Disney+ Revival Of 45-Year-Old Comedy Classic Sets Sensational Rotten Tomatoes Debut

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Published Feb 3, 2026, 10:01 AM EST

Abigail is an editor for ScreenRant, currently writing and editing movie news. You may also have seen her thoughts on animated television, musical theater, and fantasy literature in Paste Magazine, Fantasy Hive, or The Oxford Blue. She has also written SR lists and op-eds covering movies, TV, and books as well. She is an English major through and through, having graduated with a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara and an MPhil from Oxford University.

A revival of an immensely beloved sketch comedy sequel has made a "sensational, inspirational," and "celebrational" debut.

Disney+ is about to debut The Muppet Show special, with Sabrina Carpenter as the celebrity host. This one-off special event is also a backdoor pilot, which could turn into a full revival of the classic series, which ran from 1976 to 1981. "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," says Kermit in the teaser.

This may be exactly what is happening, as 2026's The Muppet Show has debuted to a score of 100% from six reviews so far on Rotten Tomatoes. ScreenRant's Cher Thompson, reviewing The Muppet Show, says it is "funny, warm with nostalgia, and offers a fresh take on the classic variety show. [...] an ambitious special that still has room to grow, and I hope ABC gives it the chance to do so."

In addition to Carpenter, the new episode features comedy icons Seth Rogen and Maya Rudolph. Carpenter and Rogen are also both executive producers, while Alex Timbers directed. Jim Henson is still credited as a creator on this special. Moreover, the new Muppet Show lives up to its predecessor, which also has an overall Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%.

Henson and Jack Burns co-created the original The Muppet Show, which won four Primetime Emmys in its time. Henson portrayed Kermit for the original run (in addition to other characters), while the equally legendary Frank Oz voiced Muppets including Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear. Suffice it to say, The Muppets became certifiable cultural icons whom the entertainment industry has been wanting to bring back.

The Muppets got two modern theatrical movies: 2011's The Muppets with Jason Segel and Amy Adams, and 2014's Muppets Most Wanted with Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, and Tina Fey. The mockumentary The Muppets. then ran from 2015 to 2016 on ABC, but never really took off as a more wry take. Disney also produced the 2020 and 2023 miniseries Muppets Now and The Muppets Mayhem.

Returning to the classic format of The Muppet Show with a modern twist and celebrity guest stars who are audience favorites now could be the most assured way for The Muppets to make a comeback. After this debut, fans will be awaiting news about The Muppet Show's future — whether this will be a standalone event or turn into a major revival.

2026's The Muppet Show (special event) premieres on Disney+ and ABC on February 4, 2026.