The Muppets are always a fun time, and The Muppet Show brings Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the beloved Muppet gang back for a new special event that feels a little like childhood. And I mean that in the best way possible. And yet, when Sabrina Carpenter is around, it also feels very 2026—also in the best way. Who knew The Muppets could do it all?
It’s hard to describe what you’re getting in The Muppet Show without spoiling it, other than saying there are songs: a mix of popular, new and classic tunes that you will surely recognize, sing along to and get excited about; there are jokes, there’s laughter and there’s much of what made The Muppets so enchanting for those of us who grew up with them, which in many ways, feels like everyone.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a group of characters who remain as engaging as The Muppets, no matter what age range you are when watching them. It’s a testament to the group of writers that has been behind so many of these movies, shows, and specials, because it never feels like The Muppets are out of style, or like something only my parents or grandparents would appreciate. And at the same time, I’m very sure I can show this to my nephew, and the next generation will still appreciate this gang.
Perhaps now, in 2026, they’ll also appreciate the guests, particularly Sabrina Carpenter.
Now, if you were not, for some reason, a Sabrina Carpenter fan before The Muppet Show—why?—this will be the thing to convince you. I, a person who usually consumes music very casually, was so enchanted by everything Carpenter was doing in this that I must confess I watched this special more times than I strictly needed to write this review, where I cannot even give spoilers.
Executive Producer Seth Rogen is also around, though he’s not nearly as enchanting as Carpenter, or as Carpenter and Miss Piggy bantering back and forth. I’d pay to see more of those two together. To his credit, he’s good, but no one can fit as well as Carpenter with the Muppets, especially because she understands her role. She’s there as a supporting cast and to make the characters we know and love look better.
And look great they do. In fact, they’ve never looked or sounded better. It’s 2026, and we still need The Muppets. We still enjoy them. And if you somehow think you don’t, all you need to do is press play on this. You’ll change your mind.
The Muppet Show premieres on Disney+ and ABC on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to celebrate the original series’ 50th anniversary.
