Disney+ and ABC have released the first official trailer for a new Muppet Show special, bringing Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the whole chaotic crew back to television. The big news is the star power joining them: pop singer Sabrina Carpenter, actor and comedian Seth Rogen, and comedian Maya Rudolph. This special event is set to premiere on February 4, 2026, exactly fifty years after the original show first aired.
The trailer promises a show filled with the music, comedy, and backstage madness that fans remember. More than just a one-off, this special could be the start of something bigger. Reports indicate it is designed as a backdoor pilot, meaning a successful reception could lead to a full new series of The Muppet Show. For a generation that grew up with the Muppets, and a new one just discovering them, the message is clear: it’s time to play the music and light the lights once more.
Details Of The New Muppet Show Special And Trailer
The 90-second trailer gives fans their first good look at the upcoming special. It opens with Kermit the Frog walking past a wall of fame, honoring past human guests from the classic series. He sets the tone with a classic, slightly worried Kermit remark: “It’s the return of The Muppet Show back on the very stage where it all started, and then ended, and is maybe starting again, depending on how tonight goes”.
We quickly see the gang is back to their usual antics. Miss Piggy is ready to “give the people what they truly want… moi,” while Gonzo is preparing another dangerous stunt. Animal wildly pounds the drums to the show’s famous theme song, and a laboratory experiment with Beaker goes hilariously wrong, leading to an apology from Kermit.
The new human stars shine in their interactions with the fuzzy cast. Sabrina Carpenter has a memorable meeting with her “idol,” Miss Piggy. “I grew up watching you, my parents grew up watching you… their parents grew up watching you,” Carpenter gushes. Miss Piggy, playing modest, pulls away with a dramatic “OKAY!” after hearing about her own long legacy. In another scene, Seth Rogen shares a moment with Fozzie Bear, telling him, “It’s always been a dream of mine to be here.” The ever-sincere Fozzie simply replies, “Oh… Got any other dreams?”.
Maya Rudolph is also featured, seen sitting in the audience sharing a moment with a Muppet, though her specific role remains part of the surprise. The trailer captures the show’s signature blend of heart, humor, and gentle chaos that made it a hit for all ages.
Star-Studded Cast And Production Team
This special brings together a powerful mix of contemporary stars and legendary puppet performers. Leading the human guests is Sabrina Carpenter, the pop star currently on her global Short n’ Sweet Tour. She doesn’t just appear in the show; she also serves as an executive producer. Her excitement for the project is clear from her trailer scenes with Miss Piggy.
Seth Rogen is also pulling double duty. He appears on screen as a guest star and works behind the scenes as an executive producer through his company, Point Grey Pictures. Maya Rudolph rounds out the announced human guest stars, adding her unique comedic talent to the Muppet mayhem.
Of course, the true stars are the Muppets themselves, brought to life by a talented team of veteran puppeteers. Performers like Matt Vogel (the current voice of Kermit), Eric Jacobson (Miss Piggy, Fozzie), and David Rudman (Scooter) are involved, ensuring the characters sound and feel authentic. The special is directed by Alex Timbers, who is known for his work on stage and screen, and he also serves as an executive producer.
The project is a major collaboration between Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, 20th Television, and Point Grey Pictures.
Release Information For Global Audiences
Mark your calendars for a big night of entertainment. The Muppet Show special will premiere simultaneously on two platforms on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
- It will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
- It will also air on the ABC television network later that same evening at 9:00 p.m. ET.
This dual release strategy makes it easy for everyone to watch, whether they prefer streaming or traditional broadcast. For viewers outside the United States, the special is expected to be available on Disney+ internationally, though local release times may vary. The premiere date is particularly meaningful as 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the original Muppet Show, which first aired in 1976.
Fan Reactions To The Trailer Release
The release of the trailer has sparked a wave of excitement and nostalgia online. On social media, one common sentiment summed up the feeling for many: “We are so back“. This phrase, trending among fans, captures the hope that this special will successfully recapture the original show’s magic.
Comments on entertainment news articles show a mix of eager anticipation and cautious optimism. “I truly cannot understate how badly I need this to be good,” wrote one fan. Another simply stated, “can’t wait for this!!!!!”. Many are pleased to see the show returning to its classic variety show format, a style that has been missed in recent Muppet projects.
The trailer’s humor hit the right note. Sabrina Carpenter’s line to Kermit—”that’s all right, I love a kink”—after a technical malfunction was seen as a perfect example of the clever, slightly grown-up humor the original show was known for. The brief but funny exchange between Seth Rogen and Fozzie Bear also got positive attention for its simplicity and charm.
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The Muppets’ Journey Back To Television
The Muppets have a long and beloved history on television. The original The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson, was a groundbreaking variety series that ran from 1976 to 1981. It became a global sensation, airing in over 100 countries and featuring legendary guests like Elton John, Johnny Cash, and Diana Ross. All five seasons of that classic series are available to watch on Disney+ today.
Since Disney purchased the Muppets in 2004, the characters have appeared in various TV projects with mixed success. There was a 2015 mockumentary-style series, The Muppets, which was canceled after one season. More recently, Muppets Now (2020) was a short-form improv series, and The Muppets Mayhem (2023) focused on the band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem; both lasted only a single season.
This new special represents a direct return to the original’s winning formula: a stage-based variety show with celebrity guests. By calling it The Muppet Show and setting it in the original Muppet Theatre, the creators are making a clear link to the past. The involvement of key producers like Seth Rogen and the focus on a classic format have given fans hope that this project might finally be the successful comeback they’ve been waiting for.
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