‘The Muppet Show’ Review: Sabrina Carpenter Shines As Show Makes A Nostalgic Return After Decades

The Muppet Show is a variety sketch comedy series created by Jim Henson. The family show has been a staple in homes since its release in 1976. Since then, the show has been adapted into several spin-offs, including Muppet Babies, Muppet Tonight, The Muppets, and Muppets Now. And now, the show is back with its uniquely designed characters, slapstick humour and parodies.

However, is it as good as fans expected? The show begins with ‘Miss Biggy’ inquiring, “Isn’t it wonderful to be back in the theatre again, giving the people what they truly want?” The Muppet Show is a half-hour special premiering on ABC and Disney+ this week as a soft test run for a full-fledged series return. So, as the show returns after several detours, here’s what you need to know.

The Muppet Show returns to theatres after years in the making

‘Miss Piggy’ is over the moon to have fans back in the theatres for The Muppet Show and to give the audience what they truly like. Like many generations who grew up watching the show, the characters were not just entertainment; they were part of their core childhood memories. Which has made the return of The Muppet Show even more touching for the fans.

So, as ‘Miss Piggy’ welcomes the audience back to The Muppet Show in a special half-hour premiere on ABC and Disney+, the event also serves as a soft launch of a potential revival of the celebrated series. The special aired on February 4, 2026 (ET), at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and 3 a.m. ET on Disney+. ‘Miss Piggy’s’ enthusiasm captured a sentiment that every fan has shared over the years: a longing for the return of classic Muppet antics. So, without any further ado, let’s see if the show has been able to keep up.

What is The Muppet Show about?

The Muppet Show features a nostalgic ambience and a special host, aka the very gorgeous singer, Sabrina Carpenter. The show took fans back to the reminiscences of various ‘Muppet’ properties over the past decade. Helmed by Alex Timbers, The Muppet Show was produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The show brought back classic Muppet elements while attempting to innovate. The episode is marked by its chaotic yet charming foundation, mirroring the essence of its earlier episodes.

The Muppet Show holds a very special place in the hearts of fans. It features a stellar cast including Sabrina Carpenter, Seth Rogen, Maya Rudolph, and the original ‘Muppet’ performers. Yes! The makers have ensured that they bring back some of the most iconic characters in the show, including ‘Kermit’, ‘Fozzie Bear’, and ‘Gonzo’. Fans were pleased to see beloved figures like ‘Rowlf’ make a brief appearance, marking one of the character’s rare returns since Jim Henson’s passing. However, it was also important to note that the episode did not introduce new ‘Muppets’, sticking closely to the existing ensemble.

Sabrina Carpenter shines as the host of The Muppet Show

The Espresso singer has provided an engaging presence as the host. The Disney Channel alum is a true performer, and it shows in the series. Sabrina Carpenter’s singing and dancing skills add stars to the show. The Manchild singer has established a strong connection with the ‘Muppets’, showcasing her charm and versatility. Though the episode did not fully explore her range, it featured notable performances and a mix of new and classic songs.

How are the critics reacting to The Muppet Show?

Critics expressed a mix of nostalgia and hope for the ‘Muppet’s’ future while also acknowledging the flaws in some areas. The critics pointed out how the show has some rougher comedic moments; they felt that the essence of The Muppet Show was successfully revived. The balance of humour catered to both children and adults, a hallmark of the franchise.

A quick look at the history of The Muppet Show

While fans delve into the new episodes, let’s take a quick look at the history of The Muppet Show with Disney. In 2015, The Muppet was released as an ABC sitcom built around a ‘Miss Piggy’-fronted talk show. The makers had attempted to deliver something more grown-up from the Muppets, complete with an ongoing estrangement between ‘Kermit’ and ‘Miss Piggy’. However, it was not perceived well by the audience, and the show was later cancelled.

In 2020, the makers brought back the show as Muppets Now, an oddly “unscripted” series about the ‘Muppets’ doing a digital reality series overseen by Scooter. While it felt closer to the original The Muppet Show format, it still has some scattered characters and interactions, with a COVID-era aesthetic, even though it was filmed before the pandemic. 2023 brought another series named The Muppet Mayhem, which focused on ‘Dr Teeth’ and the ‘Electric Mayhem’. While it has some funny moments and an impressive array of music-industry guest stars, it felt like a strained spin-off from a series.

Final verdict on The Muppet Show

While fans are cautiously optimistic about The Muppet Show’s return, the show’s future seems bright. It proves that their humour and charm can still resonate with the modern audience. 

What are your thoughts on The Muppet Show? Let us know.

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