The Muppet Show is set to return, but only briefly. Disney has confirmed that a new Muppet Show special will air for a single night on February 4, 2026, marking the franchise’s most direct revival attempt in years. The one-off event will air on ABC and stream simultaneously on Disney Plus, reuniting Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the wider ensemble in the original Muppet Theatre.
According to Disney, the special will lean into the familiar mix of music, comedy, and controlled chaos that defined the original series. While promotional language emphasizes nostalgia, the project is structured with a practical goal in mind. The special is intended to function as a backdoor pilot, with its reception helping determine whether The Muppet Show earns a full episodic revival.
Disney Plus already hosts the complete original run of The Muppet Show, and the new special is positioned as both a continuation and a reset. The premise is intentionally straightforward: the Muppets attempt to put on a variety show at the Muppet Theatre. That simplicity mirrors the original format and avoids the more self-referential or experimental framing used in recent Muppet projects.
The creative team reflects a mix of legacy stewardship and outside influence. Alex Timbers, known for his work in musical theater, will direct and executive produce. Additional executive producers include Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee through Point Grey Pictures, alongside multiple executives from The Muppets Studio. Several longtime Muppet performers are also involved behind the scenes, reinforcing continuity with the Jim Henson-era sensibility.
On the performance side, the cast features many of the core voices that have sustained the franchise for decades. Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel are all confirmed to return. Goelz, who originated characters such as Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, has been associated with the Muppets for more than 50 years, making his involvement particularly significant for longtime fans.
Pop musician Sabrina Carpenter is also attached as an executive producer and on-screen participant. While her inclusion may feel unexpected, she has openly expressed enthusiasm for the Muppets and has interacted with the characters during live performances in the past. Her presence appears aimed at broadening the special’s appeal rather than redefining its tone.
The special arrives amid mixed signals about the Muppets’ future. Other projects are reportedly in development, including a darker Miss Piggy-centered film, though that effort targets a very different audience. For viewers hoping for a return to the classic variety show format, this February event represents the clearest test yet of whether that style still resonates at scale.
Ultimately, The Muppet Show’s one-night return is less a victory lap and more a trial run. Its success will likely determine whether Kermit and company remain a recurring presence on Disney Plus and network television, or whether this appearance stands as a standalone nod to a legacy that continues to struggle for a stable modern home.
