Any other person, it might feel weird or even insensitive to turn their memorial into a big stagey performance piece full of silly voices. But it feels like exactly what Henson would have wanted.
It's what he explicitly asked for with those notes, he wanted people to perform songs and he wanted nobody to wear black. He wanted people to have a good time.
I want my funeral to look like the ending to children’s movies from the early 2000’s with those lame dance music videos, like how most of the early dreamworks movies ended.
Imagine being 7 years old and hearing that. Jim's death made me realize that eventually everyone I love would die. This was mostly apparent becuase my father looked and acted a lot like Jim Henson and we both loved the muppets. I can honestly say that I new this episode of Defunct TV was coming and that it would make me sad. It also reminded me of the day my dad and I first talked about his death.
I will say this. From the standpoint of a writer, having Kermit missing for almost the entire Muppet part of the memorial adds a lot more emotional weight to it. Kermit is the Muppet that was "closest" to Jim Henson and "knew" him better than the other Muppets. It would make sense that he'd be grieving the most at Jim Henson's death. Also, the kid's letters to Kermit are what got me.
It's better than that. NONE of the characters Jim played show up in the special until they read the letters. No Rowlf. No Chef. No Waldorf. No Link Hogthrob. No one. Not even in the background until Statler and Waldorf listen to the letters. No one to give them a voice. Fozzie has Frank, Scooter has Richard (for now), Clifford has Kevin, Robin has Jerry, Gonzo has Dave, and Rizzo has Steve, but all the previous voices remain silent. This, of course, makes the ending where, along with the Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street characters emerging, all of Jim's beloved characters join in, all the more touching.
What I found interesting is, when you work at a Disney park (and I think it applies to most parks that have characters) there are no actors that play characters, only people that are _friends with_ a character. So, for example, when I worked at Disney World I wouldn’t say my roommate is Donald Duck, I’d say that she was _friends with_ Donald Duck or that I had a friend that was _friends with_ Snow White. It’s done that way to keep the magic alive. I just love that the magic was kept alive in the same way in the memorial. And by leaving out all of Jim’s characters, it was a great way to show the hole he left behind.
@@jellyfoxthespacefox7556 Kermit was there. He sang rainbow connection, he was just so sad he didn't show his face. Also Steve Whitmire was there and he was Kermit's new friend. And at the funeral he is the guy dressed in a suit inspired b kermit (he's in the green)
I remember just turning 7 that month and watching the special... when they didn't show Kermit I thought, oh right, Jim Henson did the voice... Kermit's dead. :( I was sad... than happy at the end when Kermit showed... Kermit's not dead! :)
@@jmitterii2 but Rowlf was retired for nearly a quarter of a century. He was Jim's favorite, and they decided he was the one Muppet they wouldn't replace with a new puppeteer
I was 17 when this special aired, and I remember crying when Scooter read that postcard. The way the Muppets dealt with the issue but my grown (I thought) ass to tears. This video is doing the same, and I haven't even made it to the intro theme yet.
@@Skye_Writer years earlier, in 1983, after the actor who played Mr. Hooper the storekeeper died, no-one was sure how to explain his absence to the children who watch the show. Carroll Spinney said in an interview that at one point they discussed the idea of just saying he retired and moved to Florida. But the the head writer decided they owe the children an honest answer. So after consulting with child psychologists, they wrote an episode that aired on Thanksgiving (to ensure that as many children as possible would be watching, and that there would definitely be family members there to talk to about it) where the other adults on the show have to explain the concept of death to Big Bird, and why it means he'll never get to see his friend again. I'm tearing up just writing this
In any other circumstance that would be seen as offensive and horrible, having a big goofy character walking in during a funeral... But for once, and only once, in the history of the world... it was the only respectable thing to do.
Look up this episode/special if you can. I saw it as an early teen, and back then his death was still fresh in everyone's mind, so this was just the send-off we needed.
That is the Magic that is Jim Henson he we will never Not matter. His message transcends his time. Never before have the lovers, the dreamers, and you mattered more. As it's the same for every generation that discovers the Muppets.
@@irvingmicheaux2761 Whitmire said that if, in 70 years, he’s only remembered for one thing, he wants it to be for how hard he fought to keep the integrity of the Muppets intact.. He knew that Jim would’ve been rolling over in his grave to see what Disney and his children had done. God, how I wish he had been successful in that.
Considering that Jim and Frank were basically real life Bert and Ernie and sometimes Frank would react with cold sarcasm to some of Jim’s sayings, they still were the best of friends. Frank lost one of the closest people he’s ever been with in his life. When his voice choked up and he turned around that’s when I broke.
Same Here...They Were Like Brothers & I Lost My Dad in 2015 To Pneumonia As Well. Je Was A Vietnam Vet Who Grew-Up in Utah & Survived Just About Everything Just To Be Taken Out By A Stupid Cold?
When the topic at hand is so dear to one's heart, as Henson was to so many..... money no longer remains an issue, instead it becomes a work of passion..... and one's only concern becomes..... is it good enough?
I’ve really enjoyed this miniseries. Please do more of these in the future. It’s a shame Disney has only done 4 official Muppet movies. They need to bring them back into pop culture. The world needs The Muppets
Same. The journey through Jim Henson's career was as interesting as it was beautiful, and I'd love to see more multi-part content like this. I know it can be hard to produce these sorts of things, but it had me on the edge of my seat episode-to-episode and I'm glad I followed it through to the very end.
What got my attention to this series was the Muppet Babies episode, and scrolling down the suggestions below the video, I found the playlist for the entire series of videos, and watched it. I even re watched the Muppet Babies episode! I was sobbing basically throughout the last half of this video!!! The memorial was EXTREMELY touching, and I just couldn't help it, I absolutely SOBBED, with tears streaming down my face!!! And he died when I was about 3 and a half years old. He held basically the same values that I hold near and dear to my own heart, and the world is DEFINITELY NOT the same without him. I know that if the world would have had more time with him here, it would most likely be a MUCH BETTER place than it is now. We lost a VERY VALUABLE member of society and influence in him when we lost him. Hopefully, more people will realize how true and valuable his morals and lessons are in the future by rewatching his works of art!
Carol Spinney choking up was what set me off crying. I remember watching this as a kid, too young to realize it was a funeral, but old enough to understand the gravity when Fozzy said, "He died?!"
I'm currently a cast member at Muppet Vision 3D at Walt Disney World. I can tell you that many of us who work that attraction still can feel the true spirit of the Muppets and Jim there. There is actually a picture of Jim as a muppet hanging in the rafters in the pre-show area, almost as though he's looking down on one of his last creations. Muppet Vision 3D might not be bringing in the numbers it used to, but Jim's spirit is still there and those who come and see it can feel it. Which I believe is why the attraction has lasted as long as it has. It's a precious little gem that I hope will stay for at least a few more years :)
@@msjessicahall yep! Unfortunately, in California it's been replaced by A Salute to All IPs, But Mostly Donald Du- uh, I mean, Rizzo's Philharmag-, uh, I mean Mickey's Philharmagic.
i know im really late to this, but the line "we were just starting to get to know him" really resonates with me since I wasn't even born when Jim passed away. I fell in love with the muppets through my mother's dvd collections of seasons 1 & 2, and i only found out Jim died years later. It felt like I had just found something incredible and I would never get to experience it the same again. Jim Henson had such an impact on my life however insignificant it may seem, and he wasn't even alive for it. He truly was an amazing man.
Yeah I was 9 when he passed and at the time I was already a great admirer of his work. My favorite thing he did was the movie "The Dark Crystal" The man was a creative genius.
It was the same with me. I grew up watching Sesame Street at my grandma’s on VHS, but I never knew Jim died until later in my life. Eventually, in high school, I saw some clips of the original Muppet Show online, and I’ve been a fan ever since. I’m even more saddened to know that I never got to experience the Muppets at their creative and cultural peak, and we probably won’t see much Muppet content in the future. Something was clearly lost when Jim passed, and I don’t think they’ll ever be able to recapture the magic from the old days.
153 would have been too soon. He was, truly, a genius. He could make you laugh with a word and cry with another. Two true statements in one sentence: He was a gentleman and a gentle man. He's been missed for the last thirty years.
I mean, RUclips was basically how the Muppets had that short comeback before the first Disney movie. That Bohemian Rhapsody cover got me so hyped. He completely missed out on the internet and I'm sure he would've loved it and all the possibilities.
I watched Jim Henson's Memorial Service about a year ago or so and it was hard to watch without getting a lump in my throat so took pauses in between different stages in order not to cry, it's too easy to choke up watching it and I don't usually cry over stuff in videos or films save for certain moments (like the end of The Return of the King).
I almost did watching this series. I never knew how much Henson was involved in my childhood nostalgic movies. I regret never getting the opportunity to watch Fraggle Rock. I will probably get the complete series eventually.
This part got me and the part where they lift him up in the air while he's singing cause they can tell he's internally having a meltdown. That's so in spirit with what the Muppet crew would do and it both breaks my heart and gives me hope in humanity.
I love how Jim and Frank were basically the real life Ernie and Bert. They were proof that people can be so very different and yet still be not just friends but BEST friends.
