‘The Muppet Show’ returns with a delightful special and those timeless Muppets

by

After almost 50 years, “The Muppet Show” is back! As Kermit the Frog, the show’s host, puts it, they’re performing on the same stage where the show began, ended, and is now potentially starting up again – depending on how tonight goes.

A new version of the classic show is coming to ABC and Disney+ this Wednesday. What’s unusual is that it started as a traditional pilot episode – a sample made to get the series approved. Though, it’s a bit more complicated than that; it could be considered the first episode of a reboot, or even the 121st episode if you count the original series that aired from 1976 to 1981. Singer and comedian Sabrina Carpenter makes a guest appearance, and she’s a perfect fit for the show.

Since “The Muppet Show,” there’s always been a question of how to keep these characters relevant. Most of them weren’t famous before the show, except for Kermit and Rowlf the dog. As a lifelong Muppet fan, I always watch new projects with interest, particularly those Disney has made since Jim Henson’s passing, like “Muppets Now” in 2020 and “Muppets Mayhem” in 2023. I haven’t always loved the direction taken – ABC’s attempt at a darker, more adult “The Muppets” from 10 years ago didn’t really work – but overall, I’ve been happy and often really enjoyed them. The Muppets are simple and instantly recognizable, and they don’t seem to age, being made of foam and fleece!

Television

Director Alex Timbers discussed leading the new Muppet special, which honors the show’s 50th anniversary and brings back popular characters Rizzo and Bean Bunny.

This episode features a chaotic backstage situation with too many Muppets crowding the space, forcing some acts to be cut. Seth Rogen makes a humorous complaint about a non-canonical character – an armadillo in a tutu. Beyond that, and some visual updates like cinematic effects and a music video-style performance of “Blinding Lights” by Rizzo and the rats, it’s a typical Muppets show. It delivers the usual backstage comedy, with sketches, songs, and plenty of silly chaos, and includes a live human audience featuring Maya Rudolph.

Miss Piggy is, as always, acting like a total star, happily accepting compliments from the show’s creator while simultaneously threatening to sue her for copying her style. She struts around backstage, confidently declaring herself a talent, and even demands an elaborate set piece – a Trojan horse and Spartan army – for her performance. (It was fun to see that set built!) The show will feature a new segment called “Pigs in Wigs,” a humorous take on shows like “Bridgerton,” with Pepé the King Prawn stealing every scene he’s in. There’s also a classic Muppet Labs sketch and a predictably disastrous stunt attempt by the Great Gonzo – mishaps are a key part of what makes “The Muppet Show” so funny. And of course, Statler and Waldorf are back in their usual spot, heckling the show with their signature sarcastic comments. (Waldorf: “The show isn’t terrible.” Statler: “It’s all terrible.”)

Carpenter excitedly describes the experience as a dream come true. She performs her song “Manchild” while playing the role of a waitress in a Wild West-themed bar (with Sam the Eagle tending bar), battling monsters, and even dancing with chickens. She also performs a rendition of the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers hit “Islands in the Stream” in a swamp filled with performing fish, alligators, and flowers. The performance starts as a duet with Kermit playing the banjo, and concludes with Miss Piggy forcefully joining in, upset that her earlier performance was cut.

The story wraps up with an emotional speech by Kermit and a cheerful ending featuring Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” While the heartwarming tone fits the Muppets’ overall style, it doesn’t quite feel like a typical “Muppet Show” segment. Still, it’s forgivable, and I’m hoping for more episodes in the future.

Read More

2026-02-04 21:31