A beloved blast from the past is getting a reboot. The Muppet Show is returning in 2026 with a new variety special on Disney+, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the original Jim Henson series. According to Deadline, the upcoming special is produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg through their Point Grey Pictures banner and will feature pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter as the special guest star.
This new Disney+ special will serve as a backdoor pilot, which means if it’s successful, a new Muppet series could follow.
How to Watch
The untitled Muppet reboot special will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2026, with no separate rental or purchase required for subscribers. It joins the platform’s growing lineup of Muppets content, which already includes all five seasons of the original series, Muppets Haunted Mansion, and The Muppets Mayhem.
While the special doesn’t have an exact release date yet, fans can expect it to land sometime in 2026 exclusively on Disney+. If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll be able to stream it at no additional cost. For those who aren’t subscribed yet, Disney+ offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans, with bundle options that include Hulu and ESPN+ for added value. You can also catch up on past Muppets content, including the original five-season run of The Muppet Show, all currently available to stream on the platform.
A Star-Studded Return to the Muppet Theatre
The new special brings the full gang of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and others back to the Muppet Theatre to put on a variety show. Rogen, who recently won four Emmys for Apple TV+’s The Studio, is producing alongside Carpenter, who is also an executive producer on the project. Carpenter has long expressed her love for the Muppets and even dressed as Miss Piggy for the 2025 VMAs.
The production received a $1.6 million tax credit from the California Film Commission and will be filmed in Los Angeles.
The creative team includes writer Albertina Rizzo, director Alex Timbers, and executive producers from The Muppets Studio, 20th Television, and Disney Branded Television. Longtime Muppet performer Dave Goelz, who originated Gonzo, returns along with veterans Bill Barretta, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel.
This isn’t just another nostalgia grab. Disney+ has been steadily building out its Muppets universe, and this reboot has the backing of big-name talent and a built-in fan base. If the special connects with viewers, it could kick off an all-new Muppet Show for the streaming age. For cordcutters who love classic characters with a modern twist, it’s one to watch.
Stay tuned for the exact premiere date as we get closer to 2026.