After a nearly three-year hiatus, the Muppets return to the Disney+ stage for one night only. Less than a reboot, “The Muppet Show” return serves as a backdoor pilot for a new era featuring these iconic characters in this 32-minute special headlined by pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. Despite their extended intermission and a few kinks, the Muppets are back, managing to capture the same charm, comedic chaos and iconic guest features that made them beloved to this day.
The long-awaited return of the Muppets feels less like a reboot but more like another curtain rising. This new show is the first time we’ve seen the group since 2023’s “The Muppets Mayhem,” functioning as a backdoor pilot for a revival while still being the show audiences have loved for decades. In a brief half an hour run time, it reminds viewers of why these characters have been around for so long, while remaining true to the core principle of the show.
Rather than leaning towards the youth, the special returns to the raunchy format of the 1970s series. There are on-stage skits, behind-the-scenes drama and barely managed chaos through it all. The central plot thread is simple: Kermit must decide which performances to cut to keep the show running on time. This immediately brings the audience back into the tension that arises when ambition, ego and logistics collide.
Running alongside the main storyline is Miss Piggy’s playful grudge with Carpenter, becoming the source of many of the specials’ comedic moments. Miss Piggy’s jealousy and unshakable belief that she is the true star of the show clash with Carpenter’s willingness to play along, is so genuinely funny while respecting the character of Miss Piggy and not reducing her to second fiddle.
A genuinely heartfelt scene between Miss Piggy and Carpenter is when they bond over their own styles and Piggy comments on how similar it is to her own and that her attorneys will be in contact with the pop singer’s legal team.
The guest lineup is a perfect balance between modern relevance and classic Muppet entertainment. Carpenter is the main guest and fits perfectly into the world of “The Muppets.” Rather than phoning in her performance, she chooses to be just as chaotic as her co-stars, behaving more like them rather than a floating head, recalling Tim Curry in “Muppet Treasure Island.” Additionally, she is the evening’s musical feature as well, singing her song “Manchild” and a cover of Kenny Rogers’ “Islands in the Stream” as a duet with Kermit himself — a sincere yet ridiculous moment.
Maya Rudolph appears in the audience, her natural sense of humor bounces off the insanity of the Muppets, not overstaying her welcome but making their antics all the more hilarious. Seth Rogen serves as an executive producer and is seldom used, but his presence is felt in the restraint present; rather than forcing the Muppets to fit our modern standards, they’re allowed to be themselves.
Any doubt about the show’s intentions is immediately resolved when Rizzo the Rat launches a rendition of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” The moment is so much more than novelty and is like a mission statement. These Muppets are not chasing trends or modernizing themselves; they’re meant to collide with the present and completely disregard restraint.
The trust pays off completely; the bulk of the humor relies on character interactions rather than references, especially the classic duo of Statler and Waldorf. Decades after their introduction, they remain as the funniest duo in the entire troupe; their heckling nonsense is sharper and designed to deflate their self-importance. Their presence demonstrates that the revival understood what the audience wanted their Muppets to be.
That being said, a few loose threads are showing. Matt Vogel’s vocal performance as Kermit is incredibly jarring when compared to the returning veterans, such as Eric Jacobson as Miss Piggy. The difference doesn’t ruin the show, but it’s noticeable during the quieter scene where Kermit’s sincerity is the main player. Although a misstep, it’s a learning moment on how important voice performance is to the Muppets.
Visually and structurally, the episode embraces its theatre roots. The sets are staged, the lights are set to live performances and the pacing is chaotic and fast-paced as a variety show should be. At a brisk 32 minutes, the runtime is effective and leaves the audience wanting more but satisfied.
As a backdoor pilot, “The Muppet Show” succeeds by reintroducing its characters without a celebration with each appearance, it succeeds by remembering that their greatest strength is their sincerity wrapped in felty chaos. The music is playing, the lights are lit, and it’s time for the muppet show.
__
Photo Courtesy of The Muppets Studio Point Grey Pictures
