TV › The Muppet Show (2026 TV special)
The Muppet Show (2026 TV special) 2026
The Muppet Show is a 2026 American variety sketch comedy television special featuring the Muppets. It represents a revival of the original Muppet Show series (1976–1981), conceived by Jim Henson, incorporating regular sketches and musical acts alongside continuing storylines filled with recurring gags set in backstage areas and throughout the performance space. The special includes Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel, with singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter appearing as the featured guest. Additional appearances are made by actress and comedian Maya Rudolph and actor and comedian Seth Rogen. Vogel, Jacobson, Rogen, and Carpenter also hold executive producer roles. The production is credited to The Muppets Studio, Point Grey Pictures, and 20th Television, and it debuted on Disney+ and ABC on February 4, 2026.
This version of The Muppet Show restores the original show's style, incorporating slapstick, absurdist, and surreal comedy. Within its setting, Kermit the Frog (played by Vogel) functions as host and showrunner, attempting to manage the chaotic behavior of fellow Muppet characters while satisfying visiting performers. It acts as a backdoor pilot for a possible return to the full series format. This marks the first Muppets production overseen by 20th Television and Disney Branded Television following ABC Signature's merger into 20th Television on October 1, 2024.
Critics widely praised the special, and it drew 7.58 million viewers during its initial eight days across Disney+ and ABC.
Cast
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Seth Rogen
- Maya Rudolph
- Bill BarrettaRowlf the Dog
- Dave Goelz[[Gonzo
- Eric JacobsonMiss Piggy
- Peter Linz[[Lips
- David Rudman[[Scooter
- Matt Vogel (puppeteer)Kermit the Frog
- Stephanie D'Abruzzo
- Ryan Dillon
- Alice Dinnean
- Bradley Freeman, Jr.
- Jennifer Barnhart
- Jackson Barretta
- David Bizzaro
- Jordan Brownlee
- Tyler Bunch
- Kevin Carlson
- Leslie Carrara-Rudolph
- John Cody
- List of Sesame Street puppeteers
- Peggy Etra
- Alex "Jurgen" Ferguson
- Dan Garza
- Haley Jenkins
- Tim Lagasse
- Bruce Lanoil
- Amanda Maddock
- Drew Massey
- Paul McGinnis
- James Murray (puppeteer)
- Sarah Sarang Oh
- Michael Oosterom
- Martin P. Robinson
- Nicolette Santino
- Stoph Scheer
- Michelan Sisti
- Colleen Smith
- John Tartaglia
Crew
- Director
- Alex Timbers
- Writer
- Albertina Rizzo, Gabe Liedman, Nedaa Sweiss, Kelly Younger, Andrew Williams
- Producer
- Dani Iglesias
- Executive producer
- David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, Michael Steinbach, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee, Matt Vogel (puppeteer), Eric Jacobson, Albertina Rizzo, Alex Timbers, Sabrina Carpenter
- Music
- Bill Sherman, Zach Marsh, Derek Scott
Details
- Production
- 20th Television, Point Grey Pictures, The Muppets Studio
- Network
- ABC, Disney+
