The first trailer for a new Muppet Show special has arrived, showing the beloved characters back on their original stage with stars Seth Rogen and Sabrina Carpenter. Premiering on February 4, 2026, the event is timed for the 50th anniversary of the classic series and could lead to a full show if it finds an audience. The special marks a return to the classic variety show format that first made Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang famous.
A Look at the New Muppet Show Trailer
The teaser trailer gives fans a quick look at the music and comedy planned for the special. It first aired during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest and was later shared online. In the footage, the Muppets are back at the famous Muppet Theatre, the same stage used for the original 1976 series.
Kermit the Frog sets the stage in the trailer, directly talking about the special’s purpose. He says the show is back where it started and “is maybe starting again, depending on how tonight goes”. This comment points to the special’s role as a test for a potential new series.
Sabrina Carpenter shares a scene with Miss Piggy, hyping her up by calling her an “icon”. Seth Rogen appears in a funny backstage moment with Fozzie Bear. Rogen tells Fozzie, “It’s always been a dream of mine to be here,” to which Fozzie awkwardly replies, “Got any other dreams?”. The trailer promises the blend of chaos, music, and guest star antics that defined the original show.
Seth Rogen and Sabrina Carpenter’s Roles
Seth Rogen is a key force behind this revival, serving as an executive producer through his company, Point Grey Pictures. He follows in the footsteps of his former collaborator Jason Segel, who helped revive the Muppets for a 2011 movie. Rogen’s comedic style is seen as a good fit for the Muppets’ meta-humor and backstage chaos.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter is both the special’s guest star and an executive producer. She has been a longtime fan of the Muppets and even channeled Miss Piggy with her outfit at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Online, many fans have said Carpenter’s confident stage persona has “Miss Piggy energy,” making her a perfect fit for the show. One fan on social media called the pairing “a match made in heaven”.
The Special as a Potential Series Pilot
This event is officially described as a “backdoor pilot.” This means it is designed to introduce the concept and, if successful, could lead to a full series order for a new Muppet Show on Disney+. The trailer’s dialogue from Kermit directly hints at this, framing the special as a one-night test to see if the show can make a permanent return.
This strategy follows several other attempts by Disney to revive the Muppets since acquiring the characters in 2004. Past efforts include a 2011 movie, a 2016 mockumentary-style TV series, and the 2023 Disney+ series The Muppets Mayhem, which focused on the Electric Mayhem Band. This new special aims to go “back to basics” by returning to the original theater and the pure variety show format.
Key Production Details and Creative Team
The special is a major production involving several Disney divisions. It is co-produced by 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures. The director is Alex Timbers, known for his work on stage and screen, who also serves as an executive producer.
The writing team includes Albertina Rizzo and Kelly Younger. Most importantly, the iconic Muppet characters are performed by veteran puppeteers who have worked with them for decades. This group includes Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel. Dave Goelz, who originated the character Gonzo, has been performing with the Muppets for over 50 years.
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Fan Reactions to the Announcement
The release of the trailer has generated excitement among fans of both the Muppets and Sabrina Carpenter. Many are expressing hope that the special will lead to a regular series. “Please let this be a weekly show that has at least 20 episodes a year for 2+ years,” one fan posted on social media. Another called the move “GENIUS” by Disney, noting that Carpenter’s humor is “so RIPE for this”.
However, some reactions online are mixed. A few fans have expressed that the announcement’s timing is complicated by recent controversies involving Disney and its network ABC. Despite this, the overall sentiment leans toward anticipation for seeing the classic format return. As one fan simply put it, “Love it”.
How to Watch The Muppet Show Special
Mark your calendars: The Muppet Show special is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. In a dual-release strategy, it will air on both the ABC television network and be available to stream on Disney+. This date was chosen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original series, which first aired in 1976.
All five seasons of the original The Muppet Show are currently available to stream on Disney+ for fans who want to revisit the classic episodes.
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