If there’s one thing we love around here, it’s Shatner. But if there’s a second thing we love almost as much as Shatner, it’s Muppets. Variety is reporting new Muppet news today, so we’re reporting it to you.

ABC (the alphabet network who is owned by Disney) has ordered a script and five script outlines for “America’s Next Muppet”, a parody of reality television shows like “American Idol” that will allow viewers the opportunity to pick the next big muppet to join Kermit and Company. It should be noted that Disney also owns the Muppets, so this is a case of a network ordering something it already owns - standard operating procedure these days for networks, but notable none the less.

Interestingly, Variety admits that the network and Disney have been tight lipped about the project, leaving most of the information out there to be picked up from fan sites. Still, this information is a little different then what I had heard previously. It was my understanding that the entire series was a parody, including who would be voted out when, not an opportunity to introduce another new character.

Still, any Muppets is good Muppets. The idea that ABC has ordered scripts for consideration is almost enough to get rid of the bad taste from Disney’s Herbie Fully Loaded... almost.