THE MUPPETS Showrunner Bob Kushell Exits Series

According to The Hollywood Reporter, THE MUPPETS showrunner Bob Kushell is exiting the ABC freshman series. Sources report that Kushnell and executive producer Bill Prady were having creative difference as to the direction the show should take. "Galavant"s Kristin Newman is rumored to be in line to replace Kushnell.

The exit news comes just after ABC announced it had ordered an abbreviated full-season of show consisting of only three episodes, for a total of 16 episodes. While ratings were initially strong, they have since faultered, although the show has improved ABC's Tuesday slot by 69 percent among total viewers versus last season's short-lived SELFIE (7.6 million vs. 4.5 million) and 86 percent among adults under 50 (2.6 vs. 1.4).

The latest incarnation of Jim Henson's creation is filmed documentary style and explores "the personal lives behind the famed characters, including Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang in a bigger way than the franchise has ever done before."

Photo courtesy of ABC

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