"The Muppet Show" Set for Grand Revival Special in 2026
A new "The Muppet Show" special is scheduled to premiere on February 4th, 2026, on both Disney+ and ABC. This production precedes the 50th anniversary of the original series, which began in 1976.
The special is set to revive the variety show's original format, bringing back Kermit the Frog as host in the classic Muppet Theatre setting.
Background and Legacy
Kermit the Frog, a character created by Jim Henson, first appeared on a local television program in Washington, D.C., in the mid-1950s. He later featured prominently on "Sesame Street" in the late 1960s.
ABC televised two Muppet specials in 1974 and 1975. In 1976, Henson launched "The Muppet Show" in television syndication. This beloved variety program aired for five years, with Kermit serving as host of a theater where Muppet characters and human guest stars performed weekly. Characters Statler and Waldorf were notably featured observing from their box seats, offering their signature commentary.
Notable guest stars during its original run included:
- George Burns
- Milton Berle
- Linda Ronstadt
- Elton John
- Steve Martin
All five seasons of the original 1970s variety show are currently available for streaming on Disney+.
The Upcoming Revival Special
Disney and ABC have announced this special event for "The Muppet Show", scheduled to air on February 4th, 2026. This significant date precedes the 50th anniversary of the original show, which premiered on September 5th, 1976. The special will be simultaneously available on both Disney+ and ABC.
The production is designed to return to the original format of "The Muppet Show", with Kermit the Frog reinstated as host within the classic Muppet Theatre setting. This setting will also include the iconic characters Statler and Waldorf.
The synopsis released for the special describes the production as featuring "Music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos" as the Muppets perform on the original Muppet Theatre stage.
Production Team and Guest Appearances
Alex Timbers is directing the special.
The extensive list of executive producers includes:
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Seth Rogen
- Evan Goldberg
- James Weaver
- Alex McAtee
- David Lightbody
- Leigh Slaughter
- Michael Steinbach
- Albertina Rizzo
- Matt Vogel
- Eric Jacobson
(Note: Seth Rogen is listed again as an executive producer.)
Singer Sabrina Carpenter is slated to appear as a guest star, scheduled to perform musical numbers and comedy sketches. Maya Rudolph is also confirmed to appear, with a specific mention of her in the audience.
Primary Muppet characters will be performed by:
- Bill Barretta
- Dave Goelz
- Eric Jacobson
- Peter Linz
- David Rudman
- Matt Vogel
The production reportedly involves a new generation of writers and puppeteers.
Featured Characters and Program Elements
Confirmed characters to be featured in the special include:
- Kermit the Frog
- Miss Piggy
- The Swedish Chef
- Pepé the King Prawn
- Fozzie Bear
- Beaker
- Janice
- Gonzo
- Animal
- Statler
- Waldorf
A notable feature of this new version is that human and Muppet characters will share audience seating.
Previous Attempts at Revival
Prior to this upcoming special, ABC made other attempts to revive the television franchise after "The Muppets" transitioned to movies.
- In 1996, 'Muppets Tonight,' produced by Brian Henson for ABC, was an update set at a TV station.
- In 2020, Disney presented 'Muppets Now' on Disney+, which featured Scooter as host and was aimed at an internet audience.