Animator and Muppet fan Darin McGowan developed a series of Muppet television projects which he formally proposed to The Jim Henson Company in 2004. McGowan developed and shared his ideas for three new animated television shows starring the Muppets with the creative team at Henson. After his pitch, McGowan was told that the company would not be going in the direction of animation for the core Muppet characters. Shortly thereafter, the Muppets were sold to the Walt Disney Company.