Rest in peace, Jim, Jane, and John Henson (yes, unfortunately, one of the Henson children has also died), Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Caroll Spinney, Sir John Hurt, David Bowie, Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor (Mickey and Minnie were married in real life, in terms of their voice actors, and it's ironic that Russi Taylor had died a decade after her husband), Brother Ray Charles, John Denver, Will Lee (Mr. Hooper), Emilio Delgado (Luis), Bob McGrath (Bob), Don Sahlin, Jerry Juhl, Bernie Brillstein, Jon Stone (original director of Sesame Street), and Harry Belafonte. I think Jim would've loved The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island. Edit: Okay, let's give Michael Eisner some credit here. Jim wouldn't have been given the opportunity secure a weekly Muppet TV series if Eisner hadn't greenlit the Muppet Show pilots in the first place, so we should at least be grateful for that. Otherwise, Jim would've been stuck with all the execs saying the Muppets were for kids only. Thanks, Mr. Eisner.
Right, the Jim Henson company is still alive today, making shows like Sid the Science Kid, Pajamals, Dinosaur Train and Splash and Bubbles, along with movies like The Star.
This is a series is a milestone. Trurly an outstanding achievement in independent video making that reminds us all of the beauty that can be produced when someone dedicates their time, energy and talent to sharing something they're truly passionate about with the world. This finale is one of the best single videos I've seen all year and in my opinion this series overall is deserving of an award. Jim would be proud.
Agreed. Thanks for making this, Kevin. It’s a fantastic overview of the whole Henson world and this conclusion is a touching look back at a truly beautiful memorial.
15:37 This moment, with the calm and normal Frank Oz breaking down as he remembers this moment, remembers his connection with Jim, and his tear-choked voice SOUNDS like Fozzie crying…
I just realized that instead of choosing to relay all of the information pertaining to the Jim Henson Hour first before then transitioning into the details of Henson’s funeral (as one would expect), Kevin deliberately chooses to cut back and forth between the two, contrasting the vibrant goofiness and imagination of Henson’s production work with the solemn and introspective nature of his funeral, having the two almost totally blend into the each other In other words, a perfect balance between the “Sacred” and the “Silly”. Henson would be proud, Kevin👍
Not to mention how this video is actually kinda structured like an episode of the Jim Henson Hour itself, with how this video cuts back and forth between his memorial service, the production and history of his Hour show, and the Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson special, and this video still manages to work unlike the Jim Henson Hour itself. And unlike the critics who hated that show, I really enjoyed and loved this video, and the rest of the miniseries. It really makes me want to look at his works again, The Muppet Show, the Wilkins ads, Tinkerdee, Santa Claus Switch, Sex and Violence, Muppets Valentines Special, etc. there’s so much of Henson’s work I haven’t seen outside the later Muppet movies that were made after his death. Thank you, you lucked, blessed and gifted man, Henson, you will be missed.
If your funeral doesn't have people doing funny voices, making jokes, telling stories and a song performed by a giant bird puppet, you're doing something wrong. I don't know why this series showed up in my recommended videos but I'm very glad it did. It's been very entertaining, as well as educational
This entire series was incredible, but this episode moved to me full-blown tears. What a moving tribute to a man I hadn't known that much about. Thank you for creating such an incredible, informative tribute!
I held it together until it got to the part where Frank Oz broke down, after that I couldn't stop the water works for the entire rest of the video. We will be fortunate if the world ever sees another soul like Jim Henson grace us with their presence.
Sebastian Lockwood yeah, it’s emotional. Now if Barney did that, it wouldn’t really work. Just watch the Nostalgia Critic’s recent review of Barney’s Great Adventure. He spends a few minutes on how Barney couldn’t tackle serious topics like Sesame Street, Arthur, or Mister Rodgers Neighborhood could.
@@DoswarePictures Clash? As in Elmo? Yeah, agreed. Well, except he's going to have to be a little older (Elmo, I mean). If the When Families Grieve episode was anything to go by, the little red guy's a little young to understand death.
I'm only 20, and while I have never seen the Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth (Did watch Dark Crystal!), this series still hit me very hard, and made me cry for a great person I never got the chance to meet.
@@bagofgroceries Just like what Bob Iger chose to do with the Muppets after Most Wanted and the 2015 show bombed plus the firing of Steve Whitmire (w/ Muppet Babies 2018 being the proto-Mandalorian)
Learning about the Jim Henson Hour's bizarre format, I can't help but think the idea would have worked great in the digital era. It strikes me as a very web show/RUclips channel idea.
I think that's the common issue with visionary artists. Their ideas are often beyond their times, which isn't necessary a good thing cause it mightn't resonate with people of that time.
Yeah, the Muppet youtube channel is one of my favorites, really great skits. Not that that has anything to do with what you just said just wanted to point that out. I especially love the Bohemian Rhapsody video.
@@pdraggy The Muppets' "Bohemian Rhapsody" parody was hilarious! Freddie had said, "Do whatever you want with my music, darling. Just don't make it boring." I'm sure he would've loved that video. Wonder if Dr. Brian May and Roger Taylor saw it and enjoyed it? Edit: Matter of fact, now that I think about it, Jim Henson died over a year before Freddie Mercury, and both of them died from illnesses (Jim Henson died of pneumonia, and Freddie Mercury had died of complications due to AIDS).
When I first watched this a few years ago, I was getting ready for bed, kicking back preparing to spend another night in my truck….in the hospital parking garage… Like the over 100 nights before… I was scrolling…. Desperate for something to distract me from my dying mother. I watched the whole series that evening finishing around 1AM. At which point I basically melted into the truck floorboard…..sobbing and convulsing like an insane person. I was literally sore the next day like I have been lifting weights at the gym. I’m in my mid 30s and that was the first time I’ve cried since I was about 10 years old…Once it started I just couldn’t stop it I had already spent over 100 nights sleeping in my truck at the hospital… little did I know….. I had 100 more nights ahead of me. As peculiar as the situation was… I’m thankful it happened that way. That breakdown helped me confront my emotions, instead of continuing with my head buried in the sand… In complete denial. Knowing that my mom was the strongest person and that she would absolutely kick its ass and pull out of it if she wanted to. It allowed me to accept the truth of our situation…. That there was absolutely no hope mom would make it to her next birthday or Christmas. I don’t have any other family, only other blood relative is my estranged dad... (EDIT....Who ended up being diagnosed and fighting stage 4 a few months after Mom. This is an update to that comment.) So I guess the denial was my defense mechanism. Telling that she was really the only human contact I had left. I thought I needed to be strong for my mom. When in reality… Being vulnerable and emotionally present allowed us both to glean as much healing and meaning out of those last days we had together. It's the best gift I've ever gotten in my life. We were never close, and even after that first year of her being deathly ill… I tried to stay cold and strong. But I’m eternally grateful for the raw feelings and shared emotions. And when she finally did pass away, we weren’t just mother and son… that small window of time allowed us to heal decades of hurt and bad relationships… So when she finally did pass away… We were best friends. Thank you
I've just recently come to understand how much the inability to accept that someone is on their deathbed, both for the dying person and those that love them, robs those people of such precious time. The time is already so limited, but without accepting that fact the remaining time often is not spent in a way that will actually benefit everyone involved. What a wonderful gift for all involved to be able to go through the transition and the loss knowing that they have taken the time to really say what they wanted to say, mend broken things, and to have understood how it feels to really really live in the moment, to be present. I'm grateful that you got to have that closure with your mom, that the two of you embraced each other and embraced the transition that was taking place so that you could both really get every positive aspect that was available in the experience. I hope that if/when I am ever in your place or your mother's place, I will be able to accept the reality of the situation and to really be present for the experience
@@lashermayfair0 what a very nice and thoughtful comment. Thank you and yes it was probably the best gift I've ever gotten in my life. And the hardest and worst. I'll never be the same I've lost a lot of loved ones, well pretty much all of them. Even though it sounds harder to lose someone and slowly watch them die over years... Spent 200 some-odd nights in the hospital with her in 2020 and 2021 alone. Sleeping in the hallways and my truck... Because the commute is what kills you. Even if it's only 30 minutes one way... You're so tired just because of the driving in the getting ready to go up there... It's just easier to stay there and never leave. I mean obviously that will have some drastic and destructive effects on your life or job or business or whatever... But sometimes it's just the best way To watch someone die slowly is definitely harder. To hold their hand for a year or two every day. Someone so sick you didn't think they could still be alive still hanging on but you will be more thankful for the time knowing that it's coming to an end.... And doing your damnedest to spend it wisely. Which is not easy in that situation. Some days are just bad days. But you do what you can I've lost other loved ones abruptly to accidents, suicides, addiction,and all kinds of things. Honestly it's a lot easier on your emotions because it's not dragged out over a long time. But it's obviously a lot less rewarding and leaves you with a lot of baggage long-term. So to sum it up I guess both ways really suck. My Last living relative is my dad and he's stage 4 now ... in and out of the hospital. I wouldn't wish that kind of illness or the act of caretaking on anyone.....especially with their parents but I'm so thankful to have it with both of mine. It's a Weird feeling every living blood relative before 35. All in the span of a few years.
@@HogartHughes thank you very much. I wish health and peace for you and your family. In the opportunity to spend some good time with them before their time comes.
