Kermit and Fozzie Bear of the Muppet Show.

‘The Muppet Show’ Returns in February 2026, Featuring Sabrina Carpenter

ByCharles Walton

It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights. That’s right, “The Muppet Show” is returning again in early 2026. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, and the gang will welcome special guest Sabrina Carpenter for the special event on ABC and Disney+. Here is what has been announced so far.

The Epic Return

The official teaser for “The Muppet Show,” courtesy of Disney+.

Mark your calendars for February 4. That is the date that “The Muppet Show” will make its triumphant return. The show will be filmed from the original Muppet Theater and air on ABC and Disney+. 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the show, which originally aired from 1976 through 1981. During the series’ original run, it boasted Emmy, Grammy, Peabody, and BAFTA awards amongst its many accolades. All five seasons of the original show are currently available for streaming on Disney+.

Seth Rogen and Carpenter will be among the long list of producers for the special. Long-time Muppet performers Peter Linz, David Rudman, Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson and Matt Vogel will perform the majority of the main Muppet characters for this production of the show. Goetz has been with the Muppets for more than 50 years and was the originator of the characters Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, among others.

Special Guest: Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter performs on the Coachella Stage during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Sabrina Carpenter performs on the Coachella Stage during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on Friday, April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of Taya Gray/The Desert Sun-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

“The Muppet Show” has a long history of big-name special guests. Carpenter will join the likes of Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, Elton John, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, and Liza Minelli as guest stars on the beloved show. It was announced last month that Carpenter was nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, at the upcoming 2026 ceremony. Last month, it was announced that the “Espresso” singer will star in a new musical film inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.” She will also serve as a producer for the project.

The Wrap-Up

Whether your children have never experienced the Muppets or they are huge fans, don’t miss this epic television event. After 50 years, you never know when the next chance could be your last chance to see the legendary characters take the stage.

I am a freelance journalist, a food and music critic, an educator, a former coach, and a sports stats guru. I have also published two collections of poetry.

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