"The Muppet Show Theme" is the opening theme of the sketch comedy and variety series The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson. Sam Pottle wrote the music and Jim Henson the words. The series first aired on 5 September 1976, on ITV in the United Kingdom and in US syndication, and was made at ATV Elstree. The original recording, by The Muppets, was released in November 1977 as track A1 on the album The Muppet Show. The sung verses changed from season to season. The opening shows Kermit introducing the guest stars, with Rowlf on piano, Crazy Harry on triangle and Animal on drums in the orchestra.
An instrumental version serves as the closing theme. A closing gag shows Gonzo trying to hit a gong with a trumpet note. Later versions include those by the Franck Pourcel Orchestra (1979), Susan Egan with Christopher McGovern (2008) and OK Go (2011).