I guess being a professional "artist" myself..... the huge respect I have for the people like Jim Henson. And the family of artists around him. I could build maestro level instruments for 1000 of the world's biggest symphony players..... It wouldn't be a drop in the bucket to the influence and effect they had on the children and people of the world. Influence that guided and lead generations upon generations, and will continue to do so. It was truly something astoundingly rare and special that they were able to distill. I guess that's why it's so emotional for me to see the Deep respect and inner workings of all of that. And I know that feeling well, of knowing that you have things that you need to get done in your life and you just can't stop because you don't have the time. You just know that you're not going to be here that long. I've known that feeling my whole life. And it's not like I feel like I have something super special to give like he did... But it is something to give and I feel like I can never stop because I don't have long. That really got to me
He died from pneumonia and someone had to the voice of Kermit the frog and I don't know who but we'll always remember the unforgettable legend Jim Henson sleep in heaven.
Being born in 2000, almost all of these shows aired before I was even born, and yet I still cried watching this episode. Nobody does emotional storytelling like Defunctland.
So the same guy who would years later infuriate Robin Williams by deliberately disregarding his explicit wishes on marketing and merchandising... was also rude, condescending and disrespectful to Jim Henson? "YOU DON'T SAY"
That's nothing, you should read up on how David Geffen treated pretty much everyone, lets just say thst there's a good reason why he was one of the most hated people in hollywood.
What a heartfelt tribute. Even as someone who didn't watch the muppets, you captivated me and made me cry. Jim Henson was truly an amazing creator, I'm so glad his legacy still stands today.
They're too busy giving them to men who think they're women or complaining about having to "protect themselves from their audience" after calling said audience Nazis for disagreeing with the far left.
I noticed the formatting of your video was set to match the unfocused and scattered pitches Jim had once put out. Very honorable to do that... This was an amazing series and for someone who once had to research Jim as a young child and no matter where I go, I always wrap back around to this man in some way, I thank you for making this.
God, the part with Big Bird singing and saying, "Thank you, Kermit," absolutely reduced me to mush. This series was so magical. Thank you for creating and sharing this.
Ya the big bird thing made me cry so did the the puppeteers and there puppets singing together 😊😥🥺 we will all miss Jim Hensen 🐸 he was truly a very nice kind man 😊
This mini-series was an absolutely joy to watch. Henson's history was fascinating and the way in which the Defuctland team put everything together was just perfect. Jim would be proud of you all.
I hope you realize this series was a masterpiece, deserving of being aired in any major metwork or streaming service. Be proud of yourself, you brought Jim Henson's legacy to a new generation and platform and for the future to see
"Kermit was alive." *"And so was Jim Henson."* This miniseries was just brilliant. I've learned so much about Jim from this miniseries. The brilliance, The obstacles, and The Magic. Thank you. Life is like a movie. *Write your own ending.*
I wish that there was a part seven of this miniseries, entitled "Life After Jim", showcasing everything that's happened with The Muppets and Co. after "The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson".
I'd still love to see "The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made" become a reality. It was another of Jim's dream projects that never got off the ground, and I bet it would've been hilarious!
I wish someone would make a TV Show documenting Jim Henson's life, but using Muppets instead of actors. Might seem a bit weird at first, but think about it. What better way to retell the life of a talented man that touched the hearts and minds of men and women and children the world over... with the very thing he used to touch those hearts and minds?
"The truth is I miss ya, you were gone too soon. It was like watching a beautiful sunset..at noon."-Stan Lee, Epic Rap Battle. Honestly, brother. Your work deserves awards. You did your homework, you worked hard on this, and we all appreciate it.
I know alot of people probably didn't pick up on this, but the way you made the different aspects of this video (Jim's funeral, the Muppet tribute, and Jim's final few projects) all appear at random, just like how The Jim Henson Hour was formatted, is brilliant. That type of attention to detail is what separates great video creators from the rest. This whole series was perfect.
Jim Henson was ahead of his time. The Jim Henson hour show sounds like it would’ve worked in present day, that’s what the popular RUclips videos mostly were in the early days of RUclips. Jim Henson left the world too soon, but his legacy will ensure that he will always be remembered.
Expertly done. The decision to alternate between memorial and last year was absolutely the right choice; it added a suspense that would not have been there otherwise. Yall really knocked this entire series out of the park.
@@terryaltherr2481Altherr same, it was just a little bit before that got me. The parts where all the Muppets, Fraggles, and Seaseme characters started singing is what got me, but I really started balling when he mentioned Whitmire taking over for him. Those characters really had an effect on my early life, I remember watching hours of reruns of the muppet show. I really loved the muppet babies when I was really little too and I loved watching and learning about the muppet and how they worked and what the did to get certain people on the show. Though these defunct episode reminded me how much I didn't know or didn't remember.
Good god, when Big Bird came on the stage with Kermit’s tux it hit me like a truck. Thank you for making my childhood magical Jim, your work will live on for generations to come.
"Kermit was alive, and so was Jim Henson". That line actually made me cry. Thank you for this series, it was beautiful, informative, and all at once, fascinating, much like Jim himself. He would be proud.
You know even if the Jim Henson Hour was considered a failure... I remember how we used to burn through hours of VHS tapes just rewatching the episodes over and over again....
Two minutes in and my eyes are already stinging. And all I can think is the line from the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz: “Now I know I have a heart... because it’s breaking.”
So we've been told and some choose to believe I know they're wrong, wait and see Someday we'll find it The Rainbow Connection The lovers, the dreamers, and ME
I wasn't even born when Jim died. This mini series taught me a lot about him and The Muppets. This conclusion episode was so moving even though I have not lived his works. Thank you Jim Henson and thank you @Defunctland.
Watching Richard Hunt during the funeral for the first time "He did a good job" Watching the 2nd time after learning he was dying from AIDS at the time "How he kept his composure I'll never know"
I clicked on a thumbnail promising me a history of the Muppet Show and now I'm sitting here hours later CRYING ACTUAL TEARS. It's a tragedy your Henson series isn't more widely known. Bravo.
It's weird, he died 12 years before I was born, but after this series I felt like I got to know Jim Henson. I miss Jim Henson because of everything he has done, the Muppets, Sesame Street, everything I grew up with. Jim Henson was a big part of my childhood despite all of his wonderful creations being created decades before I was born, or my parents were born.
Fantastic job on this whole miniseries, Kevin! Jim Henson was truly a one of a kind creative genius and a true gift from God! R.I.P. Jim. Your legacy will live on forever! 😔
This documentary set is proper broadcast material. Excellent quality, and I was hooked on it right from the start. An amazing look at Jim Henson's life on and off screen.
@@ajaylewis322 I agree, this was excellently researched, and put together, edited sourced etc. I was truly hooked. It would be interesting to see what Kevin and the team would put together with even more time/money!
I uh... I held it together all the way up until they started reading the letters from Jim Henson's fans. Then I, a grown man about to turn 30, let out a very loud sob. Thank you very much Kevin for making this video.
22:44 - "Kermit was Jim's most famous creation, and he had appeared on almost every variety show on the air for as long as America could remember. And this would be the last time that he would, on Jim's arm."
2 years later and way late to watching this series, I'm just here to say that this is RUclips gold, an actual real no-joke documentary, and that the intro theme for this docuseries is masterful.
i don't comment a lot on youtube videos (in fact, this is probably the first comment i've left on a video in 5 years) but i just wanted to say how much i appreciate this miniseries. i didn't know much about jim henson before watching this series other than he was the creator of the muppets, but this series has brought me a lot of valuable knowledge on american entertainment history. i've been watching this channel since your episode on action park, and i think this is your best episode on the channel so far. i think it was really smart to cut back and forth between jim working with disney and jim's memorial service so that there wasn't any emotional overload for the audience. (i still cried for over half of the episode, though.)
Same here... I barely knew anything about the guy. What a legacy. The tenacity with which he pursued his dreams. The love for and uniqueness of his craft. The loyalty he inspired in his crew, and which he tried to show them in return... sometimes frustrating them, sometimes failing them, yet they still felt drawn to him and his vision, in all its many forms. The Muppets are one of those intellectual properties that have always seemed peripheral to everything else in entertainment, to me at least. Each time a new movie comes out, I'm just like, "Oh, they're still around? ...Huh." Yet everyone who was anyone in the 80's, the internet's favorite decade, got to meet or get parodied by the Muppets at some point. Their shows were major hits, and their merchandise sold millions. Whether in the foreground or the background of American culture, they've always just... been there. It's a testament to Jim Henson's bold, creative genius that when The Muppet Show was on top of the world, he refused to settle for for "Wellp, this particular show is my crowning achievement, so let's milk it til they cancel us" and had the balls to end it on a high note. His whole career is inspiring to creators everywhere.
I think we can safely say that Jim's legacy is forever etched in stone. There is not one child or teen today that doesn't know who the Muppets are. But goddamn, Big Bird singing at Jim's eulogy was absolutely heartbreaking.
the Swedish Chef must have been cutting onions for the last 35 minutes.
With what? A chainsaw?!
@@KidSnivy69 Yes, you need heavy artillery when you're dicing roughly 1 million onions.
