It’s Time to Play the Music: ‘The Muppet Show’ Returns with Sabrina Carpenter and Maya Rudolph

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The lights are officially back on at the Muppet Theatre. Disney+ and ABC have unveiled the full-length trailer for the highly anticipated “The Muppet Show” revival special, a star-studded event marking the franchise’s 50th anniversary and the return of Kermit’s classic variety format.

Set to premiere on February 4, 2026, the special marks the first time in over 45 years that the Muppets have returned to their original series roots, blending the “sensational, inspirational, celebrational” chaos of the 1970s with a modern edge.

Pop Stars and Comedy Icons

The new trailer highlights a “very special guest” in pop princess Sabrina Carpenter. In a standout moment from the footage, Carpenter tells Miss Piggy that she is her idol, noting that “her parents and her parents’ parents” grew up watching the divine swine—a compliment that predictably results in an annoyed scream from Piggy.

The trailer also revealed the surprise addition of Maya Rudolph, who is seen joining the audience alongside the Muppets. Seth Rogen rounds out the guest lineup, serving as both a guest star and an executive producer through his Point Grey Pictures banner.

A Return to the Muppet Theatre

The footage opens with a heavy dose of nostalgia: Kermit the Frog walks through the familiar backstage corridors of the Muppet Theatre while Rowlf the Dog plays a sentimental piano melody.

“Rowlf, have you been playing this whole time?” Kermit asks. “Well, what did you think it was? Some kind of sentimental montage in your head?” Rowlf quips. “We’re doing the show again, frog!”

Fans can expect all the classic staples: Gonzo’s death-defying stunts, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew’s disastrous scientific experiments, and, of course, the relentless heckling of Statler and Waldorf from their iconic balcony seats.

Behind the Scenes

The special is directed by Alex Timbers (John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous, Beetlejuice on Broadway), bringing a theatrical flair to the Muppet mayhem. The project is a massive collaboration between Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures.

Crucially, the production features the “core” veteran Muppet performers—Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel—ensuring that the characters retain the heart and humor established by Jim Henson decades ago.

A “Backdoor Pilot” for a New Era?

While currently billed as a “one-off special event,” industry insiders are calling the production a “backdoor pilot.” If the viewership is strong, Disney is reportedly considering a full series order to bring The Muppet Show back as a weekly staple.

The event also serves as a kickoff for the Muppets’ 50th Anniversary (officially falling in September 2026). To celebrate, a new 2026 version of “The Muppet Show Theme,” produced by Grammy winner Bill Sherman, will be released on the same day as the special.

How to Watch

  • When: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

  • Where: Streaming at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET on Disney+ and airing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new viewer lured in by Sabrina Carpenter, one thing is certain: it’s time to light the lights.