It seems appropriate that Jim Henson’s legendary creation, the Muppets, got their start on children’s programming and public television because they have a lot to teach the world. Not only did they spearhead the low-rent show Sam and Friends on WRC-TV in Washington DC, they were also instrumental in making Sesame Street a primary education powerhouse. But even when the Muppets branched out from their roots to land in their variety show and later major motion pictures, they still had a lot to teach us. Like many folks out there, I grew up with the Muppets, and these are some of the most important lessons I have taken away over the years.

This week, modern TV stars meet with nostalgic puppets in the new film The Muppets. And while we don’t condone sneaking booze into a theater filled with families and kids, there’s always the option to watch some of the original Muppet content on DVD, VHS, Netflix Instant and various other On Demand platforms. This game works for any of the Muppet movies, though we suggest starting with The Muppet Movie from 1979 before checking out the later films (like The Muppet Wizard of Oz). In theory, it’s also compatible with The Muppet Show, though Dr. Bunsen Honeydew is currently conducting experiments with Beaker to be sure. Poor Beaker.

Classic running sketches like Pigs in Space, Muppet Labs (featuring Beaker, one of my favorite Muppets) and my all time favorite, the Swedish Chef, are just as funny – if not funnier – than when they first aired.