RIOTUS

In the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational break from reality, The Muppet Show returns for a rainbow explosion of musical mishaps and theatrical dreams. Executive produced by Seth Rogen, this very special event sees Kermit & co. attempt to put on a classic variety show for the ages, complete with bombastic musical numbers and big laughs, in front of a packed theater. 

But behind the curtain is where the real drama is—in true Muppets fashion, the event is overbooked and overwhelmed by egos and eccentricities. How will the gang fit all their Muppetational magic into one night only? Which act is gonna get cut…and who’s gonna get their time to shine? That’s showbiz, baby! 

Lending them some of her sugar-sweet star power is Sabrina Carpenter, who dazzles with breathy vocals and cheeky comedy. Her scenes with Miss Piggy are a slay—the two powerhouse performers are a genius pairing. With a mix of new and classic hits, 2026’s new chapter of The Muppet Show is a treat for kids and adults alike and is destined to inspire memes galore.

You won’t be able to stop giggling along with the audience as the Muppets showcase all the special skills they have to offer: from Gonzo’s death-defying stunt, to a Bridgerton-esque skit, and even a chaotic Maya Rudolph meet-cute. And you can rest assured that Statler and Waldorf are looking on from the theater’s box to provide their sardonic blend of color commentary. 

The Muppet Show may have been off the air for four decades now but it remains an institution for every generation; who didn’t grow up watching re-runs of Jim Henson’s fuzzy green frog and all his pals? And now, with this new Disney+ special, our beloved Muppets once again remind us of the power of physical props and sheer dedication to human-made entertainment. In an age of AI slop and ever-decreasing attention spans, the use of classic storytelling methods and humor is a refreshing and welcome respite.

It’s so much fun watching the Muppets add extra levels of exaggeration and slapstick sauce to each sketch in a way only puppets can, while the nonsense they get themselves into is as delightful as it is deranged. And we wouldn’t want it any other way. This is supposedly a one-off event—nudge, nudge, wink, wink—but just like any rousing theater performance, by the end, we’ll all be cheering for an encore.