The Muppets Return With Star Power For 50th Anniversary

The curtain is rising once again at the legendary Muppet Theatre, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. On January 23, 2026, Disney rolled out the first full-length trailer for "The Muppet Show" special, igniting a wave of nostalgia and anticipation among fans both old and new. The special, which marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic franchise, will debut on February 4, 2026, streaming on Disney+ at 12 a.m. PST/3 a.m. EST and airing later that evening on ABC at 9 p.m. EST/PST, according to Variety and Billboard.

For those who grew up with the zany antics of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo, this is more than just another TV event—it’s a homecoming. The Muppets are returning to their roots, promising a night that’s "the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational" ever, as Kermit himself puts it in the trailer released by Disney.

This one-night-only revival aims to recapture the magic of the original series, which ran from 1976 to 1981, captivating audiences across more than 100 countries. Created by Jim Henson, the original show became a cultural phenomenon, earning Emmy, Grammy, Peabody, and BAFTA awards, and even being hailed by Time magazine in 1978 as "the most popular television entertainment now being produced on Earth," as reported by Variety.

But what makes this special truly, well, special? It’s the blend of classic Muppet chaos and a fresh roster of celebrity guests. The guest list reads like a who’s who of comedy and music, with Maya Rudolph, Sabrina Carpenter, and executive producer Seth Rogen all making appearances. Maya Rudolph, newly revealed as a guest star in the trailer, is seen forging a quirky connection with a Muppet in the audience. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter, a self-confessed lifelong fan, shares a comedic backstage moment with Miss Piggy that’s already making waves online. "It’s you! You’re my idol," Carpenter gushes, only for Piggy to reply with mock humility, "You’re sweet… go on." The exchange quickly turns hilarious as Carpenter adds, "I grew up watching you, my parents grew up watching you… their parents grew up watching you," prompting Piggy to dramatically recoil and yelp, "OKAY!" (Billboard).

Rogen, who wears two hats as both guest star and executive producer, is living out a childhood dream. In the trailer, he confides to Fozzie Bear that it’s always been his fantasy to take the Muppets stage. Fozzie, ever the straight man, asks, "Got any other dreams?" It’s these kinds of tongue-in-cheek moments that fans have come to expect—and love—from the Muppets.

The special’s creative team is stacked with talent. Alex Timbers directs and executive produces alongside Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee for Point Grey Pictures. David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, and Michael Steinbach serve as executive producers for The Muppets Studio. Sabrina Carpenter herself is also an executive producer, joined by Albertina Rizzo, Matt Vogel, and Eric Jacobson. The production is a collaboration between 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Point Grey, ensuring that both legacy and innovation are in safe hands (Variety).

Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Muppet Show without its legendary cast of characters. Kermit is the ever-optimistic host, Miss Piggy is as glamorous and self-absorbed as ever, and Gonzo is still risking life and limb for laughs. Statler and Waldorf, the grumpy old men in the balcony, are back to heckle from the sidelines. Even Beautiful Day Monster gets a moment in the spotlight, greeting Maya Rudolph with a kiss on the hand—a classic Muppet touch (Vulture).

Longtime fans will be delighted to know that the veteran Muppet performers are returning as well. Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel are all reprising their roles, ensuring that the characters’ voices and personalities remain as authentic as ever. Goelz, in particular, brings more than 50 years of Muppet experience, having originated beloved characters like Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew (Variety).

Music, naturally, is at the heart of the celebration. A brand-new version of "The Muppet Show Theme (2026)," produced by Grammy and Emmy winner Bill Sherman, will be released alongside the special on February 4. The trailer teases Animal pounding the drums to the iconic theme, while the promise of musical performances and comedic sketches harks back to the variety show’s heyday (Variety, Billboard).

But it’s not all smooth sailing—at least, not if you ask Kermit. In one memorable trailer moment, he confides to Carpenter, "We’re still working out a few kinks." Carpenter, ever the good sport, quips, "That’s all right, I love a kink," a wink-wink nod to the show’s tradition of sly, family-friendly double entendres (ABC News, Billboard).

The special also doesn’t shy away from poking fun at its own legacy. Kermit jokes to the audience, "We are so excited to be back where it all started, and then ended, and then, is maybe starting again, depending on how tonight goes." The future of The Muppet Show, it seems, hangs in the balance—at least in true Muppet fashion (Vulture, ABC News).

As a nod to its storied past, the trailer even features Kermit strolling past a wall of fame honoring legendary guest stars from previous decades, including Harry Belafonte, Steve Martin, and Lady Gaga. The message is clear: while the faces on stage may change, the heart and humor of the Muppets remain timeless (Billboard).

For those eager to relive the magic—or discover it for the first time—all five seasons of the original Muppet Show are currently available to stream on Disney+. But for one night only, the gang is back together, ready to deliver a blend of music, comedy, and the kind of chaos only the Muppets can conjure (Variety).

With its mix of beloved characters, star-studded guests, and a knowing wink to fans, "The Muppet Show" special promises to be more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a celebration of what makes the Muppets endure: their irrepressible spirit, their capacity for reinvention, and their ability to bring generations together for a laugh. Whether this is the beginning of a new era or simply a spectacular one-night stand, one thing’s for sure—the Muppets are ready for their close-up, and the world is ready to watch.