“The Muppet Show” is staging Disney+’s comeback.
Variety learned that streamers will have a one-off “Muppet Show” event special aired in 2026 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original show. In the special, the Muppets will return to the Muppet Theater to produce a variety show. Sabrina Carpenter Will Guest Star.
According to individuals with knowledge of the situation, the special could serve as a backdoor pilot to help launch a new iteration of the iconic series.
Veteran Muppet performers Bill Valletta, Dave Gertz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Radman and Matt Vogel perform most of the special Muppet characters and are supported by a team of additional performers. After playing with the Muppets for over 50 years, Goelz is one of the performers of the original “The Muppet Show” and has produced many others such as Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.
Albertina Rizzo will serve as author and executive producer. Alex Timbers will direct the episode and serve as executive producer. Carpenter is executive producer for the variety show installments. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee are executive producers via Point Gray Pictures along with David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter and Michael Steinbach from Muppets Studio. Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson are also executive producers. Produced by 20th TV, Disney Brand TV, Muppet Studio, Point Grey.
“The Muppet Show” was created by Jim Henson and originally aired in the UK and was the first U.S. Launching Publishing, and the show attracted a wide range of A-list stars during its run, including Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Liza Minnelli and Paul Simon.
The original series, “The Muppet Show,” aired in over 100 countries between 1976 and 81, and featured notable guest stars such as Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Lizaminelli and Paul Simon. Since then, it has been incredibly popular and has helped bring the Muppets to mainstream excellence.
Rogen is represented by major entertainment LA, UTA, ID, and Verkartotzek. Carpenter is managed by Volla and the Foundation’s media partners and is represented by the Lede Company and Paradigm of Film and Television.
