The Muppet Show's 50th Anniversary Special Finds Heart, Humor, and Familiar Magic

As a little girl, I can remember my family gathering in front of the television, ready to watch thirty minutes (really 22-26 plus commercials) of The Muppet Show. All the regular muppets would come on and perform skits along with special guest stars, and for half an hour, my family would laugh and have fun. The opening song would be as if an old friend were coming to visit, as the familiar melody would play through the speakers on each side of the television set. For five seasons, we faithfully watched and enjoyed the show, after many starts and stops (and a few movies here and there), The Muppet Show is returning to television to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

In the years between 1981, when the original The Muppet Show went off the air until now there have been movies, a 30 minute sitcom and numerous television special,s but this is the first time the original sketch comedy series will be seen since the show ended 45 years ago and, as previously mentioned, 50 years since the first episode back in 1976. This one-time, special episode is chock full of what we loved all those years ago, and if all goes well, this project could serve as a potential pilot for a new series.

The 30-minute show, which will air on February 4, 2026, on Disney+ and ABC, blends the old standard with some newer aspects, but some moments are certainly better than others. So let’s begin with what works. For starters, the old, beloved characters are back including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Scotter, Rowlf the Dog and even the two old guys, Statler and Waldorf, who heckle the performers from their seats in the balcony. The format also remains the same, with backstage moments and skits that occur on stage. There is also a special guest performer, who this time is the hot, young singer Sabrina Carpenter.

What doesn’t work? Where to begin? First, the muppets sound different because, of course, many of the original puppeteers, including muppets created by Jim Henson, are no longer with us, and as much as the the young members of the troop try, they can’t recreate those voices we knew and loved from childhood. The show also occasionally scans the “audience”, made up of live actors and puppets. I don’t know why they added this feature because it serves no purpose, and frankly, I found it annoying. Additionally, since the show is only 30 minutes long, taking time to show said audience is just a time killer and is completely unnecessary.

Despite those minor nuisances, the show has more pluses than minuses in the entertainment column. Even for younger audience members who won’t remember the original show, there is fun and laughter and heartwarming entertainment. Smartly, bringing a young pop star on as the special guest will attract young audiences and serve as fodder for Miss Piggy’s constant jealousy of anyone young, more talented, or more beautiful than she is (or all three).

There are also a few cameos that add to this special, including one by executive producer Seth Rogen (Superbad), who has become a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood and who hopes this special will resonate with fans both young and old. If it does, this will be a jumping-off point for a reboot, and I, for one, hope it will come to fruition. This series was always wholesome, family fun with a little good-natured ribbing included, and this new version follows that same path. A show like this always has a place in American Entertainment and, now more than ever, we could use a reminder of the bygone days of old.

Grade: B