Scratch that. He was most likely shooting them with a rifle, thus spreading the juicy smell even further.
@@KidSnivy69 Whatever he's using to cut them is anybody's guess, and I'm better off not knowing.
well im glad to know i wasnt the only one crying like a madman
Any other person, it might feel weird or even insensitive to turn their memorial into a big stagey performance piece full of silly voices. But it feels like exactly what Henson would have wanted.
It's what he explicitly asked for with those notes, he wanted people to perform songs and he wanted nobody to wear black. He wanted people to have a good time.
I want this.
When I go, people are only allowed to wear my blood for clothing.
And I want shitty pub bands to play covers of Dying Fetus songs
I want my funeral to look like the ending to children’s movies from the early 2000’s with those lame dance music videos, like how most of the early dreamworks movies ended.
If it was my funeral and ppl showed the good I did. Well I'd be more then happy.
"Died!? But we were just starting to get to know him"
Boy that line really freaking got me, now i'm proper in tears.
That's where I finally lost it.
Yeah that was so sweet
same
Imagine being 7 years old and hearing that. Jim's death made me realize that eventually everyone I love would die. This was mostly apparent becuase my father looked and acted a lot like Jim Henson and we both loved the muppets. I can honestly say that I new this episode of Defunct TV was coming and that it would make me sad. It also reminded me of the day my dad and I first talked about his death.
Me too
I will say this. From the standpoint of a writer, having Kermit missing for almost the entire Muppet part of the memorial adds a lot more emotional weight to it. Kermit is the Muppet that was "closest" to Jim Henson and "knew" him better than the other Muppets. It would make sense that he'd be grieving the most at Jim Henson's death.
Also, the kid's letters to Kermit are what got me.
It's better than that. NONE of the characters Jim played show up in the special until they read the letters. No Rowlf. No Chef. No Waldorf. No Link Hogthrob. No one. Not even in the background until Statler and Waldorf listen to the letters. No one to give them a voice. Fozzie has Frank, Scooter has Richard (for now), Clifford has Kevin, Robin has Jerry, Gonzo has Dave, and Rizzo has Steve, but all the previous voices remain silent.
This, of course, makes the ending where, along with the Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street characters emerging, all of Jim's beloved characters join in, all the more touching.
@@kylemorello4787 yeah I thought that was the entire point lol. Not that OPs thought I'd entirely wrong, either, in an interpretation.
What I found interesting is, when you work at a Disney park (and I think it applies to most parks that have characters) there are no actors that play characters, only people that are _friends with_ a character.
So, for example, when I worked at Disney World I wouldn’t say my roommate is Donald Duck, I’d say that she was _friends with_ Donald Duck or that I had a friend that was _friends with_ Snow White.
It’s done that way to keep the magic alive.
I just love that the magic was kept alive in the same way in the memorial.
And by leaving out all of Jim’s characters, it was a great way to show the hole he left behind.
And taking in all of the other replies but in my interpretation I think Kermit must be at Jim Hensons funeral
@@jellyfoxthespacefox7556 Kermit was there. He sang rainbow connection, he was just so sad he didn't show his face. Also Steve Whitmire was there and he was Kermit's new friend. And at the funeral he is the guy dressed in a suit inspired b kermit (he's in the green)
"One thing was painfully obvious -- Kermit was missing"
Oof, that part GOT to me
I remember just turning 7 that month and watching the special... when they didn't show Kermit I thought, oh right, Jim Henson did the voice... Kermit's dead. :(
I was sad... than happy at the end when Kermit showed... Kermit's not dead! :)
@@jmitterii2 but Rowlf was retired for nearly a quarter of a century. He was Jim's favorite, and they decided he was the one Muppet they wouldn't replace with a new puppeteer
I was 17 when this special aired, and I remember crying when Scooter read that postcard. The way the Muppets dealt with the issue but my grown (I thought) ass to tears. This video is doing the same, and I haven't even made it to the intro theme yet.
Then he was resurrected by a powerful virgin named rtgr8
@@Skye_Writer years earlier, in 1983, after the actor who played Mr. Hooper the storekeeper died, no-one was sure how to explain his absence to the children who watch the show. Carroll Spinney said in an interview that at one point they discussed the idea of just saying he retired and moved to Florida. But the the head writer decided they owe the children an honest answer. So after consulting with child psychologists, they wrote an episode that aired on Thanksgiving (to ensure that as many children as possible would be watching, and that there would definitely be family members there to talk to about it) where the other adults on the show have to explain the concept of death to Big Bird, and why it means he'll never get to see his friend again.
I'm tearing up just writing this
1. Lie down
2. Try not to cry
3. Cry a lot
Same here 😭😭💔
bro i put off watching this for almost three months b/c i knew i would cry
Mood
It ain't a Defunct production without a mention of Michael Eisner.
Eisner is like God, everywhere all at once, but also like Satan, blood red and really good with a fiddle.
Yep.
@@beanacomputer neither eisner nor satan could beat a fiddler named johnny though.
*shakes fist* EEEEEEEIIIISNERRRR!!
Rick Boost What about every episode of DefunctTV except this and the curse of Sesame Street? And a few non Disney episodes form season 2?.
18:57 I never thought a big yellow bird walking into a cathedral would make me cry but here we are
In any other circumstance that would be seen as offensive and horrible, having a big goofy character walking in during a funeral...
But for once, and only once, in the history of the world... it was the only respectable thing to do.
@@NoahDaArk It's like if, at Mel Blanc's funeral, it ended with Porky Pig's echo-y voice saying, "That's all, folks!"
I was sobbing
"Kermit was alive and so was Jim Henson." Such a powerful last note.
Hearing him say "Thank you, Kermit" while fighting tears hit me way too hard...
"Jim died? But we were just starting to get to know him."
Wow. It just got dusty in here really fast.
Big birds actor died yesterday to
E
Buddy there were onions in my room the whole time
I lost it at that point to. I mean, I knew a long time ago but...
Look up this episode/special if you can. I saw it as an early teen, and back then his death was still fresh in everyone's mind, so this was just the send-off we needed.
Why am I sobbing it's been nearly 30 years since Jim henson died and I wasn't even alive when he did what the hell not fair
That is the Magic that is Jim Henson he we will never Not matter. His message transcends his time. Never before have the lovers, the dreamers, and you mattered more. As it's the same for every generation that discovers the Muppets.
You're not alone. I watched most of Jim's TV shows but he passed away before I was born. I cried through this whole video 😭😭😭
I’m sobbing too, Jim Henson is my hero now
Welcome to how I feel 🐭🐸
@@wichygirl2204 why not more and more and more🙏❤
"Kermit was alive, and so was Jim Henson"
A perfect way to end this amazing mini series
What a wonderful last line to end this mini series on a high note.
I can neither confirm nor deny that I teared up a bit.
Preach, brotha.
Then became dead again when Disney (and the Henson children) booted Whitmire out and made Matt Vogel the de facto Kermit.
Wankers ...smh
@@irvingmicheaux2761 Whitmire said that if, in 70 years, he’s only remembered for one thing, he wants it to be for how hard he fought to keep the integrity of the Muppets intact.. He knew that Jim would’ve been rolling over in his grave to see what Disney and his children had done. God, how I wish he had been successful in that.
"The most sophisticated people I know - inside they are all children."
-Jim Henson
rest in peace Jim Henson
I made it about sixteen minutes without crying...
And then Frank Oz started crying and I lost it.
Considering that Jim and Frank were basically real life Bert and Ernie and sometimes Frank would react with cold sarcasm to some of Jim’s sayings, they still were the best of friends. Frank lost one of the closest people he’s ever been with in his life. When his voice choked up and he turned around that’s when I broke.
Same Here...They Were Like Brothers & I Lost My Dad in 2015 To Pneumonia As Well. Je Was A Vietnam Vet Who Grew-Up in Utah & Survived Just About Everything Just To Be Taken Out By A Stupid Cold?
Big Bird's song shatters me. Especially when he say "Thank you Kermit" I always cry at that bit
*Weak.*
I made it as far as 30:54... then the reaction of the Muppets' was what got me :'(
we gotta appreciate how the video had no sponsor despite it being 35 minutes long and taking many, many hours
When the topic at hand is so dear to one's heart, as Henson was to so many..... money no longer remains an issue, instead it becomes a work of passion..... and one's only concern becomes..... is it good enough?
I have youtube premium so I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure this video is still monetised though.
I’ve really enjoyed this miniseries. Please do more of these in the future. It’s a shame Disney has only done 4 official Muppet movies. They need to bring them back into pop culture. The world needs The Muppets
I completely agree
Wonderful strong ending. Great series
I think the supermarionation productions would be an interesting mini series
This series was very moving i enjoyed it all the way.
Same. The journey through Jim Henson's career was as interesting as it was beautiful, and I'd love to see more multi-part content like this. I know it can be hard to produce these sorts of things, but it had me on the edge of my seat episode-to-episode and I'm glad I followed it through to the very end.
Didn't think I'd be full on sobbing after clicking on what I didn't realize was part one a few hours ago, but here I am
It is 3 am
My cries can not capture the soul wrenching feeling i have now.
FUCKIN' SAME
lol same, i binged the whole series today. Legendary stuff.
