the episode, "The Spit-Covered Cobbler," Alan tells Charlie that Kandi may not be sophisticated, but she's street-smart to which Charlie replied, "Sesame Street-smart."
- In the episode, "And the Plot Moistens," Alan talks to Charlie that he has trouble communicating to Kandi after lovemaking and Charlie replies that he should have thought of that before he started boinkin' a girl with the IQ of Tickle Me Elmo!
- In the episode, "The Two Finger Rule," when Charlie, Alan, Gordon, Herb, and Jerome were talking about their first date, Herb told them he didn't start dating till he was in college at freshman year. Herb says he was a geek in high school and how everyone called him "Big Bird" that when he went to college, he stopped wearing yellow shirts and lowered his standards.
- In the episode, "818-jklpuzo," Alan and Melissa had just finish skinny dipping and then they started talking to each other.
- Melissa: Alan, what do you say we take a hot shower and unshrink the Snuffleupagus?
- Alan: He'll be fine, it's Bert and Ernie I'm worried about. I think Bert has ascended to my rib cage.
- Later Alan talks to Charlie after Melissa leaves to take a hot shower.
- Alan: Now that we're seeing each other again the fact that she lives with her mom presents a problem.
- Charlie: Why, because you tickled Mom's Elmo?
- Alan: It was just light necking. I never touched her Elmo.
- Connections
- Jason Alexander played Dr. Goodman in "The Straw In My Donut Hole"
- Eugene Byrd played Lenny in "Pilot."
- Conchata Ferrell plays Berta
- Gary Halvorson directed episodes.
- Teri Hatcher played Judith's sister Liz in "I Remember the Coatroom, I Just Don't Remember You."
- Allison Janney played Alan's on-line dating partner in "My Damn Stalker."
- James Earl Jones appeared himself in "The Devil's Lube."
- Carol Kane played Melissa's mother.
- Richard Kind played Artie Pliskin in "Is There a Mrs. Waffles?"
- Cloris Leachman played Norma in "Madame and Her Special Friend."
- Heather Locklear played Alan's divorce attorney Laura Lang in "No Sniffing, No Wowing."
- Jane Lynch plays Dr. Linda Freeman
- Jon Lovitz played Charlie's arch nemesis in "The Unfortunate Little Schnauser."
- Jenny McCarthy played Teddy's "daughter", Courtney
- Jon Polito appeared as himself in "He Smelled the Ham, He Got Excited."
- Denise Richards played Lisa in "Merry Thanksgiving"
- Martin Sheen played Rose's father in "Sleep Tight, Puddin' Pop."
- Brooke Shields played Danielle in "That's Summer Sausage, Not Salami."
- Kevin Sorbo played Andy in "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Burro" (2006)
- Harry Dean Stanton appeared as himself in "Back Off Mary Poppins."
- Steven Tyler appeared as himself in "Who's Vod Kanockers?"
Ugly Betty
In the first season episode "Fey's Sleigh Ride", Marc says of Betty, "The poor cow has no idea we only invited her so people could see she really exists. She's like a real-life Snuffleupagus, only hairier."
- Connections
- Vanessa Williams played Wilhelmina Slater
- Debi Mazar appeared as Leah Feldman in two episodes (2006)
- Kristin Chenoweth appeared as Diane in "East Side Story" (2007)
- Eden Espinosa appeared as Elphaba in "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (2007)
- Lisa Howard appeared as a Dominatrix in "Plus None" (2009)
- Bernadette Peters appeared as Jodie Papadakis in five episodes (2009)
- John Tartaglia appeared as Paolo in "Smokin' Hot" (2010)
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson appeared as Dr. Gabe Farkus in two episodes (2010)
- Lindsay Lohan appeared as Kimmie Keegan in four episodes (2010)
In the episode "Drunks" Gimpy tells Mum to set up a discussion as to "weather Yoda sounds like Grover or Miss Piggy"
In one episode, the main character, Addie Singer's brother Ben is sick. Their mom says his favorite film as a kid was The Muppets Take Manhattan.
Unhappily Ever After
A sitcom created by Ron Leavitt, who also created Married with Children, which aired on the WB from 1995 to 1999 which centered on Jack Malloy, the father of a dysfunctional family, and his best friend, a stuffed animal rabbit named Mr. Floppy voiced by Bob Goldthwait.
