The first look at The Muppet Show‘s new special has finally arrived. A brief but magical teaser, premiered on December 17, shows Kermit the Frog back in the iconic Muppet Theatre, ready to bring the house lights up once more. This special event, produced by Seth Rogen and starring Sabrina Carpenter, is set to launch on February 4, 2026, celebrating the original show’s 50th anniversary.
What the First Teaser Reveals
The teaser trailer, which debuted on Good Morning America, is a short but powerful nod to the past. It features a single, quiet moment: Kermit the Frog walking into the dark, empty Muppet Theatre. He approaches the stage’s control board and, with a familiar flip of a switch, powers up the lights. The scene is set to an instrumental version of “Rainbow Connection,” the beloved song that has defined the franchise for generations.
This simple act is rich with meaning. It symbolically “turns the lights back on” for The Muppet Show after years away from its classic variety show format. The teaser confirms the special’s setting: a return to the original Muppet Theatre, the home of chaos, music, and laughs from 1976 to 1981. The visual style appears to honor the show’s roots while feeling fresh for a new audience.
Full Release Details and Broadcast Plans
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Disney is planning a major dual release for the special. It will be available to stream on Disney+ and will also air on the ABC television network. This strategy aims to reach both streaming audiences and traditional TV viewers, maximizing the event’s reach for fans of all ages.
The release date is no accident. It precisely coincides with the 50th anniversary of The Muppet Show, which first premiered in 1976. The special is officially described as a television “event,” highlighting its importance as more than just another streaming title.
Seth Rogen’s Role and the Special’s Purpose
Seth Rogen and his production company, Point Grey Pictures, are the driving creative force behind this revival. Rogen, along with his longtime partner Evan Goldberg, will serve as an executive producer. Their company is co-producing the special with 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, and The Muppets Studio.
Industry reports confirm this special is designed as a backdoor pilot. This means its success on Disney+ and ABC could lead directly to a brand-new, ongoing series of The Muppet Show. The project received a $1.6 million tax credit from the California Film Commission last month for filming in Los Angeles, signaling a substantial production investment.
The special will serve as a backdoor pilot and, in success, would spawn a new Muppet Show television series.
Star Power: Sabrina Carpenter’s Dual Role
Pop star and actress Sabrina Carpenter isn’t just making a guest appearance; she’s a central part of the production. She is confirmed as the special’s guest star and will also be credited as an executive producer.
Carpenter has been a public fan of the Muppets for years. She once named Kermit the Frog as her favorite potential Hollywood date in an interview and recently channeled Miss Piggy’s style at an awards show. Her involvement bridges generations, connecting her young fanbase with the timeless Muppet brand.
The Returning Muppet Performers
A team of veteran puppeteers, many with decades of history with the characters, will bring the Muppets back to life. The core group of performers includes:
- Bill Barretta
- Eric Jacobson
- Dave Goelz
- Peter Linz
- David Rudman
- Matt Vogel
Dave Goelz‘s participation is particularly noteworthy. He has been with The Muppets for over 50 years, was part of the original The Muppet Show cast, and originated the characters of Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. They will be joined by a larger team of additional performers to operate the full Muppet ensemble.
Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The special has assembled a respected creative team to guide the Muppets’ return. Albertina Rizzo, a writer from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, is the writer and an executive producer. Alex Timbers, a director known for his work on Broadway’s Beetlejuice the Musical, will direct and also executive produce.
Executive producers also include James Weaver and Alex McAtee from Point Grey Pictures, as well as David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, and Michael Steinbach representing The Muppets Studio. Veteran Muppet performers Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson are listed as executive producers as well, ensuring the characters’ integrity.
A Look Back at The Muppet Show’s Legacy
The original The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson, ran from 1976 to 1981. It was a global phenomenon, airing in over 100 countries and winning Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody Awards. Its format was simple: a weekly variety show packed with sketches, songs, and celebrity guest stars, all held together by Kermit’s frantic backstage management.
Legendary guests over the years included Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Liza Minnelli, and Paul Simon. All five seasons of the original series are currently available to stream on Disney+.
This new special marks a return to that classic variety show roots. Recent Muppet projects like the 2023 series The Muppets Mayhem and the 2021 special Muppets Haunted Mansion have focused on specific stories or genres. The 2026 event brings the gang back to the theater stage for the first time in decades, aiming to recapture the original’s chaotic, heartfelt magic.
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