On this day in 1955, the Muppets made their first-ever appearance. Kermit the Frog was among the cast of characters to debut on the short-form TV show ‘Sam and Friends’ in Washington D.C. Jim Henson made Kermit out of his mother’s old coat and two ping pong ball halves for eyes. The name “Muppet” came from combining the words “marionette” and “puppet.” The Muppets have become a staple in popular culture for their wacky, kind-hearted style of comedy. [70 years ago in 2025]