- In the episode, "High and Dry," Jack Malloy and his wife, Jennifer Malloy, suspected that their son, Ryan, is doing drugs, when they find some white powder in his car and on the towel of his bed. Since they are not smart enough on how to parent their children, Jenny said they have to go to the video store and also said, "Sesame Street taught them to read, Barney taught them to hug. Surely there's got to be some hip happening puppet out there with more parenting skills than we have."
- In the episode, "Exorcising Jennie," Mr. Floppy talks about if he was a ghost, he would be in Elmo's dressing room with a knife. Then he looks to the viewer and says "Hey Elmo, this murder is brought to you by the letter K...as in Kermit, my next victim. That skinny little tap-dancing toad."
- Connections
- Erik Estrada appeared in "Eating Hollywood."
- Kristanna Loken played Sable O'Brien
- Hayden Panettiere played as little girl in "Little Ice Cream Shop of Horrors."
- Allan Trautman puppeteered Mr. Floppy and also played Mr. Dunn (four episodes) and other teachers.
The Vicar of Dibley
In the Easter Special of 1996, (sometimes entitled "Easter Bunny") the vicar is explaining the truth behind the Easter Bunny to Alice. The vicar (while trying to break it gently to her) says: "Now at 10 your mother sat you down, and she told you that Kermit was really just an old windsock..."
In a sketch entitled "Celebrity Party", aired as part of a Comic Relief (UK) special in 1999, the Vicar and Alice prepare for their party with Johnny Depp.
- Vicar: Johnny's spent his whole life being surrounded by exotic birds.
- Alice: Yeah, like Paris and Britney and Big Bird from "Sesame Street".
- Connections
- John Bluthal played Frank Pickle
- Dawn French played the Rev. Geraldine Kennedy
In the episode "Terror on Cupcake Street", Beck (Avan Jogia) comments that "we're not on Sesame Street." Cat (Ariana Grande) claims that she loves Sesame Street and begins to sing the theme, but is immediately shut up by Jade (Elizabeth Gillies).
- Connections
- Perez Hilton guest starred as himself in "Wi-Fi in the Sky."
Video On Trial
A Canadian show where 5 people pick music videos and make harsh (yet funny) comments on them and at the end they make verdicts of whether the singer(s) is guilty or not.
- In "Video On Trial: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Hump de Bump," Boomer Phillips said he was waiting for Oscar the Grouch to pop out of a garbage can. (YouTube)
- In "Video On Trial: The Killers - Read My Mind," Fraser Young's verdict was for having sex with a "Muppet" and sentenced them to maintain a distance not less then 100 feet from Miss Piggy. (YouTube)
The Venture Bros.
In the season four episode "Perchance to Dean" of the Adult Swim animated series, Dermott Fictel noted that he saw Fight Club in 1999 instead of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, the age-appropriate fare his mother had intended him to see.
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror television series that centers on a small group of survivors led by Sheriff's Deputy Rick Grimes and his family.
In the first season episode "Tell It to the Frogs," survivors Shane and Lori have an exchange about frog's legs with Shane stating, "We'll feed these folks cajun-style Kermit legs." With Lori retorting, "I would rather eat Miss Piggy."
Warren the Ape
- The third episode of the Greg the Bunny spin-off, "Crash Course," Warren gives a teaching presentation to a sixth grade class. During the Q's and A's, one boy asked Warren if it is true that he got arrested for smoking crack with Fozzie Bear and Warren denies it by saying the boy shouldn't read what the press says.
- In the fifth episode, "Gay Ape," Warren meets Perez Hilton, Celebrity Blogger, and compliments him on a written piece on Oscar the Grouch. Hilton agrees, "Nasty Drug Problem," and Warren replies, "There's a reason he is homeless." In addition, Warren's gay neighbors Mark and Merkle are similar in design to Ernie and Bert.
- Connections
- Alice Dinnean-Vernon puppeteered various roles
- Artie Esposito puppeteered various roles
- Corey Feldman appeared in "Bad Po-Fo"
- Seth Green appeared in "Amends" and "Black Lotus"
- Drew Massey puppeteered various roles
- Alison Mork puppeteered various roles
- Paul McGinnis puppeteered various roles
- Nancy O'Dell appeared in "Gay Ape"
- Sarah Silverman appeared in "Black Lotus"
- Victor Yerrid puppeteered various roles
- In episode 8 of season 4, Celia Hodes, manning the register at Maternity World while manic on uppers, entreats a customer to settle for a green shirt rather than the blue she wants. "Green is the color of spring," effuses Celia in a suspiciously Kermit-y voice.
- In episode 10 of season 5, Andy invites Dr. Audra on a date to a jazz concert. Doubting he knows anything about jazz, she dares him to name one jazz musician, and he can only think of Dr. Teeth.
