text: ABC is  filming a pilot episode of The Muppet Show, in the hopes of bringing the beloved variety show back to the small screen. The network has asked Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady to mastermind the revival, which would see the return of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and other old favorites. New Muppets TV content hasn't been since since Muppets Tonight ended in 1998, though old episodes have been re-run extensively and several movies have been filmed. Scroll down for video . Light the lights? Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy could be back on TV screens soon if a planned pilot of a rebooted Muppets Show proves a success . A 'proof of concept' presentation for advertising executives is in the works already, ABC confirmed to DailyMail.com. Filming is due to take place next weekend at a Disney studio in Burbank, California - and will see some original Muppet puppeteers take the reins again. The episode will start with Muppets stalwarts including Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo gathering at ABC Studios in the hope of getting the new show off the ground. But the cuddly characters will apparently have a problem to solve - Miss Piggy hasn't agreed to join in, and is reluctant to get involved so long as she is going through a rough patch with her on-off lover Kermit. Details of the new episode were first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Gang's all here: The new series will feature a host of favorites including Gonzo, bottom right, Fozzie Bear, center right, Animal, top center, and Rowlf the Dog, top left . Sources told them new characters including a girlfriend and in-laws for Fozzie Bear could also be on the way. Bob Kushell, who has credits from The Simpsons, Malcolm in the Middle and 3rd Rock From The Sun, has been named as the second co-writer alongside Prady. Randall Einhorn, who worked on The Office and has directed episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is set to be the new Muppets showrunner. Dream team: Bill Prady, left, and Bob Kushell, center, are set to be the new writers for the show, with Randall Einhorn, right, as showrunner . The Muppet Show was originally produced in Britain, as American studio heads did not take to the early pitches. Its characters had appeared as extras in other shows, including Sesame Street, before getting their own TV series. The Muppet Show ran from 1976-81, and The Muppets Tonight ran from 1996-98.
target: Bill Prady has written a pilot episode to pitch to advertisers .
  Filming will start in Burbank, California, next weekend .
  New series set to see return of Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal .
  First episode revolves around luring an upset Miss Piggy back to the cast .
  It has been 17 years since the last Muppets TV series ended .