A 50th Anniversary Celebration and Possible New Series
The curtain is about to rise once again on The Muppet Show! Disney+ has officially confirmed a brand-new variety special coming in 2026. The debut will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Jim Henson’s iconic series. The Anniversary is September 5, 2026. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait that long. This isn’t just a nostalgic one-off. The special is being developed as a backdoor pilot, with the potential to launch a full revival of The Muppet Show for a new generation of fans.
Who’s Behind the New Muppet Show
Disney is pulling out all the stops for this return. The special is produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg under their Point Grey Pictures banner. They are joined by The Muppets Studio and Disney Branded Television. Guest star Sabrina Carpenter will headline the special and also serve as an executive producer.
Longtime Muppet performers — Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel — will return. They’ll bring Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and the rest of the gang back to life. For fans, Dave Goelz’s return is especially meaningful. He has been part of the Muppets family since the original series and created classic characters like Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.
What to Expect From the Variety Special
The new special takes the Muppets back to their roots. The gang will reunite at the Muppet Theatre to stage a full-scale variety show. Expect chaotic comedy sketches, heartfelt musical numbers, and plenty of backstage antics. If the special is successful, Disney+ is ready to greenlight a brand-new Muppet Show series. The format will mix classic Henson charm with fresh star power.
Why are we so excited about this?
The original Muppet Show (1976–1981) was a groundbreaking global phenomenon. It aired in more than 100 countries and featured guest stars like Elton John, Diana Ross, Johnny Cash, and Debbie Harry. The show earned Emmy, Grammy, BAFTA, and Peabody awards, cementing the Muppets as cultural icons.
Disney+ has already tested the waters with projects like Muppets Haunted Mansion and The Muppets Mayhem. But this anniversary special carries extra weight. It celebrates Jim Henson’s legacy and offers the chance to bring back the variety show format that made the Muppets famous.
With Sabrina Carpenter in the spotlight and Seth Rogen leading production, the special will blend nostalgia with new energy. For Muppet fans everywhere, a return to the Muppet Theatre feels like coming home.
