Chart-topping singer Sabrina Carpenter is swapping the concert stage for the iconic Muppet Theatre, having been announced as the headline guest star for a major new television special. The Muppet Show 2026 will celebrate the beloved programme's half-century with music, comedy, and the classic chaotic charm that fans adore.
A Star-Studded Return to the Stage
A teaser trailer released on Friday offered the first glimpse of the upcoming spectacle. It shows the 26-year-old Sabrina Carpenter dazzling in a pink sequin dress, sharing a dressing room with the one and only Miss Piggy, whom she hailed as "an icon." The special, set to air on February 4, 2026, on ABC and the Disney+ streaming platform, will also feature appearances by comedy stars Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
The excitement was officially kicked off by none other than Kermit the Frog, who announces in the preview, "It's the return of The Muppet Show!" The synopsis promises that Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the entire Muppet gang will bring a brand-new event filled with "music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos" from their original theatre.
Carpenter's Monumental Year
This high-profile television appearance caps off an extraordinary period for Sabrina Carpenter. She recently concluded her massively successful 14-month 'Short n' Sweet' world tour in December, which comprised 72 shows after launching in September 2024. Amidst that gruelling schedule, she also released her acclaimed album 'Man's Best Friend' in August.
That project has propelled her to new heights, earning the singer a staggering six Grammy nominations for the February 2026 ceremony. Her involvement with The Muppets follows a special holiday gift to her fans: a bonus track edition of 'Man's Best Friend,' featuring the new song 'Such a Funny Way,' which she released unexpectedly on Christmas Eve.
Legacy and Anticipation
The upcoming special is a significant moment for entertainment history, marking 50 years since The Muppet Show first aired. By inviting a contemporary superstar like Sabrina Carpenter, the producers are bridging generations, introducing the timeless humour of the Muppets to her vast young audience while delighting long-time fans.
The collaboration highlights Carpenter's versatility as a performer, transitioning from sold-out arena shows to the unique, vaudevillian style of the Muppet stage. With the promise of musical numbers, celebrity cameos, and the inimitable mayhem that only the Muppets can provide, the February 4 broadcast is poised to be a major televised event for families and fans across the UK and beyond.
