Statler and Waldorf

"Oh ho ho ho ho!"

- Statler and Waldorf

Statler and Waldorf are two elderly, curmudgeonly Muppet critics from The Muppet Show.

Background
Statler and Waldorf share the stage left balcony box in the Muppet Theater, and the two delight in heckling every aspect of The Muppet Show. They usually have the last word, with a final comment at the end of most (but not all) episodes. Statler and Waldorf are especially unforgiving to Fozzie Bear. However, it is revealed in A Muppet Family Christmas that the two critics were friends with Fozzie's mother, Ma Bear. Waldorf is the one with the pug-like face, mustache, and whiter hair. In almost all productions, Statler appears on the audience's right and Waldorf on the left. A helpful mnemonic is that Waldorf has the wide face.

Muppets Tonight
In the first season, Statler and Waldorf are seen watching the show from the living room of what appears to be a retirement home. In the second season, they watch the show on a portable television from various locations, including a golf course and a ski lift.

The Muppet Christmas Carol
Statler and Waldorf share a joint role of Jacob Marley by playing the ghosts of Scrooge's business partners, Jacob and Robert Marley. As in the story, they appear to Ebenezer Scrooge to warn Scrooge of his impending visits by three spirits. True to the characters playing them, they heckle at Scrooge's expense.

Muppet Treasure Island
In the film, Statler and Waldorf are the mermaid figureheads of the Hispaniola, although fully sentient like the other characters.

The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
Statler and Waldorf appear as the Kalidah Critics, strange beasts who shout insults at anyone attempting to cross a treacherous bridge. Their primary victim is, appropriately, Fozzie Bear playing the Cowardly Lion.

The Muppets
The duo takes on a featured role in the film. In the beginning, they give the villain Tex Richman a tour of Muppet Studios and share with him the fine print of the Muppet contract. Of course, Statler and Waldorf are unaware that Tex plans to raze Muppet Studios and drill for oil, which would mean the end of their balcony - and their heckling. The two eventually find out about Richman's true intentions and decide to help raise money. When the studio fails to raise enough money, even Statler and Waldorf are saddened about this, since the other Muppets were still their friends, despite their heckling. However, when the Muppets realize their fans still love them and will help them get back on top even without their name, Statler and Waldorf are happy again. After Gonzo manages to make Richman laugh, he gives Statler and Waldorf back the theater and name.

Muppets Most Wanted
The duo travel with the Muppets while watching their touring show. When watching Miss Piggy's performance of the Macarena, they claim it has made the show even worse, managing the impossible.

Muppet Babies (2018)
Statler and Waldorf appear as the neighbors of Miss Nanny's daycare. While they are less antagonistic than they were in the The Muppet Show, they do make occasional snide remarks towards the Muppet children.

Trivia

 * Statler and Waldorf were named after two New York City hotels -- the Statler Hotel (which was renamed the Hotel Pennsylvania in 1992), and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Waldorf's wife, Astoria, completes the set.
 * Early in The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years, Statler claims Waldorf has had a pacemaker for over 30 years.
 * Statler and Waldorf's film appearances in The Muppets Take Manhattan, Muppets from Space, and Kermit's Swamp Years are all owned by Sony Pictures, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is owned by NBCUniversal, the other Muppet movies are owned by Disney (along with the rest of the Muppet franchise).