What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Muppets
James Bobin · Film · 2011
If you loved The Muppets, start with The Muppets (Bill Prady, 2015) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 1 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Muppets across media.
You loved The Muppets because of the chaotic, heartfelt ensemble dynamics that turn unconventional groups of friends into a tight-knit family.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Muppets
Bill Prady · Series · 2015
Books on the same thread
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Courage, The Hero's Journey.
Much like the motley crew in The Muppets, this story captures the spirit of a reluctant but loyal ensemble embarking on a high-stakes journey together against all odds.
In the Lives of Puppets
T.J. Klune · Book
Explores: found family, artificial intelligence, humanity.
This story mirrors the central premise of The Muppets by focusing on a non-traditional, found family unit navigating the complexities of their unique and artificial existence together.
Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi · Book · 1996
Explores: Transformation, Redemption, Consequences.
If the puppet-led charm of The Muppets resonated with you, this classic tale offers a similar exploration of the sentient puppet experience through a journey of personal growth.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi · Book · 1929
Explores: redemption, coming-of-age, good vs evil.
The Muppets celebrates the magic of puppetry, and this foundational story provides that same sense of wonder by following a wooden protagonist on his own path to redemption.
Series on the same thread
The Muppet Show
Jim Henson · Series · 1976
Shares a thread with The Muppets: Ensemble Cast.
As the origin of the characters you loved in The Muppets, this show provides the quintessential backstage experience and the same comedic chemistry that defines the entire franchise.
Podcasts on the same thread
My Brother, My Brother And Me
The McElroys · Podcast
Explores: sibling relationships, humorous advice, absurdist humor.
The Muppets thrives on the irreverent and sharp comedic banter of its ensemble, a dynamic that is perfectly captured in the absurd and affectionate sibling rapport found here.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This podcast channels the improvisational energy and group camaraderie seen in The Muppets, translating that same spirit of collaborative storytelling into a hilarious and high-stakes fantasy adventure.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Muppets (2011) a direct sequel to the 2015 television series?
No, the 2011 movie The Muppets and the 2015 television series are separate productions. The 2011 film focuses on saving the Muppet theater from demolition, while the 2015 series presents a different format and narrative structure for the characters.
What is the main plot of The Muppets (2011)?
In The Muppets, Kermit the Frog and his friends discover their theater is scheduled for demolition. With the help of Gary and his puppet brother Walter, the group works to raise ten million dollars to save the theater by putting on a show.
Should I watch The Muppets (2011) before the 2015 TV show?
Watching the 2011 film The Muppets before the 2015 series is not required for plot continuity. Both projects stand as independent entries within the franchise, allowing viewers to enjoy the 2011 movie and the later television show in any order they prefer.
Are Gary and Walter in the 2015 TV show The Muppets?
The characters Gary and Walter are introduced in the 2011 movie The Muppets to help save the theater. They do not appear as main characters in the 2015 television series, which features a different focus for the Muppet cast.