The Muppet Show (2026)
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The Muppets return to the Muppet Theatre for a variety show that serves as a backdoor pilot for a potential full revival of the series.
The story
The Muppet Show is a revival of the original 1976–1981 series, featuring recurring sketches and musical numbers. Kermit the Frog acts as showrunner and host, attempting to maintain control over the chaotic antics of the other Muppet characters while managing a variety of guest stars. The special is designed to showcase the classic characters in a familiar format, blending slapstick and surreal humor. As the production faces the challenge of an overcrowded schedule and backstage chaos, Kermit must navigate the demands of the cast and the requirements of the variety show format to ensure the performance succeeds.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The special begins in a dark Muppet Theatre where Rowlf plays 'Rainbow Connection' before Kermit realizes it is time to start the show again. Tension arises immediately as Miss Piggy and guest star Sabrina Carpenter are dressed identically. The show features a variety of segments, including a musical performance by Sabrina in a rowdy bar, a 'Pigs in Wigs' ballroom sketch, and a high-risk stunt by Gonzo. Behind the scenes, Kermit struggles with an over-crowded schedule caused by Scooter's over-politeness, leading to comedic conflicts with Fozzie and a demanding Miss Piggy. A laboratory experiment by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew causes Beaker's eyes to multiply, leading to a chaotic scene involving Maya Rudolph. Despite the mounting pressure and the threat of cut segments, the Muppets eventually unite for an impromptu ensemble performance of 'Don't Stop Me Now' as the finale. The special concludes with Kermit thanking Sabrina and the cast, while Gonzo continues his frantic quest to name every Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress.
- First release year
- 2026
- Runtime (minutes)
- 32
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Alex Timbers
- Writers
- Albertina Rizzo · writer; Gabe Liedman · writer; Nedaa Sweiss · writer; Kelly Younger · writer; Andrew Williams · writer
- Cast and characters
- Bill Barretta · Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth, Swedish Chef, Pepe the King Prawn; Dave Goelz · Gonzo, Zoot, Waldorf, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew; Eric Jacobson · Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle; Peter Linz · Lips, Statler; David Rudman · Scooter, Janice, Beaker; Matt Vogel · Kermit the Frog, Sgt. Floyd Pepper; Sabrina Carpenter · special guest; Maya Rudolph · guest; Seth Rogen · guest
- Genres
- Sketch comedy; Variety show; Surreal humor; Slapstick
- Themes
- Nostalgia; Showbiz chaos
- Tone and mood
- Slapstick; Absurdist; Surreal
- Premise and plot tags
- Variety show; Musical; Puppetry
- Source material / true-story basis
- Disney's Muppet properties and characters
- Franchise connections
- The Muppets
- Reception
- The special received universal acclaim from critics and garnered significant viewership across multiple platforms.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 80 · scale: 100 · review count: 21
- Production trivia
- It was the first Muppets production produced by 20th Television and Disney Branded Television after a corporate merger.; The special was intended to coincide with the show's 50th anniversary.; The special serves as a backdoor pilot for a potential full revival.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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