What got my attention to this series was the Muppet Babies episode, and scrolling down the suggestions below the video, I found the playlist for the entire series of videos, and watched it. I even re watched the Muppet Babies episode! I was sobbing basically throughout the last half of this video!!! The memorial was EXTREMELY touching, and I just couldn't help it, I absolutely SOBBED, with tears streaming down my face!!! And he died when I was about 3 and a half years old. He held basically the same values that I hold near and dear to my own heart, and the world is DEFINITELY NOT the same without him. I know that if the world would have had more time with him here, it would most likely be a MUCH BETTER place than it is now. We lost a VERY VALUABLE member of society and influence in him when we lost him. Hopefully, more people will realize how true and valuable his morals and lessons are in the future by rewatching his works of art!
Carol Spinney choking up was what set me off crying. I remember watching this as a kid, too young to realize it was a funeral, but old enough to understand the gravity when Fozzy said, "He died?!"
I saw both tribute shows a few years ago on RUclips.
The muppets learning that Jim died is the saddest thing I have ever seen.
That's exactly what I experienced too.
Actually that wasn't fozzy that was gonzo
@@sailormewmewinuluver1238 You missed when Fozzie Bear was reading the 1st letter from the children. Go back to 30:36.
"Kermit was missing"
Me: ok, guess i'm crying now
Melissa Shilkoff 😂😭
Thank you for your comment, that made me do the something similar to the laugh cry emoji face and made me feel a lot better.
I knew, when I heard that line, that of course Kermit is still a character these days.
But when I heard it I couldn't help but gasp.
Same
Me too right there.
I'm currently a cast member at Muppet Vision 3D at Walt Disney World. I can tell you that many of us who work that attraction still can feel the true spirit of the Muppets and Jim there. There is actually a picture of Jim as a muppet hanging in the rafters in the pre-show area, almost as though he's looking down on one of his last creations. Muppet Vision 3D might not be bringing in the numbers it used to, but Jim's spirit is still there and those who come and see it can feel it. Which I believe is why the attraction has lasted as long as it has. It's a precious little gem that I hope will stay for at least a few more years :)
Fingers crossed for a new film, albeit one that honours the original!
@@dd45fs23 hey, they did it in 2011, they'll do it again!
I didnt know it was still there!!!!! I gotta get there ASAP
@@msjessicahall yep! Unfortunately, in California it's been replaced by A Salute to All IPs, But Mostly Donald Du- uh, I mean, Rizzo's Philharmag-, uh, I mean Mickey's Philharmagic.
@@kylemorello4787 thanks for the info. I live in florida so there is no excuse!!!!!!
i know im really late to this, but the line "we were just starting to get to know him" really resonates with me since I wasn't even born when Jim passed away. I fell in love with the muppets through my mother's dvd collections of seasons 1 & 2, and i only found out Jim died years later. It felt like I had just found something incredible and I would never get to experience it the same again. Jim Henson had such an impact on my life however insignificant it may seem, and he wasn't even alive for it. He truly was an amazing man.
Yeah I was 9 when he passed and at the time I was already a great admirer of his work. My favorite thing he did was the movie "The Dark Crystal" The man was a creative genius.
It was the same with me. I grew up watching Sesame Street at my grandma’s on VHS, but I never knew Jim died until later in my life. Eventually, in high school, I saw some clips of the original Muppet Show online, and I’ve been a fan ever since. I’m even more saddened to know that I never got to experience the Muppets at their creative and cultural peak, and we probably won’t see much Muppet content in the future. Something was clearly lost when Jim passed, and I don’t think they’ll ever be able to recapture the magic from the old days.
To paraphrase Babylon, “He’ll be your friend even though he breathed his last before your first”
Ah not to late I just watched this and I remember him mostly for Muppets christmas.
I was only 4 when he died. It was surprising to see the memoriam in front of The Muppet Christmas Carol, one of my childhood movies.
The weird chaos of "The Jim Henson Hour" makes me think Jim would have loved (early) RUclips. 53 is too young for a sweet genius.
He definitely would have loved RUclips Poop. XD
He was way ahead of his time.
153 would have been too soon. He was, truly, a genius. He could make you laugh with a word and cry with another. Two true statements in one sentence: He was a gentleman and a gentle man. He's been missed for the last thirty years.
He'd be 79 this year. Imagine would he could, no, WOULD have done if he'd lived.
I mean, RUclips was basically how the Muppets had that short comeback before the first Disney movie. That Bohemian Rhapsody cover got me so hyped.
He completely missed out on the internet and I'm sure he would've loved it and all the possibilities.
"Life is like a movie, write your own ending
Keep believing, Keep pretending ".
-Jim Henson
We've done what we've been sent out to do, with the lovers, the dreamers, and you
It's probably magic.
I wrote that on my graduation cap when I graduated high school (':
When Frank Oz choked up and walked off the stage, my heart sank down to my feet.
The man lost his best friend. I'd be shocked if he didn't. 😢
I watched Jim Henson's Memorial Service about a year ago or so and it was hard to watch without getting a lump in my throat so took pauses in between different stages in order not to cry, it's too easy to choke up watching it and I don't usually cry over stuff in videos or films save for certain moments (like the end of The Return of the King).
I almost did watching this series. I never knew how much Henson was involved in my childhood nostalgic movies. I regret never getting the opportunity to watch Fraggle Rock. I will probably get the complete series eventually.
This part got me and the part where they lift him up in the air while he's singing cause they can tell he's internally having a meltdown. That's so in spirit with what the Muppet crew would do and it both breaks my heart and gives me hope in humanity.
I love how Jim and Frank were basically the real life Ernie and Bert. They were proof that people can be so very different and yet still be not just friends but BEST friends.
Rest in peace, Jim, Jane, and John Henson (yes, unfortunately, one of the Henson children has also died), Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Caroll Spinney, Sir John Hurt, David Bowie, Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor (Mickey and Minnie were married in real life, in terms of their voice actors, and it's ironic that Russi Taylor had died a decade after her husband), Brother Ray Charles, John Denver, Will Lee (Mr. Hooper), Emilio Delgado (Luis), Bob McGrath (Bob), Don Sahlin, Jerry Juhl, Bernie Brillstein, Jon Stone (original director of Sesame Street), and Harry Belafonte. I think Jim would've loved The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island. Edit: Okay, let's give Michael Eisner some credit here. Jim wouldn't have been given the opportunity secure a weekly Muppet TV series if Eisner hadn't greenlit the Muppet Show pilots in the first place, so we should at least be grateful for that. Otherwise, Jim would've been stuck with all the execs saying the Muppets were for kids only. Thanks, Mr. Eisner.
Who knows? He probably would've gotten a kick out of Muppets from Space as well.
it must suck to update and edit this comment, but those names deserve to be written down
@@tysargent9647 Nah, Jim would have probably want Gonzo to stay a "whatever".
and Dark Crystal on Netflix and... :)
@@tysargent9647 what about the Disney’s Muppets and Muppets most wanted? To be fair it’s Disney’s creation.
"Kermit was alive... And so was Jim Henson"
AND I'M GONE
Right, the Jim Henson company is still alive today, making shows like Sid the Science Kid, Pajamals, Dinosaur Train and Splash and Bubbles, along with movies like The Star.
@@AlexPerrine no i mean more... the symbolizm of the thing :'D, i know the jim henson company is still a thing
*Aaaaaand the floodgates have opened.*
This is a series is a milestone. Trurly an outstanding achievement in independent video making that reminds us all of the beauty that can be produced when someone dedicates their time, energy and talent to sharing something they're truly passionate about with the world. This finale is one of the best single videos I've seen all year and in my opinion this series overall is deserving of an award. Jim would be proud.
he'll yhea
lets agree to agree
1000000% this, nice work Kevin
Agreed. Thanks for making this, Kevin. It’s a fantastic overview of the whole Henson world and this conclusion is a touching look back at a truly beautiful memorial.
Absolutely.
"Katzenberg was being rude"
So... he was being Katzenberg
As he usually was at Disney.
😂😂😂
Not surprising since its katzenberg
Petty Asshole extraordinaire, ol Jeff
siskavard yeah he a big ducky’s
15:37 This moment, with the calm and normal Frank Oz breaking down as he remembers this moment, remembers his connection with Jim, and his tear-choked voice SOUNDS like Fozzie crying…
Bert lost Ernie.
I just realized that instead of choosing to relay all of the information pertaining to the Jim Henson Hour first before then transitioning into the details of Henson’s funeral (as one would expect), Kevin deliberately chooses to cut back and forth between the two, contrasting the vibrant goofiness and imagination of Henson’s production work with the solemn and introspective nature of his funeral, having the two almost totally blend into the each other In other words, a perfect balance between the “Sacred” and the “Silly”. Henson would be proud, Kevin👍
Not to mention how this video is actually kinda structured like an episode of the Jim Henson Hour itself, with how this video cuts back and forth between his memorial service, the production and history of his Hour show, and the Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson special, and this video still manages to work unlike the Jim Henson Hour itself. And unlike the critics who hated that show, I really enjoyed and loved this video, and the rest of the miniseries. It really makes me want to look at his works again, The Muppet Show, the Wilkins ads, Tinkerdee, Santa Claus Switch, Sex and Violence, Muppets Valentines Special, etc. there’s so much of Henson’s work I haven’t seen outside the later Muppet movies that were made after his death. Thank you, you lucked, blessed and gifted man, Henson, you will be missed.
