Was this really first broadcast over 30 years ago? It's staggering to believe, especially when you once again unlock the fun contained in The Muppet Show: Series 2 on DVD. It's fair to say that all The Muppet Show favourites get an airing across the 24 episodes that make up the series. There's Piggy and Kermit, of course, but it always tends to be the supporting characters that consistently generate the big laughs. Fozzie the aspiring comedian Bear, for instance, along with the unrivalled Animal, the great Gonzo, Rowlf bashing away on the keys and the high-pitched Beaker. And that's before we've even got to the majesty of The Swedish Chef, and consistent hecklers Waldorf and Statler.
Series 2 of The Muppet Show also brought together a congregation of impressive guest stars, with Julie Andrews, Elton John, Peter Sellers and Steve Martin among the names joining in the maniacal fun. And with a healthy combination of sketches and big musical numbers, it's easy to understand why The Muppet Show remains one of the finest childrens' television programmes of all time.
What's also pleasing is how well it's held up. While not all of the The Muppet Show is timeless, there's nonetheless a real evergreen feel to much of the material here. And with hours of entertainment that, genuinely, the entire family can enjoy, this is a box set with immense rewatch potential. Brilliant. --Simon Brew
