Muppet Central News - Bear renewed for Season 4

Disney Channel has ordered an additional 26 episodes of "Bear in the Big Blue House'' from Jim Henson Television, a multi-Emmy® Award-winning pre-school program, it was announced today by Gary Marsh, executive vice president original programming.

The fourth-season episodes will premiere in early 2001 as part of Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel's programming block especially designed for pre-schoolers, their parents and caregivers.

"We are thrilled by the prospect of bringing new episodes of Bear to Playhouse Disney,'' said Marsh. "Bear and all his friends at the Big Blue House have charmed themselves to our youngest viewers and their parents and caregivers.''

Brimming with creativity, storytelling, learning and music, "Bear in the Big Blue House'' is hosted by a 7-foot bear who, though large, exudes warmth, comfort and understanding. Along with a house full of puppet friends -- Tutter (the industrious mouse), Treelo (the curious lemur), Pip and Pop (playful twin otters), Ojo (the young bear) and Luna, Bear's oldest friend -- Bear teaches little kids a real world curriculum.

Through creative play, he also provides a role model for caregivers to stimulate learning in their own houses. All the action takes place in the kid-friendly Big Blue House where songs are sung, stories are told and imagination and adventure reign.

"Bear in the Big Blue House'' is the creation of Mitchell Kriegman who also created and executive produced the popular Nickelodeon show "Clarissa Explains It All.'' The series is currently in its third season on Disney Channel. Its executive producers are Brian Henson, Kriegman and Alex Rockwell.

The Jim Henson Co., an established leader in family entertainment for more than 40 years, is an independent multimedia production company; one of the top character licensors in the industry; a leading publisher of children's books; and home to Jim Henson Television, Jim Henson Pictures, Jim Henson Interactive and Jim Henson's Creature Show.

The company has headquarters in Los Angeles with offices and production facilities in New York and London.

Disney Channel, combining original series, movies and specials with timeless classics, is the first general entertainment television network designed for kids and families. Disney Channel is a subsidiary of the The Walt Disney Co.

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Fan site Muppet Central created by Phillip Chapman. Multimedia design by James V. Carroll. Updates by Muppet Central Staff. All Muppets, Bear characters and photos are copyright of The Muppets Studio. Sesame Street characters and photos are copyright of Sesame Workshop. Fraggle Rock, Creature Shop and similar likenesses are copyright of The Jim Henson Company.