A new special event of "The Muppet Show" premiered on February 4, 2026, on ABC and became available to stream on Disney+, reviving the classic variety show format for its 50th anniversary.
The half-hour special returns Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the Muppets ensemble to the original Muppet Theatre for music, comedy sketches, and chaotic performances, with pop star Sabrina Carpenter as the featured guest star.
A new recording of "The Muppet Show Theme (2026)" was released alongside the premiere, performed by the Muppets and produced by Grammy- and Emmy-winning composer Bill Sherman.
The special aired live on ABC at 9 p.m. ET/PT on February 4 and streamed on Disney+ starting at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET the same day.
It was co-produced by The Muppets Studio, Disney Branded Television, 20th Television, and Point Grey Pictures, with Seth Rogen serving as executive producer and making an appearance. Alex Timbers directed the event.
Guest Stars and Production
Sabrina Carpenter performs musical numbers and appears in comedy sketches alongside the Muppets. Maya Rudolph and Seth Rogen also guest star, with Rogen credited as an executive producer.
Veteran Muppet performers reprise classic roles, including Matt Vogel as Kermit the Frog. The production emphasizes the original 1976 variety format with backstage chaos, audience interactions (including celebrity cameos in the crowd), and signature segments such as Muppet Labs sketches and news flashes.
Promotional imagery highlights Carpenter alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and Rogen in a theater setting.
Content and Format
The special recreates the classic "The Muppet Show" structure: a live-audience variety program blending songs, sketches, and puppet antics. Carpenter integrates into numbers and interacts with characters like Miss Piggy, who shares diva moments with the guest.
Elements include updated takes on recurring bits while preserving nostalgic charm. The half-hour runtime (without commercials on streaming) delivers music, comedy, and the signature Muppet mayhem without overcomplicating the premise.
Critical Reception
Early reviews describe the revival as delightful, nostalgic, and effective at capturing the spirit of the original series. NPR called it "as delightful as ever" for a new generation, while The New York Times noted its simple premise succeeds by being "The Muppet Show" again.
Other outlets praised Carpenter's fit as guest, the chemistry with Miss Piggy, and the decision to return to basics rather than heavy modernization. Critics view it as a strong "pilot-like" test for potential future episodes, with positive notes on craft, heart, and appeal to both longtime fans and younger viewers.
Historical Context and Significance
The original "The Muppet Show" premiered in 1976, created by Jim Henson, and ran for five seasons as a landmark variety series featuring celebrity guests, music, and puppet comedy. Disney acquired the rights in 2004 and has since produced films, series, and specials.
This 2026 event marks the 50th anniversary, bringing the Muppets back to primetime broadcast and major streaming in their foundational format. It aims to introduce the franchise to new audiences while satisfying fans with familiar characters and structure.
How to Watch "The Muppet Show" 2026 Special
In the U.S., the special streams on Disney+ (subscription required) immediately upon release and aired on ABC. Cord-cutters can access live ABC via free trials of services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream, depending on local availability.
Internationally, it is available on Disney+ in supported regions. The new "The Muppet Show Theme (2026)" single is available on music platforms.
What Happens Next
The project is presented as a one-off special event, with no announced additional episodes or full series revival at the time of premiere. However, positive reception and its role as a test for the format have sparked fan and critic speculation about potential ongoing installments, though Disney has not confirmed further plans.
The Muppets franchise continues with other projects, but this revival focuses on the core variety show concept that defined its legacy.
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