The Muppet Show Comes Back in 2026 as Disney+ Special Featuring Sabrina Carpenter

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The Muppet Show

Posted: Wednesday December 17, 2025 10:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Muppet Show returns in 2026, with Disney today confirming a new special event set to premiere February 4 on Disney+ and ABC.

The new production is described as a one-time special rather than a full series revival. It sticks closely to the classic variety format, mixing music, comedy, and the familiar chaos that defined the original show. Sabrina Carpenter will serve as the featured guest, joining the Muppets throughout the event.

Many longtime Muppet performers are returning for the project, including Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel. Dave Goelz, who has worked with The Muppets for more than 50 years, also performed on the original The Muppet Show and originated characters such as Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.

The timing lines up with a major milestone for the franchise. In 2026, The Muppet Show celebrates its 50th anniversary. Created by Jim Henson, the original series aired from 1976 through 1981 and was broadcast in more than 100 countries. It featured a long list of high-profile guest stars, including Elton John, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Liza Minnelli, and Paul Simon.

During its original run, the series earned Emmy, Grammy, Peabody, and BAFTA awards. In 1978, Time magazine famously called it "the most popular television entertainment now being produced on Earth."

All five seasons of the original The Muppet Show are currently streaming on Disney+, making it easy to revisit the series ahead of its return in 2026.

The Muppet Show

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DCBaker2 hours ago

A new trailer for The Muppet Show will be released tomorrow:

TsWade214 days ago

I’m so excited for this. 😁That discussion board called Muppet Central forum are so negative about it! Geez! Look you guys, I know you’re all nervous, and believe it or not, I’m nervous too. But with Sabrina Carpenter as a guest star, I think there’s a chance that will be a success since The Muppets 2011 movie. I know some of you don’t believe in Disinsider, but I asked the question if The Muppet Show will be hit and becomes a reboot series, here’s what he or she says: If The Muppet Show special is a hit, does this mean we’ll get a reboot of The Muppet Show? I believe that is the idea with pilot, and I’m sure it will be a hit, the return of the Muppets where they were most famous, and host rising superstar Sabrina Carpenter is a match made for success.

TrainsOfDisney17 days ago

This trailer did highlight an ongoing issue for me - fozzie is not supposed to be sarcastic. He’s always well meaning, optimistic, and cheerful. I realize characters evolve - Dave still performs gonzo and that character has evolved a lot - but Fozzie having and hint of sarcasm or negativity is wrong for me. This was also demonstrated in the fozzie and Pepe short - the writing was good - Pepe was good - but fozzie’s delivery felt very off.

Dead200917 days ago

Please be good please be good please be good

DCBaker20 days ago

Here’s a new teaser for The Muppet Show:

Phroobar31 days ago

The Muppets will always have their fans no matter how much Disney tries to remove them. The Muppets are a tradition in our house. They are part of our lives.

TsWade2Dec 21, 2025

Just because Jim Henson died, doesn't mean the Muppets are fading away! Give them time! If you don't want to watch it, fine! Don't watch it! But in my opinion, I think they got a hit in their hands this time.

Dead2009Dec 20, 2025

The first season of The Muppets that was on ABC a few years back was fantastic till they changed the entire writing team.

CompedDec 20, 2025

In the US there's an option for an uncut version, which includes the song...

PhroobarDec 19, 2025

But not as part of the film.

CompedDec 19, 2025

The song is on Disney+, you gotta find it in the options menu for the film though.

PhroobarDec 19, 2025

Muppet Christmas Carol is a wonderful Christmas tradition. It's only downside is they edit out the best song "When love is gone" from the dvd and streaming. That guy probably doesn't believe in Santa Claus either. ;)

Disgruntled WaltDec 18, 2025

True! I don't hold the opinion against you, but I've never heard of anyone who dislikes it! What's your reasoning? The jokes and songs were written by longtime Muppet collaborators Jerry Juhl and Paul Williams!