‘The Muppet Show’ (2026) Review: Sabrina Carpenter Guest Stars in Pitch Perfect Revival of a Comedy Staple

This review was made possible by Popped receiving an advanced screener for The Muppet Show.

“It’s The Muppet Show!” All it took was these four words exclaimed by American cultural icon Kermit the Frog, and I was already tearing up. Numerous fans spanning the globe share this exact same emotional connection with The Muppet Show and The Muppets at large, and if that’s you, this is it. This is the one. The Muppets are back. But for those who don’t understand why the return of this series is such a big deal, just keep reading (and then hit play)!

It’s Like ‘The Muppet Show’ Never Left

The original run of The Muppet Show originally ran from 1976-1981, featuring Jim Henson’s colorful cast of characters in a chaotic variety show full of silly gags, botched stunts, delightful tunes, and backstage antics — always in tandem with special guest stars such as Carol Burnett, Steve Martin, John Denver, or Mark Hamill. Another key part of the franchise’s golden era was The Muppet Movie in 1979, which led to five more films in the following two decades, even long after the TV series had ended. Between those, and a good handful of TV specials, The Muppets were alive and well through the end of the 90’s. Then things slowed down dramatically, and The Jim Henson Company was purchased by Disney in 2004. Since then, the beloved franchise has had a rocky journey. Most notably, 2011 saw hit movie The Muppets, written by and starring Jason Segel… but past that? A string of strange choices such as a mockumentary sitcom aimed at adults, a middling riff on Haunted Mansion, and a Disney+ series about the Electric Mayhem band. So it brings me great joy to say… they’ve finally gotten their act together again.

The Muppet Show is an absolute return to form for the characters. And I mean that in the truest sense. It simply puts them in their natural environment and lets them do their thing. It is the same exact show as it was 50 years ago, done today. No extra gimmick, no modernization, no bold new protagonists. It’s just The Muppet Show. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? There are certainly arguments to be made for how best to innovate on The Muppets in the modern age, but I have to credit Disney on making the smart choice and returning to the safety of what worked in the very beginning (which ironically, is the wrong decision for all of their other franchises). While that may be seen as having a negative connotation, I don’t mean they’re settling for the bare minimum, or even stooping to nostalgia-baiting. The safety is in the fact that it’s a proven, timeless concept. It’s the same reason Saturday Night Live is still around after 50 years. The Muppet Show holds a unique cultural identity, and it never should have left.

‘The Muppet Show’ Remains A Combo Of Chaos And Harmony

The show wastes no time getting back into the swing of things. There’s a slight lean into nostalgia at the start, but it lasts literally a minute. The 2011 film was full of enough ceremony, so why retread that here? The show wisely avoids getting hung up on it. It’s a 30-minute episode of The Muppet Show, and it’s going to use all 30 minutes being The Muppet Show. Rowlf is tickling the keys. Fozzie is doing prop comedy backstage. Gonzo is failing stunts. And Miss Piggy is doing what she does best… being fabulous. Holding the show together, of course, is Kermit the Frog. He keeps the stage show moving, while being at the center of the typical backstage chaos. While everyone is completely in character and delivering at the top of their game, it’s worth noting that the performer behind Kermit just doesn’t sound quite right. Matt Vogel has been performing him since 2017, but unless you’ve watched the small handful of Muppets projects that have released on Disney+ in the last few years, this may be your first time hearing him. He’s certainly grown on me a little, but I still struggle to be fully immersed when, instead of hearing Kermit, I’m hearing a man doing a Kermit impression.

Throughout this episode of The Muppet Show, we get a little bit of sketch comedy, a little bit of heckling (Statler and Waldorf are back in the balcony, of course), and a whole lot of singing. Music has always been prominent in the series, but there’s almost an over-reliance here. One song could’ve been cut and there still would have been more than enough. But who am I to complain? The musical numbers are varied enough and full of silly twists and turns. It all feels at home in the show. And let’s not forget special guest star Sabrina Carpenter. Whether you’re a fan of hers or not, she’s undeniably an inspired pick to star. Her charm is on full display, complete with a suggestive joke about her brand. She also gets a chance at not only singing a recent release, but covering a classic that I didn’t even know I needed to hear her perform. By the end of the episode, everything is tied together with a grand, heartfelt finish that’s clearly imbued with the hope of “Please keep us on the air!” Because from the very start, The Muppet Show wears its heart on its sleeve… it’s not just a one-off special. And its not built like one. It’s a pilot. It’s a spark that’s all but set to light the fires of a thriving future for The Muppets — and a bright one, at that.

‘The Muppet Show’ (2026) – Final Thoughts

There’s never been a better time to be a Muppets fan. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg deliver a joyful return we only could’ve dreamt of for The Muppet Show, complete with song, dance, and silly antics. Special guest star Sabrina Carpenter is a flawless fit with the cast, and while she may not have a frog in her throat, Kermit unfortunately has a human in his. Apart from that, the pilot is nearly perfect, emanating a pure essence that’s been missing since the show’s cancellation in 1981. Here’s to hoping we get to play the music and light the lights again, because meeting the Muppets on The Muppet Show remains a magical experience like no other.

The Muppet Show will release on Disney+ and ABC on February 4. Check out the trailer below: