Jim Henson’s old Wilkins coffee ads resurface, Boy Are They Dark

Jim Hensonhis sense of humor is getting a compliment after his beloved series hits Disney + – but when we look back, it’s clear that his puppets weren’t always made just for kids.

The creator of ‘Muppets’ used to work in TV commercials for Wilkins Coffee at that time (from the late 1950s to the early 1960s) when he used the first versions of the dolls he had to sell java for the food brand. Millennials are just discovering them … and they are amazed.

One guy wrote, “I can’t stop laughing at these early Jim Henson commercials, where one guy kills another for not liking Wilkins coffee.” Yes, that is the essence of these setbacks – it is basically a Henson doll killing another doll that refuses to drink Wilkins.

Some of the pranks are harmless, like kicking the dummy from a tree on which the two are resting – but as you watch … you’ll see that some of the sketches become more and more violent.

In some of the ads, the stockier doll is shot by a firearm, hit in the head, cut with a razor, electrocuted, boiled alive, thrown from buildings and hot air balloons … and much more. It’s all good fun – but many are pointing out how graphic they look. Someone uploaded a full 14-minute clip of all Henson Wilkins ads, and it’s telling.

Henson also had a season in advertising with the Bread of Claussen – in which Caco himself appeared – and they are also very dark … although a little diluted.

Of course, “The Muppets” is mixed with a ton of adult humor as well – so it’s no surprise, really, that some of Henson’s material with his award-winning creations went further. Just take a look at this ‘Muppets’ toy commercial, where the dolls violently threaten viewers if they don’t buy them.

Many of these things were aired in the 50s, 60s and 70s (‘Muppets’ have been around for a long time) … so something tells us Henson and company. could get away with nervous scripts at that time. At the time of the 90s, however, ‘Muppets’ underwent a major overhaul of the brand … to be more suitable for children.

Anyway, most episodes of “The Muppet Show” are now available for broadcast – and people are remembering the genius who brought everything to life. Henson died of pneumonia in 1990.

He was 53 years old.