Bill Prady, the co-creator/executive producer of “The Big Bang Theory,” reminisces about a moment from his early career as a staff writer for the Jim Henson Co. during a time of global economic instability. In 1987, after a stock market crash, the Muppets made an appearance on a special “Town Hall” edition of ABC’s “Nightline” to explain the financial system. Prady wrote the segments for this special, which he hadn’t thought about in years until they were recently featured on “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”
Back in 1987, Prady had just landed his first professional writing job at the Muppets after a series of career moves. From being a computer programmer to working in various departments at the Jim Henson Co., he eventually became a staff writer with a diverse portfolio of projects. One of his tasks included writing funny box copy for the Swedish Chef’s cereal and sketches for the “Dial-a-Muppet” segments.
Despite being a 27-year-old writer for iconic characters like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, Prady wasn’t focused on the stock market. However, after the market crash in October 1987, Ted Koppel reached out to Jim Henson to have the Muppets explain financial terms on “Nightline.” This led to Prady delving into learning about the stock market at the New York Public Library to write the segments for the Muppets.
The shooting day at ABC News headquarters had its challenges, with the puppeteers, Jim Henson and Frank Oz, having to maneuver themselves uncomfortably under the miniature set. Despite technical difficulties and a broken camera, Prady recalls a magical moment of improv between Rowlf the Dog and Sam Eagle as they reminisced about the old days of television in ABC Studio One.
In a world where smartphones and social media didn’t exist, such a special moment could only live on in the memories of those present. Prady thanks John Oliver for bringing this memory back to light and reflecting on the unique experience of working with the Muppets during a time of economic turmoil.
The story of the Muppets explaining finance on “Nightline” in 1987 is a testament to the creativity and humor that Jim Henson and Frank Oz brought to their iconic characters. It serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen when talented individuals come together, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
