Disney has officially pulled back the curtain on the upcoming The Muppet Show special event, releasing the first trailer and key art today ahead of its February 4 premiere. The trailer gives fans a new look at the long-awaited return of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the entire Muppets ensemble, along with newly announced guest star Maya Rudolph.
The special event will debut simultaneously on Disney+ and ABC. Streaming on Disney+ begins at 12:00 a.m. PST on February 4, while the broadcast premiere airs on ABC at 9:00 p.m. EST and PST. The event also features previously announced special guest star Sabrina Carpenter and executive producer and guest star Seth Rogen.
The special brings The Muppet Show back to its roots, with music, comedy, and signature chaos unfolding once again on the stage of the original Muppet Theatre. Carpenter joins the Muppets as the evening’s featured guest, setting the stage for classic sketches, musical moments, and plenty of mayhem.
Alongside the trailer, Disney also confirmed that a newly recorded version of “The Muppet Show Theme (2026)” will be released on February 4. The track is performed by The Muppets and produced by GRAMMY and Emmy Award winner Bill Sherman.
The original The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson, aired from 1976 through 1981 and became a global phenomenon, broadcasting in more than 100 countries. The series featured an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Liza Minnelli, and many others. During its original run, the show earned multiple Emmy, GRAMMY, Peabody, and BAFTA Awards, and in 1978, TIME magazine famously called it “the most popular television entertainment now being produced on Earth.”
In 2026, The Muppet Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary. All five original seasons are currently available to stream on Disney+.
Veteran performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel will bring the iconic characters to life in the new special, supported by an expanded team of Muppet performers. Goelz, who originated characters like Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, has been performing with The Muppets for more than five decades.
Fans can watch the newly released trailer now and get ready for the Muppets’ return to prime time next month.
