HOLLYWOOD, CA (September 24, 2015) – In 1955, Jim Henson premiered his first show, Sam and Friends, a five-minute series that aired twice a day for six years – live – on Washington DC’s WRC-TV, forever changing puppetry, and launching a company that would become synonymous with innovation, creativity, engaging characters and quality family entertainment. Today, The Jim Henson Company is honoring its founder, Jim Henson (born on September 24, 1936), on his birthday by celebrating the 60th anniversary of the company he created, the timeless characters that have remained global favorites, and the newest members of the Company’s family of characters. Over the last 60 years, the Company has established itself as a leader in family entertainment and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is currently headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. The Company is also home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities. With thriving distribution, consumer products and licensing businesses, The Jim Henson Company continues to develop and produce top-rated, critically-acclaimed entertainment for audiences around the world. The Company is currently in production on the fourth season of Dinosaur Train, the Emmy-nominated PBS KIDS series, and Word Party, a new preschool series for Netflix set to premiere in 2016. Additionally, several new productions are on the way. In the coming months, fans can expect fun opportunities to share in their appreciation of classic titles from The Jim Henson Company such as The Dark Crystal and Fraggle Rock. And parents and children alike will have new ways to enjoy current hit series, including the multiple Emmy Award-nominated Dinosaur Train, Sid the Science Kid, Pajanimals, Doozers, Hi, Opie! and many more. Fans of all ages are encouraged to follow The Jim Henson Company on Facebook (/HensonCompany) and Twitter (@HensonCompany) to hear the latest news.