TV REVIEWS : Admirers Pay A Touching Tribute to Jim Henson

Some tributes lend themselves to razzle-dazzle production numbers and guest spots by whatever celebs can be rounded up to participate, although sincerity may ring a bit hollow.

But in “The World of Jim Henson,” only those who genuinely appreciated him, worked with him and loved him pay homage to the creative genius whose Muppet empire began with “a hand in a sock.” Throw in generous footage of Henson himself and of his remarkable Muppet creations, and this “Great Performances” special on PBS tonight is not only deeply touching but also fascinating and frequently hilarious.

Producer-director Judy Kinberg structures the 90-minute program around transitional periods in Henson’s life: A comically edgy late-night puppet show in the ‘50s that led to appearances on “The Jimmy Dean Show,” “The Ed Sullivan Show” and other variety-show gigs in the ‘60s, the ground-breaking “Sesame Street” in 1969, followed by “The Muppet Show” in 1976, which in turn inspired “The Muppet Movie” in 1979 and led to other film and TV innovations in the ‘80s.

Interspersed with Henson’s own comments about his unique artistry and the talented people with whom he worked are observations by his family, colleagues and admirers about his disappointments and successes, his gentleness, his ready humor and his continual, intense drive to do something “that had never been done before.” And there are the clips and the music, with alter ego Kermit, Ernie, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Rowlf, Fozzie and other familiar foam friends, plus earlier, edgier creations.

Kinberg’s program not only inspires a fresh appreciation for what Francis Ford Coppola calls an astounding “technological innovator” but also renews the piercing sense of loss that, even though his legacy lives on, Henson himself is no longer here to amaze and beguile.

“The World of Jim Henson” airs at 9 tonight on KCET-TV Channel 28 and at 7 p.m. on KVCR-TV Channel 24.