The Muppet Show is back with a very special episode guest-starring Sabrina Carpenter, and it just might be the best episode yet.
In an era of gritty reboots and cynical sitcoms, the world desperately needed a dose of pure, unadulterated joy. The return of The Muppet Show for a special engagement is exactly what this world needed right now. It is nothing short of a revelation to see this brand of feel-good, laugh-out-loud comedy back on our screens, reminding us that while the Muppets may have come and gone over the years, their brand of chaos is timeless.
Executive produced by Seth Rogen, this thirty-minute special walks a difficult tightrope: it honors the legacy of Jim Henson while injecting a modern, slightly subversive energy. Rogen’s influence is felt in the pacing and the wit as the special breezes by with vibes that keep you hooked from the opening theme to the final curtain call. There are nods to today’s technological distractions, which feel completely necessary, and I am so glad that they were included.
While the Muppets have always been a family brand, this special pushes the boundaries just enough to keep the adults in the room leaning in. It captures that classic Muppet spirit – where the show-within-a-show is constantly on the verge of collapsing into total anarchy – but updates the humor with a sharp, contemporary edge. It’s a delicate balance to push the envelope without losing the heart, yet this special manages to be edgy for the older fans while remaining fundamentally wholesome.
The real MVP of the night, however, is Sabrina Carpenter. To say she fit in would be an understatement; she feels like she has been part of the troupe for years. We’ve seen her comedic timing in her music videos and previous acting roles, but her chemistry with a cast of puppets is where her genius truly shines.
Whether she is trading wits with Miss Piggy or performing a high-energy musical number, Sabrina Carpenter proves she is a comedic force to be reckoned with. Her ability to play the straight man to the Muppets’ absurdity while still being hilarious in her own right is a rare skill. This might be one of the best episodes in the entire Muppet canon, if not the best. It truly left me longing for more.
The musical segments were a particular highlight, as always, featuring a collection of songs that will have viewers grinning from ear to ear. I cannot talk about them in too much detail, but just know there are new and old songs alike that will have you tapping your toes (and maybe even tearing up).
The production value is top-tier, and the guest stars are utilized perfectly, never overshadowing the felt-and-fur stars we came to see. I found myself laughing harder than I have in months – the kind of deep, restorative laughter that only Kermit and the gang can provide.
As the credits rolled, I was left with one overwhelming thought: the Muppets need to be back on the air permanently. This special felt like a proof of concept that the world is ready for a full-scale revival. I know I’m not the only one thinking it – the demand for this type of sincere, hilarious, and inventive entertainment is at an all-time high.
If this special is a harbinger of things to come, then the future of the Muppets is brighter than it’s been in decades. Let’s hope the powers that be are listening, because after a performance this strong, it would be a crime to put these characters back in the box.
About The Muppet Show
It’s The Muppet Show! Kermit, Miss Piggy and the beloved Muppet gang are back with a brand-new special event. Music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos are bound to ensue when The Muppets once again take the stage of the original Muppet Theatre with their very special guest, Sabrina Carpenter!
The Muppet Show Premieres on Disney+ and ABC on February 4, 2026.
