The Muppet Show is returning to television and streaming in the New Year. The one-off special event will air on ABC and Disney+, aligning with the 50th anniversary of the original series. The first teaser aired during ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve broadcast.
The special will debut on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, reintroducing Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppet cast alongside singer and actor Sabrina Carpenter. Keep reading to learn more.
The Muppet Show Special
The project is a blend of the classic variety format and new comedic sketches, designed to recapture the spirit of the 1970s show while also testing the waters for a potential reboot of The Muppet Show.
Industry experts claim the special is a “backdoor pilot” for a possible wider revival on Disney+, acting as both celebration and proof-of-concept.
Returning Cast
Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel will return to perform the characters, adding veteran continuity to the special and keeping the franchise’s long-running talent in-house.
Alex Timbers is directing the special, with Point Grey Pictures, 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, and The Muppets Studio producing in a coalition.
Behind the Scenes
Executive producer credits go to Seth Rogan, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee from Point Grey; David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, and Michael Steinbach from The Muppets Studio; and Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson.
Discussing the show’s special earlier this year, Rogen commented, “I’ve been working the better part of the last decade to bring my favorite show back, and it looks like I’m getting close.”
The involvement of high-profile producers signals a blend of contemporary comedic acts with the Muppets’ signature tone.
First Teaser Release
The first teaser for The Muppet Show special was released by Disney, featuring an image of Miss Piggy. The full teaser was released on ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
The joint release of teasers reflects a broader cross-platform release plan of the show, featuring simultaneous availability on Disney+ and ABC, so both streaming subscribers and broadcast audiences can enjoy.
Possible Series Revival
While promotional materials are focusing on the nostalgia and continuity of The Muppet Show, there is an underlying plan: the high-profile anniversary event can become a launchpad for a new series if the special does well with viewers and subscribers.
While there is no concrete evidence about a full series revival, the special may act as a door to a regular production cycle in the future.
Final Thoughts
For viewers, there is one date to keep in mind.
If you didn’t catch the teaser on ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, watch it now on YouTube. Then, get ready for the full special, slated to broadcast and stream on February 4th, 2026.
Fans and industry experts will keep an eye on ratings, engagement, and critical reviews to see if this special will turn into a full-scale Muppets revival.