Why? Episode 388- Craig Shemin on Jim Henson's "Sam & Friends" episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 19, 2026 · 42 MIN

Why? Episode 388- Craig Shemin on Jim Henson's "Sam & Friends"

from Why? The Podcast · host Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

Created while Kermit was still a tadpole, "Sam & Friends" was a program that Jim Henson produced alongside his future wife Jane in the 1960s. That program led to the creation of the Muppets, clearly one of the greatest artistic achievements of the last century, if not longer.Craig Shemin, who has worked with the Henson company for decades, has written two books detailing this important moment in Henson's creative birth. "Sam & Friends: The Story of Jim Henson's First Television Show" and "The Sam & Friends Script Book" fill in gaps of Henson knowledge a lot of us are lacking.Throughout our conversation we dive deep into not only the "Sam & Friends" story and its evolution into all things Muppet, but we even got into some inside scoop on what life is like with Miss. Piggy, something Craig knows a lot about. As well as what kind of treasures Jim's archives might hold. Our interview with Craig is irresistible for anyone who's ever been a fan of anything Henson whether it be "Sesame Street", "Fraggle Rock", "Labyrinth", "Muppet Christmas Carol" or "The Dark Crystal."  For more information on the books, check out the website, and for more information on Craig, check out his website.

Created while Kermit was still a tadpole, "Sam & Friends" was a program that Jim Henson produced alongside his future wife Jane in the 1960s. That program led to the creation of the Muppets, clearly one of the greatest artistic achievements of the last century, if not longer. Craig Shemin, who has worked with the Henson company for decades, has written two books detailing this important moment in Henson's creative birth. "Sam & Friends: The Story of Jim Henson's First Television Show"...

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Why? Episode 388- Craig Shemin on Jim Henson's "Sam & Friends"

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Created while Kermit was still a tadpole, "Sam & Friends" was a program that Jim Henson produced alongside his future wife Jane in the 1960s. That program led to the creation of the Muppets, clearly one of the greatest artistic achievements of the...

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