The beloved Muppet Show makes a triumphant return to screens, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia and pure, unadulterated joy. This thrilling revival, available on Disney+ from Wednesday 4 February 2026, features guest stars like Sabrina Carpenter and executive producer Seth Rogen, promising a saucy and hilarious trip down memory lane.
A Perfect Blend of Chaos and Charm
Since the original TV show ended in 1981, the Muppets have remained cultural icons, with memes of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Animal circulating widely and their films earning Oscars. Their version of A Christmas Carol is a cherished tradition for many. Jim Henson's furry anarchists have a unique ability to bring people together, and this new special captures that magic perfectly.
Why We Still Adore the Muppets
In an 1810 essay, German poet Heinrich von Kleist argued that puppets demonstrate pure grace through weightless unself-consciousness, a quality humans long for but rarely achieve. While he referred to marionettes, the Muppets, as hand puppets, have a distinct physicality and charm. Kermit's flapping arms and bouncy walk, for instance, are delightfully inefficient and silly, reflecting our own odd, hapless natures.
This revival embraces that essence without unnecessary updates. There's no Fozzie on TikTok or Rowlf protesting streaming royalties. Instead, the Muppets are still trying to put on a variety show, and as always, everything is going hilariously wrong.
Star-Studded Guest Appearances
Sabrina Carpenter shines as a guest star, proving herself a perfect fit for the Muppet world. She delivers a saucy joke with a straight face, avoids upstaging the real stars, and shows she's game for anything, even a musical number backed by a bunch of hens. Her interaction with Miss Piggy is a highlight, with Carpenter gushing about her admiration, only for Piggy to reply primly, "My attorneys have taken note."
Seth Rogen, as executive producer, adds to the fun, with his unflappable presence complementing the chaos. Miss Piggy is energetic throughout, announcing she's on vocal rest backstage and undertaking a water-based romantic rescue mission that ends in a bisexual rug-pull moment.
Meta Humour and Electric Mayhem
The show within the show is packed with toe-tapping needle drops, both old and new. Skits include period-drama parody Pigs in Wigs and a science segment about screen time that sees Beaker losing his eyes. Unlike educational shows like Sesame Street, the agenda here is pure electric mayhem, filled with meta winks and comic timing.
A throwaway bit featuring audience member Maya Rudolph dying and apparently going to hell is described as one of the sweetest things seen, showcasing the Muppets' subversive and weird charm. While nostalgic parents might be the primary audience, the show offers something for everyone, with kids serving as a perfect alibi for adults to indulge.
Critics and Joy Unbound
The resident theatre critics, Statler and Waldorf, remain unmoved, living in their box with a resentful dependence on the show. However, this revival defies their cynicism. In just 30 minutes, it delivers non-stop laughter and joy, proving that some things needn't be dissected like a frog on a table. Joy is meant to be felt, and The Muppet Show revival does exactly that, making it a must-watch for fans old and new.
