Seth Rogen’s 'The Muppet Show' special could spark a series revival

Disney announced that it is celebrating The Muppet Show‘s 50th anniversary in 2026 with a special. It will star veteran Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel. Sabrina Carpenter will appear alongside Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and their friends. The special will see them “return to the Muppet Theatre to put on a variety show filled with music, comedy, and plenty of chaos.”

Rogen is executive producing the special via Point Grey Pictures along with Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee. Albertina Rizzo (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) is writing the special. Alex Timbers is directing. Both will also serve as executive producers. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, this is more than just a fun way to celebrate the beloved group’s big milestone. It could lead to so much more. THR says, “The hope is for the Muppet Show special to serve as a backdoor pilot for a new season of the iconic series that debuted in the ‘70s.”

As though we knew this was coming, we recently went on a deep dive about The Muppets on our Laser Focus podcast. During the conversation we talked our hope Disney would find a way to give the group a bigger platform. We want a new, younger audience to know why we love them so much. A revival of The Muppet Show, which featured the timeless characters at their best, would do exactly that.

If the special captures what was special about The Muppet Show, it ultimately will prove to be a pilot. No one can deny The Muppets are special. Well, except for Waldorf and Statler.