This is what we call “The Muppet Show.”… in 2026! Or at the very least, a special presentation that might just bring the Muppets back to their sketch and variety TV show roots. So let’s light the lights and get things started!

The Muppets on Disney+ and ABC

Returning to the format seen in the original run of “The Muppet Show”, the new special sees Kermit and the gang back in the old Muppet Theater. This time, they will be joined by singer and actor Sabrina Carpenter as their very special guest star.

The special event will air on February 4, 2026 on both Disney+ and ABC- a rare double-release that hopefully means (to quote a Muppets song) “the studio considers us a viable franchise”.

The Muppets have starred in a variety of projects throughout their 70 year history. Movies, guest appearances on other shows, and their own shows with other formats such as ABC’s “The Muppets” sitcom in 2015. When the Muppets came under Disney ownership, the company even experimented with some YouTube videos- including their popular “Bohemian Rhapsody” cover.

The original “The Muppet Show”, though ran from 1976-1981 and aired in over 100 countries. This special will mark the 50th anniversary of that original show.

“The Muppet Show” 2026 Teaser Trailer

On January 2nd, and after it initially aired on TV as part of ABC’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, Disney+ shared a new teaser trailer for “The Muppet Show” special.

As a teaser trailer, all of the clips shown are very short but from the looks of things it seems to be a very faithful continuation of the original show. Even moments from the season 2 and onward opening of the show are lovingly re-created.

The Muppets Are For Everyone

Two shots that I found interesting were what appears to be one of the sketches that Sabrina Carpenter will appear in. From what I can see when pausing the trailer, the sketch appears to take place at a bar. In one of the shots, Sabrina even appears to be hitting a Muppet character over the head with a bottle. Sam Eagle- known for his dismay at the “improper” antics that happen in the show- even seems to be the bartender for this sketch!

This makes it clear that Disney has not forgotten that the Muppets are characters for *everyone*- not just children. The original show had its share of more “adult” jokes while still being very enjoyable for kids, remember! Fun fact: One of the pilots produced for “The Muppet Show” was even called “The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence”.

Miss Piggy’s Entrance

Though I don’t follow Sabrina Carpenter’s career super closely, I do know for a fact that she and Miss Piggy will be a force to be reckoned with. Just like in the original show, we get glimpses of the backstage drama and happenings- including Miss Piggy knocking down the door to Sabrina’s dressing room. …And crushing Kermit in the process. If I had to guess, I would wager this is the places call scene that usually starts each episode of “The Muppet Show”.

After her entrance, Sabrina tells Miss Piggy how much of an icon she is. And she’s right! In true Miss Piggy fashion, though, she replies: “You’re too sweet… go on!” Oh these two are going to be *fun* together.

Old Segments Return Again in “The Muppet Show” 2026

The trailer has a brief glimpse at the return of at least one OG “Muppet Show” segment: Muppet Labs. This segment was a regular feature in the original show and appeared in all five seasons. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew was on his own for the first season and was then later joined by his assistant Beaker. And, true to form, Beaker seems to be suffering at the hands of whatever new invention Dr. Bunsen Honeydew has cooked up.

More Muppets In the Future?

Seth Rogen (“The Studio“) serves as one of the executive producers for “The Muppet Show” 2026 special. When posting the initial teaser on Instagram, he wrote:

“I’ve been working the better part of the last decade to try to brig my favorite show back… and it looks like I’m getting close.”

And in the teaser trailer, Kermit says “…back on the very stage where it all started, and then ended, and is maybe starting again depending on how tonight goes.”

So, if this special does well, fans might just see a revival of the original “Muppet Show”. Disney has tried other formats for the Muppets over the years- including the recent “The Muppets Mayhem” and “Muppets Now“. But a return to the format that made the Muppets a global phenomenon might be just what they need to get them back in the spotlight. Where, in my opinion, they deserve to be!

With the inclusion of their weekly human guest stars, a new “The Muppets Show” run would be a perfect opportunity for Disney to cross-promote other projects and reintroduce the Muppets to a wider audience. There are so many “Marvel”, “Star Wars”, and other Disney-umbrella actors that would make fantastic guests on the show.

Disney does seem to have faith in the Muppets, too. Last year, Disney announced that they would retheme Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the Muppets. It doesn’t quite make up for the sting of losing Muppet*Vision 3D in the same park. However, it’s great to see the Muppets sticking around Walt Disney World in some fashion.

More Creatives for The Muppet Show’s 2026 Special

“The Muppet Show”‘s 2026 special is a production by 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Point Grey Pictures. Executive producers for The Muppet Studio are David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, and Michael Steinbach. For Point Grey Pictures, executive producers are Alex Timbers, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee.

Special guest star Sabrina Carpenter also is an executive producer on the special, alongside Albertina Rizzo. Matt Vogel (the current performer for Kermit the Frog) and Eric Jacobson (Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and others) are executive producers on the project as well.

In addition to executive producing, Alex Timbers is also directing “The Muppet Show” 2026 special. He has directed many Broadway musicals and plays including “Beetlejuice”, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”, “Gutenberg! The Musical!”, and “Just In Time”. He is also a co-creator of Amazon Studio’s “Mozart in the Jungle”.

Many Muppet performers will return for the special as well. This includes Dave Goelz who performed in the original “The Muppet Show”- originating the roles of Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew among others. Bill Barretta (Pepe, etc.), Eric Jacobson (Miss Piggy, etc.), Peter Linz (Walter, etc.), David Rudman (Scooter, etc.), and Matt Vogel (Kermit, etc.) will also return.

Stay tuned as we bring you more information about the Muppets’ return leading up to the new special on February 4th!