'The Muppet Show' Special Brings Music, Mayhem, and Muppet Magic to Disney+ and ABC
The Muppets return for a single night with a whimsy and chaotic TV special; blending legacy and modern magic for kids, parents, and longtime fans
There are very few things in entertainment that feel like a warm hug and a sugar rush at the same time. A brand-new The Muppet Show special event is one of them.
Premiering Wednesday, February 4 on Disney+ and ABC, the half-hour special brings music, comedy, mildly controlled chaos, and a very special guest appearance from Sabrina Carpenter. What it does not do is coast on nostalgia alone—and that’s the ultimate magic trick.
This a brightly colored, high-energy reintroduction to Muppet magic, designed to charm longtime fans while pulling in a new generation that may only know the Muppets through GIFs, commercials, or their parents’ obsession (yes, they’re still obsessed).
What This Special Aims to Do (And Why It Might Work)
Think of this event as:
SNL for kids…
But with puppets…
Less cynicism…
And way more (kid-friendly) chaos
The special leans into everything that made The Muppet Show iconic—fast-paced sketches, musical numbers (a mix of popular songs plus new and classic favorites), and that specific brand of mayhem that feels like the show barely holds it together.
And that is by design.
It’s louder, brighter, more colorful, and intentionally playful—blending legacy and humor with modern commentary in a way that feels inviting instead of outdated. The goal is clear: remind audiences why the Muppets mattered, and prove they still do.
And yes, this special feels very much like a pilot in spirit, carrying the hope of a full series expansion that parents, kids, and nostalgia-loving adults can enjoy together.
Back Down Memory Lane
For anyone newer to the franchise (or just needing a refresher):
The Muppet Show first aired in the UK on September 5, 1976
It then aired in the U.S. in syndication on September 20, 1976
Developed by Jim Henson, the series introduced a Muppet-based variety show with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy famously at the center
Mia Farrow was the first celebrity guest appearance
The series ran until 1981; 5 seasons and 120 episodes
The Muppet Show influence has lived on through various films, commercials, and pop culture moments that speak to its ability to remain relevant. That legacy matters—and this special aims to keep that legacy going.
Executive produced by Seth Rogen, the special doesn’t attempt to reimagine the Muppets. It amplifies them—letting their unique brand of absurdity, sincerity, and musical chaos do the heavy lifting.
In an era where everything is IP-driven—but not everyone understands the “why” behind the magic—this special feels intentional. It honors what came before while opening the door for the possibilities to come.
The Muppets have always been unrestrained and unconfined, simply needing a little room—and a little magic—to play. This special gives them just that.
The Muppet Show premieres Wednesday, February 4 on ABC at 9 p.m. ET/PT and at 3 a.m. ET/PT on Disney+.
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