The structure of this episode is truly impeccable
It also helped with the mood. Putting the funeral as the entire last half of the video would have made it almost unbearable to sit through.
If your funeral doesn't have people doing funny voices, making jokes, telling stories and a song performed by a giant bird puppet, you're doing something wrong.
I don't know why this series showed up in my recommended videos but I'm very glad it did. It's been very entertaining, as well as educational
This entire series was incredible, but this episode moved to me full-blown tears. What a moving tribute to a man I hadn't known that much about. Thank you for creating such an incredible, informative tribute!
Truly was! Crying here🙋🏼♀️😭🥰
@@lifeofanautismmama5894 same here- I'm trying to tell my body not to cry that much- it was to no use... Im still crying 😭😭😭😭
I held it together until it got to the part where Frank Oz broke down, after that I couldn't stop the water works for the entire rest of the video. We will be fortunate if the world ever sees another soul like Jim Henson grace us with their presence.
Without him, shows like Farscape wouldn't be possible. He changed the very landscape of what television and movies could and would be.
Yep
You know it’s special person when their loved ones can turn a funeral into a performance art
The Big Bird part broke me. Knowing that was genuine sadness in Big Bird's voice absolutely wrecked me.
Sebastian Lockwood yeah, it’s emotional. Now if Barney did that, it wouldn’t really work. Just watch the Nostalgia Critic’s recent review of Barney’s Great Adventure. He spends a few minutes on how Barney couldn’t tackle serious topics like Sesame Street, Arthur, or Mister Rodgers Neighborhood could.
there is nothing sadder than a sad Big Bird.
Honestly Frank Oz's speech broke me. He even walked off stage emotionally since he couldn't finish the rest of his speech. 😢
Ernesto Chacon If Kevin does something just as sad, I might need a life jacket so that I don’t drown in my own tears.
@@DoswarePictures Clash? As in Elmo? Yeah, agreed. Well, except he's going to have to be a little older (Elmo, I mean). If the When Families Grieve episode was anything to go by, the little red guy's a little young to understand death.
"Kermit was alive, and so was Jim Henson." Beautiful ending to a wonderful series. Tears were shed. :')
i'm still crying
Jim Henson left a lasting legacy. This was a great series
I can see on your pic that you’re Cuban. So am I. Sesame Street talk me how to speak English. Don’t know if I’m alone in this...
Dalek Supreme ???
Avery The Cuban-American and Disney only did 2 Muppet movies. They need to bring them back into pop culture. The world needs more Muppets
As a grown man in his 40s, this episode hit me hard enough to bring tears.
Jim was taken far too soon.
I'm only 20, and while I have never seen the Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth (Did watch Dark Crystal!), this series still hit me very hard, and made me cry for a great person I never got the chance to meet.
He passed away a year before I was born, despite seeing some things involving the Muppets, I never got to know the man.
That man deserved immortality. He touched so many hearts and changed so many lives.
No Defunctland series is complete without some Eisner and Katzenberg bashing. I love it.
Usually I get a laugh out of his "cameos" but the way he kept goading Jim about Sesame Street made me so angry. What a piece of shit.
He wanted the merchandise rights, and nothing more.
He didn’t care about anything else. Probably would have let them die.
@@toxmuertos Joke's on them now that Warner/AT&T has Sesame Street
@@bagofgroceries Just like what Bob Iger chose to do with the Muppets after Most Wanted and the 2015 show bombed plus the firing of Steve Whitmire (w/ Muppet Babies 2018 being the proto-Mandalorian)
Question for the editor: could you even get through editing this without crying? I AM A WRECK
He honestly sounds a little choked up at certain points, just a tiny bit.
Learning about the Jim Henson Hour's bizarre format, I can't help but think the idea would have worked great in the digital era. It strikes me as a very web show/RUclips channel idea.
Great idea in a wrong time. Sad jim can see his works to this day.
I think that's the common issue with visionary artists. Their ideas are often beyond their times, which isn't necessary a good thing cause it mightn't resonate with people of that time.
100% agreed! It turns out Jim was just 10-20 YEARS ahead of his time.
Yeah, the Muppet youtube channel is one of my favorites, really great skits. Not that that has anything to do with what you just said just wanted to point that out. I especially love the Bohemian Rhapsody video.
@@pdraggy The Muppets' "Bohemian Rhapsody" parody was hilarious! Freddie had said, "Do whatever you want with my music, darling. Just don't make it boring." I'm sure he would've loved that video. Wonder if Dr. Brian May and Roger Taylor saw it and enjoyed it? Edit: Matter of fact, now that I think about it, Jim Henson died over a year before Freddie Mercury, and both of them died from illnesses (Jim Henson died of pneumonia, and Freddie Mercury had died of complications due to AIDS).
When I first watched this a few years ago, I was getting ready for bed, kicking back preparing to spend another night in my truck….in the hospital parking garage…
Like the over 100 nights before… I was scrolling…. Desperate for something to distract me from my dying mother.
I watched the whole series that evening finishing around 1AM. At which point I basically melted into the truck floorboard…..sobbing and convulsing like an insane person. I was literally sore the next day like I have been lifting weights at the gym. I’m in my mid 30s and that was the first time I’ve cried since I was about 10 years old…Once it started I just couldn’t stop it
I had already spent over 100 nights sleeping in my truck at the hospital… little did I know….. I had 100 more nights ahead of me.
As peculiar as the situation was… I’m thankful it happened that way. That breakdown helped me confront my emotions, instead of continuing with my head buried in the sand… In complete denial. Knowing that my mom was the strongest person and that she would absolutely kick its ass and pull out of it if she wanted to.
It allowed me to accept the truth of our situation…. That there was absolutely no hope mom would make it to her next birthday or Christmas. I don’t have any other family, only other blood relative is my estranged dad...
(EDIT....Who ended up being diagnosed and fighting stage 4 a few months after Mom. This is an update to that comment.)
So I guess the denial was my defense mechanism. Telling that she was really the only human contact I had left. I thought I needed to be strong for my mom. When in reality… Being vulnerable and emotionally present allowed us both to glean as much healing and meaning out of those last days we had together. It's the best gift I've ever gotten in my life.
We were never close, and even after that first year of her being deathly ill… I tried to stay cold and strong. But I’m eternally grateful for the raw feelings and shared emotions. And when she finally did pass away, we weren’t just mother and son… that small window of time allowed us to heal decades of hurt and bad relationships… So when she finally did pass away… We were best friends.
Thank you
you sound like you’ve been through a lot. if i knew you in real life, i’d give you a big hug
I've just recently come to understand how much the inability to accept that someone is on their deathbed, both for the dying person and those that love them, robs those people of such precious time. The time is already so limited, but without accepting that fact the remaining time often is not spent in a way that will actually benefit everyone involved. What a wonderful gift for all involved to be able to go through the transition and the loss knowing that they have taken the time to really say what they wanted to say, mend broken things, and to have understood how it feels to really really live in the moment, to be present.
I'm grateful that you got to have that closure with your mom, that the two of you embraced each other and embraced the transition that was taking place so that you could both really get every positive aspect that was available in the experience. I hope that if/when I am ever in your place or your mother's place, I will be able to accept the reality of the situation and to really be present for the experience
@@lashermayfair0 what a very nice and thoughtful comment. Thank you and yes it was probably the best gift I've ever gotten in my life. And the hardest and worst. I'll never be the same
I've lost a lot of loved ones, well pretty much all of them. Even though it sounds harder to lose someone and slowly watch them die over years... Spent 200 some-odd nights in the hospital with her in 2020 and 2021 alone. Sleeping in the hallways and my truck... Because the commute is what kills you. Even if it's only 30 minutes one way... You're so tired just because of the driving in the getting ready to go up there... It's just easier to stay there and never leave. I mean obviously that will have some drastic and destructive effects on your life or job or business or whatever... But sometimes it's just the best way
To watch someone die slowly is definitely harder. To hold their hand for a year or two every day. Someone so sick you didn't think they could still be alive still hanging on
but you will be more thankful for the time knowing that it's coming to an end.... And doing your damnedest to spend it wisely. Which is not easy in that situation. Some days are just bad days. But you do what you can
I've lost other loved ones abruptly to accidents, suicides, addiction,and all kinds of things. Honestly it's a lot easier on your emotions because it's not dragged out over a long time.
But it's obviously a lot less rewarding and leaves you with a lot of baggage long-term. So to sum it up I guess both ways really suck.
My Last living relative is my dad and he's stage 4 now ... in and out of the hospital. I wouldn't wish that kind of illness or the act of caretaking on anyone.....especially with their parents
but I'm so thankful to have it with both of mine. It's a Weird feeling every living blood relative before 35. All in the span of a few years.
@@HogartHughes thank you very much. I wish health and peace for you and your family. In the opportunity to spend some good time with them before their time comes.
