‘The Muppet Show’ Returns in New Revival Trailer

Let the music begin, and the lights come up! It’s time to bring The Muppet Show back to television.

The Muppets haven’t had much success lately. It’s been nearly a decade since their last major movie release (2014’s Muppets Most Wanted), and their recent TV shows and specials on streaming services haven’t been well-received or widely watched. Things also took a hit at Disney’s theme parks when the popular MuppetVision 3D attraction – a project Jim Henson oversaw before he passed away – was closed permanently to make room for a new Monsters Inc. roller coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

It remains to be seen how well the new Muppets show will perform. This version aims to bring back the feel of the original Muppet variety show from the 1970s, and is being produced by Seth Rogen.

The show is currently being promoted as a one-time event rather than a continuing series. It will be available to watch on both ABC and Disney+.

You can watch the teaser for the Muppet Show reboot below.

Here is the new Muppet Show’s official synopsis:

Get ready for “The Muppet Show!” Kermit, Miss Piggy, and all your favorite Muppets are returning in a new special! Expect plenty of music, laughs, and classic Muppet mayhem as they welcome special guest Sabrina Carpenter to the iconic Muppet Theatre.

The Muppet Show premieres on Disney+ and ABC on February 4.

Dark and Disturbing Scenes From Animated Disney Movies

Child Trafficking at Pleasure Island (Pinocchio)

Disney’s Pinocchio is known for being one of its most unsettling films. Beyond the frightening giant whale and the villainous Stromboli who cages Pinocchio, the movie contains a particularly disturbing scene on Pleasure Island. There, Pinocchio and other mischievous boys slowly transform into donkeys and are then prepared to be sold into forced labor. While Pinocchio manages to escape, the imagery of children turning into animals is a stark and sobering parallel to the real tragedy of child trafficking.

Syndrome’s Murdered Hero Database (The Incredibles)

Despite being a family-friendly animated film, 2004’s The Incredibles deals with surprisingly mature themes. Beyond hints of marital issues and a scene involving a suicide attempt, the movie features a genuinely disturbing moment: the revelation that the villain, Syndrome, has murdered dozens of superheroes. Mr. Incredible discovers this while investigating Syndrome’s ‘Operation Kronos’ and realizes Syndrome has been using deadly robots to eliminate heroes, luring them to his island under false pretenses. The scene is particularly impactful as Mr. Incredible frantically checks the profiles of the ‘terminated’ heroes, desperately hoping his wife, Elastigirl, and friend, Frozone, are still alive. His shock and fear are clearly visible as he scrolls through the list.

Orphan Kidnapping and Child Abuse (The Rescuers)

Though it came out in 1977, the Disney animated film The Rescuers isn’t known for big action scenes. However, its story is surprisingly intense and based on real-world problems. While the talking mice are fictional, the dangers faced by Penny, the orphan girl they rescue, sadly reflect the harsh realities many children experience. Penny is kidnapped by the cruel Madame Medusa, who forces her to search a treacherous cave for a valuable diamond. Medusa not only puts Penny’s life in danger—even letting her nearly drown—but also verbally and emotionally abuses her, making Penny feel worthless and disposable. Ultimately, Penny is rescued and finds happiness, but her story highlights the serious issues of child labor, abuse, and exploitation.

An Entire Village Gets Massacred (Mulan)

The movie Mulan tackles serious issues like the limitations placed on women and the importance of family obligations. It also realistically portrays the grim side of war. One particularly powerful scene shows Mulan and the soldiers discovering a village destroyed by fire and a battlefield covered in the bodies of fallen soldiers, including the father of one of their commanders. Mulan thoughtfully picks up a small doll from the snow, highlighting the historical cruelty of the Huns, who were known for their violence and enslavement of those they captured.

The Toys Accept Their Death (Toy Story 3)

Although the Toy Story movies are generally fun and playful, they also have surprisingly dark and emotional scenes. Beyond the cheerful surface, there are moments like Jessie’s heartbreaking song about being abandoned and the unsettling way Sid mistreats his toys. However, the most intense scene happens in Toy Story 3, when Woody, Buzz, and the others face what seems like certain death. After the villain, Lotso, leaves them to burn in a trash incinerator, the toys realize there’s no escape. They bravely accept their fate and comfort each other in what they believe are their final moments, sharing a touching goodbye as a family. Thankfully, this is a Disney film, and they’re rescued at the last second—but not before deeply affecting viewers.

A Stray Dog Gets Put Down (Lady and the Tramp)

Disney’s Lady and the Tramp is a heartwarming classic. Released in 1955, the film tells the story of Lady, a well-cared-for dog, and Tramp, a streetwise stray, who find love with each other. While mostly charming, the movie has some unsettling scenes, like a scary encounter with a rat near a baby and moments where Lady feels unwanted. The most heartbreaking part is when Lady ends up at the animal pound and meets other lost dogs. There, they witness a cheerful dog named Nutsy being led away, suggesting he will be put down. The scene is filled with fear and sadness as Lady and the others realize they could face the same fate.

Mr. Arrow Drifts Into Space (Treasure Planet)

As a huge sci-fi fan, one scene that always stuck with me is from Disney’s Treasure Planet. It’s incredibly unsettling when Mr. Arrow, Captain Amelia’s first mate, gets sucked into a black hole. He’s trying to help secure the ship during a crazy space storm, and that villainous pirate, Scroop, cuts his lifeline! It’s terrifying watching him tumble away, screaming. What really gets me, though, is learning about what actually happens when something falls into a black hole. Apparently, scientists believe you’d be stretched out like spaghetti – they even have a name for it, ‘Spaghettification’! The thought of being drawn out like that over time is just… chilling.

Scar Gets Eaten Alive (The Lion King)

Scar is infamous for one of the most tragic moments in Disney history: Mufasa’s death. However, the deceitful villain from the 1994 film The Lion King ultimately receives a fittingly harsh punishment for betraying his brother. After losing a fight with Simba on Pride Rock, Scar falls and is confronted by the hyenas he previously used and manipulated. Though not explicitly shown due to a fire, it’s strongly suggested that the hyenas, furious after Scar tries to blame them for the destruction of the Pride Lands, attack and devour him.

Clayton’s Hanging Death (Tarzan)

Clayton, the villain in the 1999 film Tarzan, ultimately receives a fittingly grim end. He deceives his way onto a research expedition and then commits terrible acts: he kills Kerchak, captures the gorillas for profit, and imprisons the Porters and Tarzan, even attempting to murder Tarzan himself. Clayton is cruel, untrustworthy, and shows no compassion for animals. Despite his wickedness, it’s still startling when he accidentally hangs himself with vines during his fight with Tarzan. The image of his body silhouetted against the jungle, and the fear on his face just before he dies, are particularly disturbing.

Frollo Lusts for Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Disney’s 1996 film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, shares the serious themes of Victor Hugo’s original novel, exploring issues like unfair treatment and prejudice. The movie features Judge Claude Frollo, considered one of Disney’s most menacing villains. Frollo, a deeply religious and powerful man, is responsible for terrible acts, including the persecution and attempted murder of the Romani people. One particularly dark scene shows Frollo’s obsessive and forbidden desire for the dancer Esmeralda, expressed in the song “Hellfire.” He ultimately decides to have her burned at the stake if she doesn’t return his affections. This intense moment deals with difficult subjects like religious hypocrisy, hatred of women, and the abuse of power, revealing the disturbing nature of Frollo’s desires.

2025-12-17 18:27