- Audra: He's a Muppet.
- Andy: He's a jazz Muppet!
Will & Grace
- The fifth season episode, "All About Christmas Eve," features the following exchange:
- Jack: In order for us to forgive you, you'll perform the following task. You must sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
- Will: I can do that.
- Jack: As the Count, from Sesame Street.
- Will: [Romanian accent, imitating the Count] On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... That's one, one day! Ah ha ha!
- Jack and Karen laugh and clap
- In the sixth season episode "I Do. Oh, No, You Di-in't" Beverly is sorry she missed a wedding ceremony. Karen says, "Probably just as well. There were some children there, and they get frightened when something your size isn't covered in Muppet fur."
- Connections
- Alan Arkin played Martin Adler
- Alec Baldwin played Malcolm Widmark
- John Cleese played Lyle Finster
- Harry Connick, Jr. played Dr. Marvin "Leo" Markus
- Taye Diggs played James Hanson
- Seth Green played Randall Finn in "Friends With Benefits"
- Neil Patrick Harris played Bill in "Girls, Interrupted"
- Gregory Hines played Ben Doucette
- Rosie O'Donnell played Elliott's mother, Bonnie.
- Bernadette Peters played Karen's sister, Virginia "Ginny" Delaney.
- Lily Tomlin played Margot
- Debra Messing played Grace Adler
- Megan Mullally played Karen Walker
- In the first episode of the fifth season, "Deck The Balls" (a Christmas-themed episode, aired December 8, 2011), one of the contestants imitated Elmo throughout her runs, earning her the nickname "Tickle Me". Earlier, new co-host Vanessa Lachey indicated that she thought host John Henson's father "invented the Muppets, right?" (Henson, unrelated to Jim Henson and not to be confused with his actual son John Henson, replied "Uh, no.")
Wizards of Waverly Place
- In the episode, "Justin's New Girlfriend," Alex complains to her brother, Justin, and best friend, Harper, about how much she hates silent movies. She remarks that it is not hard to go back and invent some voices in the movie, and that people on the internet do it all the time. She gives an example of a video she saw of Big Bird doing a Kanye West song.
- Connections
- Moises Arias as Max's Conscience in "Monster Hunter," "Three Monsters," and "A Night at the Lazerama."
- Jake T. Austin plays Max
- Cindy Crawford played Bibi Rockford in "Fashion Week."
- Selena Gomez plays Alex
- David Henrie plays Justin
- Gary Owens voiced Corporate Ad/Ominous in "Saving WizTech."
- Tiffany Thornton played Susan in "Movies"
- Fred Willard played Mr. Stuffleby in "Make It Happen" and "Monster Hunter."
WKRP in Cincinnati
Sitcom centered around a rock-and-roll radio station, which ran from 1978 until 1982. In the first season episode "A Commercial Break," from 1979, Venus Flytrap and Herb Tarlek are auditioning jingle singers for an in-house commercial, and trying to coax shy Bailey Quarters into singing.
- Venus: Come on, sing. Sing a song!
- Herb: Sing out loud! Sing out strong! Sing of good things...
- Connections
- Loni Anderson played Jennifer Marlowe
- George Gaynes played Henri in the episode "Jennifer's Home for Christmas."
- Edie McClurg played Lucille Tarlek in three episodes.
- Julie Payne played Buffy Denver in the two-part episode "For Love or Money."
Working Class
Sitcom centered around Carli Mitchell (Melissa Peterman), a single mom from a rough and tumble background, trying to give her three kids a better life by moving them to an upscale suburb. In the episode "Short, Then Sweet," Carli tries to find a date on the internet to go to her boss' house warming party. When she finds out her date, Derek, is shorter than her, she feels a bit funny about going out with him. They soon open up at the party and made a few funny jokes about each other's height. In one of the jokes, Derek calls Carli, "Big Bird."
- Connections
- Ed Asner played Carli's neighbor, Hank Greziak.
In the episode "Muffin Buffalo," lead character Jaye is playing Pictionary with her family and her friend Pat. While Jaye's sister draws frantically, Pat shouts out guesses as to what she's drawing: "It's a frog! He's singing! 'Rainbow Connection!'
Zoey 101
In the episode "Quinn Misses the Mark", Michael Barrett (Christopher Massey) claims that a horse ate the cookies meant for Logan (Matthew Underwood) and James (Austin Butler). James, annoyed, calls Michael "Cookie Monster".