I guess being a professional "artist" myself..... the huge respect I have for the people like Jim Henson. And the family of artists around him. I could build maestro level instruments for 1000 of the world's biggest symphony players..... It wouldn't be a drop in the bucket to the influence and effect they had on the children and people of the world. Influence that guided and lead generations upon generations, and will continue to do so. It was truly something astoundingly rare and special that they were able to distill. I guess that's why it's so emotional for me to see the Deep respect and inner workings of all of that. And I know that feeling well, of knowing that you have things that you need to get done in your life and you just can't stop because you don't have the time. You just know that you're not going to be here that long. I've known that feeling my whole life. And it's not like I feel like I have something super special to give like he did... But it is something to give and I feel like I can never stop because I don't have long. That really got to me
"Kermit was alive, and so was Jim Henson"
*That finished it*
Very beautiful miniseries
At that point, I had to cry. Frankly, I was amazed I held myself for crying as long as I did.
The fact that he passed away at 53 is so sad since 53 isn’t that old
That’s the age of my father. And I’m not even 20.
I’m 53. It’s not old
He died from pneumonia and someone had to the voice of Kermit the frog and I don't know who but we'll always remember the unforgettable legend Jim Henson sleep in heaven.
Even when Walt Disney had his party the life expectancy at the time was 58. Damn.
Frank Oz's "speech" is probably the most heartbreaking thing in this entire series. My word...
Heartbreaking is not the word 😭
Its just Soulcrushing.
15:45 That about did it for me T.T
Ara Fenrir I still can’t bring myself to watch the memorial on youtube
@Shaman Xeed love you too ♡
I went from randomly stumbling across part one and curious about the history of Muppet Babies, to watching this and sobbing like a baby.
Being born in 2000, almost all of these shows aired before I was even born, and yet I still cried watching this episode. Nobody does emotional storytelling like Defunctland.
So the same guy who would years later infuriate Robin Williams by deliberately disregarding his explicit wishes on marketing and merchandising... was also rude, condescending and disrespectful to Jim Henson? "YOU DON'T SAY"
Farquaad
Who are you talking about?
@@JoeMama-sy8cg Eisner
That's nothing, you should read up on how David Geffen treated pretty much everyone, lets just say thst there's a good reason why he was one of the most hated people in hollywood.
@@JoeMama-sy8cg Likely Katzenberg
What a heartfelt tribute. Even as someone who didn't watch the muppets, you captivated me and made me cry. Jim Henson was truly an amazing creator, I'm so glad his legacy still stands today.
By "You Are My Sunshine" I was also in tears
I am 23, and I still LOVE watching Fraggle Rock!
Do They give Emmys for RUclips? This was an amazing mini series!
They're too busy giving them to men who think they're women or complaining about having to "protect themselves from their audience" after calling said audience Nazis for disagreeing with the far left.
@@Aristocles22 Literally nobody in this comment section is talking about politics except for you.
@@Aristocles22 lmao jim henson was super left wing you know
@@Aristocles22 What the hell lol
Theyre called the streamys and YES this should definately be nominated for a streamy
I noticed the formatting of your video was set to match the unfocused and scattered pitches Jim had once put out. Very honorable to do that... This was an amazing series and for someone who once had to research Jim as a young child and no matter where I go, I always wrap back around to this man in some way, I thank you for making this.
I didn't even notice that until you said it 😮
God, nothing makes me cry as consistently as Jim Henson's Memorial Service.
For me, it's the ending of The Truman Show.
God, the part with Big Bird singing and saying, "Thank you, Kermit," absolutely reduced me to mush.
This series was so magical. Thank you for creating and sharing this.
Ya the big bird thing made me cry so did the the puppeteers and there puppets singing together 😊😥🥺 we will all miss Jim Hensen 🐸 he was truly a very nice kind man 😊
This mini-series was an absolutely joy to watch. Henson's history was fascinating and the way in which the Defuctland team put everything together was just perfect. Jim would be proud of you all.
I swear, you're everywhere on youtube!
Love your videos :)
Frank Oz’ tearing up and the muppets realizing Kermit wasn’t there...that got me.
And, the drawing of Mickey consoling Kermit.
If you watch the full special, Oz almost loses it multiple times as Fozzie. It's heartbreaking.
I hope you realize this series was a masterpiece, deserving of being aired in any major metwork or streaming service.
Be proud of yourself, you brought Jim Henson's legacy to a new generation and platform and for the future to see
You Said It Right...NETWORK TV, NOT ANY Streaming Service! It's Even Theatre Worthy!
Couldn’t agree more. 👍
I couldn't agree more! This was a beautiful and informative tribute and I'm sad to have come to then end of this series. Phenomenal job, Defunctland
AGREED!
Frank Oz choking up about Jim nearly made me cry
At least you can say "nearly."
TheMimic12 At least you have a soul lol
I wish I had your resolve
Frank seemed to be a second brother to Jim. Not a replacement, but another.
"Kermit was alive."
*"And so was Jim Henson."*
This miniseries was just brilliant. I've learned so much about Jim from this miniseries. The brilliance, The obstacles, and The Magic. Thank you.
Life is like a movie. *Write your own ending.*
I wish that there was a part seven of this miniseries, entitled "Life After Jim", showcasing everything that's happened with The Muppets and Co. after "The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson".
I'd still love to see "The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made" become a reality. It was another of Jim's dream projects that never got off the ground, and I bet it would've been hilarious!
I would imagine it will be some sort of monty python holy grail type movie.
@@aydankhaliq2967 That sounds like it'd have been at least funny as hell
I wish someone would make a TV Show documenting Jim Henson's life, but using Muppets instead of actors.
Might seem a bit weird at first, but think about it. What better way to retell the life of a talented man that touched the hearts and minds of men and women and children the world over... with the very thing he used to touch those hearts and minds?
@@NoahDaArk That's an inspired idea!
@@matthewstoneback9 It’s the only *fitting* way to do it
"Don't be sad that it's over, be happy that it happened at all."
Say not in sorrow “He is no more” but live in grateful adoration that he was
Wasn't that Dr. Seuss's quote?
@@visualgagging yes
"Everything is important. Either that or nothing is. I prefer the former. "
"I will not say 'do not weep' for not all tears are an evil
Gandalf
Dude Netflix need to hit you up! I love watching your material
Feelz2Good2PullOut Never pull for real
"Netflix, you're greenlit!"
agreed
Pretty sure he'd have to be on Disney+ pretty much by default.
I was just trying to find something interesting to listen to while I cleaned the house, I wasn’t expecting to cry at the end lmao
I made it without crying until, “Kermit was missing.”
Yes, I realize this was a minute in.
Wow. You people are really sensitive.
@@SumDumGai5 no we have a heart. you should try to have one too.
@@brianmcgill1290 No, you're weak. Go cry in the corner. Punk.
@@SumDumGai5 Cant tell if ur a troll or a genuine psychopath
@@shoopdafloop9233 Who are you and what makes you think you matter?
Every time Fozzie pauses and then says "...Jim died?!" I tear up.
In the actual special it was Fozzie taking a long pause and saying "cancelled" in the most solemn voice ever that got me.
Life's like a movie, write your own ending.
-Jim Henson
Keep believing.
Keep pretending.
@@jdude9314 We’ve done just what we set out to do.
Yishai Thau thanks to the Lovers, The Dreamers, and You
@@jomahawk7488 "The End"
"The truth is I miss ya, you were gone too soon.
It was like watching a beautiful sunset..at noon."-Stan Lee, Epic Rap Battle.
Honestly, brother. Your work deserves awards. You did your homework, you worked hard on this, and we all appreciate it.
Read about Caroll Spinney’s passing today. My memory went straight to Big Bird at Jim’s service. And now I’m crying again. Again.
Well...Look at it this way Caroll is up with Jim now, giving a good old puppet show for god and his angels.
If you haven’t I recommend watching I am Big Bird the caroll spinner atory
*pours a glass of wine*
*casually opens RUclips to see The Final Jim Henson Hour*
Oh jeez...
*pours a taller glass of wine*
Should've gone with something stronger than wine. Almost wished I'd had a big bottle of Jack. And, I don't drink.
took me 4 tall glasses to get through! just like dogs, this world is not good enough for the good, and just like jim, they all die way too soon!
Why use a glass?
Are u feeling better after all that stuff? Not even the slightest let me guess?
You'd need more than just wine 🍷to finish this video.
I know alot of people probably didn't pick up on this, but the way you made the different aspects of this video (Jim's funeral, the Muppet tribute, and Jim's final few projects) all appear at random, just like how The Jim Henson Hour was formatted, is brilliant. That type of attention to detail is what separates great video creators from the rest. This whole series was perfect.
I was thinking the same thing, very clever!!
I agree. I saw it more as Henson running out of time to accomplish it all before it all comes to its end. Excellent pacing.
And some of the segments segued perfectly into on another!
Jim Henson was ahead of his time. The Jim Henson hour show sounds like it would’ve worked in present day, that’s what the popular RUclips videos mostly were in the early days of RUclips. Jim Henson left the world too soon, but his legacy will ensure that he will always be remembered.
I hope we get a Fred Rogers miniseries next. I hope the final part is a tearjerker too.
