The Verge recently highlighted a little‑known work from Jim Henson’s catalog: The Cube, a 1969 teleplay that aired as part of an NBC anthology series. Unlike Henson’s more familiar puppet‑driven productions, The Cube is completely muppet‑less, offering a stark, experimental departure from his usual style.

The piece is described as mind‑bending and a proto‑Black Mirror precursor, suggesting it tackled themes and tonal shifts that feel ahead of its time. This aligns with Henson’s reputation for venturing into darker, more mature territory, a trait also evident in his acclaimed film Dark Crystal.

Produced in the late 1960s, The Cube represents an early example of television experimenting with anthology formats that would later inspire modern series like Black Mirror. Its obscurity means many contemporary creators may have missed an early showcase of speculative storytelling that blends psychological tension with surreal elements.

For today’s content creators, revisiting works such as The Cube offers a chance to study how pioneering creators approached genre blending and narrative risk long before the streaming era. The teleplay’s status as a forgotten gem underscores the value of digging into archives for fresh inspiration and proof that innovative storytelling has deep roots in television history.

The article was published by The Verge on June 28, 2026, drawing attention to this overlooked piece of Henson’s legacy and encouraging creators to explore its influence on modern thriller anthologies.