I’m not entirely sure my heart could handle that finale episode. Fred Rogers was and still is a huge influence for me
You should watch the documentary “Will you be my neighbor”. It’s a great doc highlighting Fred’s life
The implication that Mr. Rogers has a first name is disturbing
Oh my god I think that would kill me... im struggling to handle Jim, let alone Mr.Rogers that man gave me the love i needed through my childhood
Are you trying to make an ocean out of our tears!? 😢
Expertly done. The decision to alternate between memorial and last year was absolutely the right choice; it added a suspense that would not have been there otherwise. Yall really knocked this entire series out of the park.
That final line man really got me
Kermit was alive and so was Jim Henson
Beautiful simply beautiful!
That's where I could no longer hold back. Frankly, I'm amazed I hadn't started crying until that point.
@@terryaltherr2481Altherr same, it was just a little bit before that got me. The parts where all the Muppets, Fraggles, and Seaseme characters started singing is what got me, but I really started balling when he mentioned Whitmire taking over for him. Those characters really had an effect on my early life, I remember watching hours of reruns of the muppet show. I really loved the muppet babies when I was really little too and I loved watching and learning about the muppet and how they worked and what the did to get certain people on the show. Though these defunct episode reminded me how much I didn't know or didn't remember.
Ending with a bookend… nice!
Jim Henson, Bob Ross, Steve Irwin, Mr. Rogers.........the Mount Rushmore of wholesomeness and love
Donald Trump*
@@betterthanyesterday3912 absolutely fucking not. Gtfoh with that
@@betterthanyesterday3912 As if. That monster should burn and rot in the depths of Hell.
@@betterthanyesterday3912 🤣🤣🤣
You guys need to learn what bait is
Good god, when Big Bird came on the stage with Kermit’s tux it hit me like a truck. Thank you for making my childhood magical Jim, your work will live on for generations to come.
even now as a grown adult, I watch that and I don't even think about Spinney, it's just "OMG BIG BIRD IS SO SAD."
Yeah I was fine up to that point. The Big Bird appearance hit me in the feels so hard. I didn't recover afterwards.
Carol Spinney was legitimately crying in the suit. You can hear it in his voice. He was really crying.
I had heard about Carol Spinney being in the Big Bird costume and how sad he was, but to actually see it, omg, it really hit me.
"Kermit was alive, and so was Jim Henson". That line actually made me cry. Thank you for this series, it was beautiful, informative, and all at once, fascinating, much like Jim himself. He would be proud.
Simultaneously stoked to watch this and sad that this excellent worthy of tv network miniseries is ending.
Already starting the Emmy push for this series
I wholeheartedly agree. Best documentary I've watched in a long time!
You know even if the Jim Henson Hour was considered a failure... I remember how we used to burn through hours of VHS tapes just rewatching the episodes over and over again....
Saw the name of Brian Jay Jones, Jim Henson's biographer, on the credits. That's legit!
Can't argue with it's accuracy now, can we? Lol!
Something about Fozzie calling off the show after realising Jim died is so powerful to me.
I held it together until the Muppets started reading those condolence letters :'(
I thought it was just me. Tears came a flowing!
Yeah, I didn't get that far.
I'm also a mess over here.
I started crying sooner I'm afraid
I was 10 years old when Jim died, and when that special aired. By the end of the this video, I was 10 years old again. Waterworks.
Jim Henson's memorial was a heart breaking night. I was almost 13. I cried my eyes out. I'm ugly crying now. We miss you, Mr. Henson.
18:57 - 19:36 Being Yellow didn't seem much easier. Now he is with Kermit.
R.I.P. Caroll Spinney.
Darius Brown this comment made me cry harder thanks
@@devilishmorgue6969 Sorry
He died on my birthday and Big Bird was my fave growing up. My heart hurts so bad.
@@UnseenHuntress Sorry to hear about that
damn you this comment is about to make me cry
Two minutes in and my eyes are already stinging. And all I can think is the line from the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz: “Now I know I have a heart... because it’s breaking.”
"Why are there so many songs about rainbows"
-Kermit
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and ME
All of us under it’s spell. I know it’s probably maaaaagic.
I wasn't even born when Jim died. This mini series taught me a lot about him and The Muppets. This conclusion episode was so moving even though I have not lived his works. Thank you Jim Henson and thank you @Defunctland.
I was a baby when he died. But I can’t deny he left a great legacy.
Watching Richard Hunt during the funeral for the first time
"He did a good job"
Watching the 2nd time after learning he was dying from AIDS at the time
"How he kept his composure I'll never know"
I can't find any source on him dying of AIDS?
@@funkylittlespacecowboy2372 Jim died of bacterial pneumonia!
@@funkylittlespacecowboy2372 He had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and died of heart failure caused by the disease.
Richard was such a trooper
Did not know that... wow.
Thank you for doing these. Nearly thirty years later I'm still not "over" the loss of Jim Henson.
I don't think any of us are.
I was just over a year old when he died. It feels weird seeing the impact he had/has to this very day.
Oh, man. I was fine until Gonzo said "Jim died? But we were just getting to know him..."
Water. Works.
Me in 1990 as a child: Me too, Gonzo.
Me while watching this miniseries :(
That and the fact they learned from a child's sympathy letter to KERMIT did me in as well.
Right there with you. The whole thing had me misty eyed. Hearing Frank Oz choking up and seeing Big Bird come out and sing was rough too.
I'm ugly crying into my lunch. Jim Henson was something close to a dad for me. I miss him.
I clicked on a thumbnail promising me a history of the Muppet Show and now I'm sitting here hours later CRYING ACTUAL TEARS. It's a tragedy your Henson series isn't more widely known. Bravo.
It's strange to miss someone who was never actually around when I was alive. Died just 2 years before I was born.
I'd say if you grew up with anything related to his puppets there will always be a part of Jim in that.
It's weird, he died 12 years before I was born, but after this series I felt like I got to know Jim Henson. I miss Jim Henson because of everything he has done, the Muppets, Sesame Street, everything I grew up with. Jim Henson was a big part of my childhood despite all of his wonderful creations being created decades before I was born, or my parents were born.
I was 6 when he died but I wasn't made aware until several years later. Also strange.
Thats Jim's magic
Fantastic job on this whole miniseries, Kevin! Jim Henson was truly a one of a kind creative genius and a true gift from God! R.I.P. Jim. Your legacy will live on forever! 😔
This documentary set is proper broadcast material. Excellent quality, and I was hooked on it right from the start. An amazing look at Jim Henson's life on and off screen.
@@ajaylewis322 I agree, this was excellently researched, and put together, edited sourced etc. I was truly hooked. It would be interesting to see what Kevin and the team would put together with even more time/money!
I uh... I held it together all the way up until they started reading the letters from Jim Henson's fans. Then I, a grown man about to turn 30, let out a very loud sob. Thank you very much Kevin for making this video.
22:44 - "Kermit was Jim's most famous creation, and he had appeared on almost every variety show on the air for as long as America could remember. And this would be the last time that he would, on Jim's arm."
If the defunct land season 2 finale proved anything,
I know that this will be an experience
TabularJoker :Random Videos where's season 1? I haven't seen it!
@@TheRealR3mix look on the channel & you'll see his season 1 playlists
I always tear up at those two sad words: "Jim Died?"
2 years later and way late to watching this series, I'm just here to say that this is RUclips gold, an actual real no-joke documentary, and that the intro theme for this docuseries is masterful.
i don't comment a lot on youtube videos (in fact, this is probably the first comment i've left on a video in 5 years) but i just wanted to say how much i appreciate this miniseries. i didn't know much about jim henson before watching this series other than he was the creator of the muppets, but this series has brought me a lot of valuable knowledge on american entertainment history. i've been watching this channel since your episode on action park, and i think this is your best episode on the channel so far. i think it was really smart to cut back and forth between jim working with disney and jim's memorial service so that there wasn't any emotional overload for the audience. (i still cried for over half of the episode, though.)
trainertino I just want to echo all of the things you said
Same here... I barely knew anything about the guy. What a legacy. The tenacity with which he pursued his dreams. The love for and uniqueness of his craft. The loyalty he inspired in his crew, and which he tried to show them in return... sometimes frustrating them, sometimes failing them, yet they still felt drawn to him and his vision, in all its many forms.
The Muppets are one of those intellectual properties that have always seemed peripheral to everything else in entertainment, to me at least. Each time a new movie comes out, I'm just like, "Oh, they're still around? ...Huh." Yet everyone who was anyone in the 80's, the internet's favorite decade, got to meet or get parodied by the Muppets at some point. Their shows were major hits, and their merchandise sold millions. Whether in the foreground or the background of American culture, they've always just... been there. It's a testament to Jim Henson's bold, creative genius that when The Muppet Show was on top of the world, he refused to settle for for "Wellp, this particular show is my crowning achievement, so let's milk it til they cancel us" and had the balls to end it on a high note. His whole career is inspiring to creators everywhere.
I think we can safely say that Jim's legacy is forever etched in stone. There is not one child or teen today that doesn't know who the Muppets are.
But goddamn, Big Bird singing at Jim's eulogy was absolutely heartbreaking.
God, big bird singing gave me chills. Beautiful miniseries, this whole thing was just wonderful.
I clearly heard you holding back tears at times of recording this. It’s okay I was crying too.