The Muppets Are Back! Disney+ Greenlights Bold Revival of Classic Show
Television history is filled with iconic characters, but few have left as lasting an impression as the creations of Jim Henson. For decades, his imagination has shaped the childhoods of countless viewers, turning colorful puppets into household names. From music to comedy to heartfelt storytelling, these characters have managed to remain timeless, spanning multiple generations.
Over the years, Disney has leaned into its library of nostalgia-rich properties, reviving classics and finding new ways to bring beloved favorites to life. Fans of every age continue to connect with the magic of shows and films that debuted long before streaming even existed. It comes as no surprise that one of the company’s most enduring franchises is once again stepping back into the spotlight.
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The journey of these famous characters began long before their prime-time debut. Back in 1955, Sam and Friends premiered on WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. The show centered around a man named Sam and his quirky companions, including Yorick, Professor Madcliffe, Chicken Liver, Harry the Hipster, and Kermit, who would go on to become a global star.
Jim Henson created the series, which ran for six years and laid the groundwork for what would become some of the most recognizable characters in entertainment history.
While Sam and Friends was only the beginning, the characters grew even more popular when they appeared on Sesame Street in 1969. It wasn’t until 1976, however, that Henson’s creations finally got their own dedicated platform with The Muppet Show, which premiered in the United Kingdom after two ABC pilots in 1974 and 1975 failed to move forward.
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The gamble paid off: the show quickly became a massive success, drawing an average of 14 million viewers on Sunday nights and airing in more than 100 countries.
The series ended in 1981, but The Muppets’ influence was far from over. Disney officially acquired the property in 2004, producing multiple movies and television projects over the years.
Films like The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), and The Muppets (2011) brought the group to the big screen, while shows like Muppet Babies, Muppets Tonight, Muppets Now, and The Muppets Mayhem kept their stories alive for audiences both old and new.
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The past few months have been bittersweet for longtime fans. Earlier this year, Walt Disney World officially closed Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a decision that left many heartbroken. The move only added to speculation about what Disney’s long-term plans might be for these beloved characters.
Now, in honor of The Muppet Show’s 50th anniversary, Disney is taking the franchise in a new direction.
According to a report from Variety:
Variety has learned that the streamer has greenlit a one-off ‘Muppet Show’ event special that will air in 2026 to coincide with the original show’s 50th anniversary. In the special, the Muppets will return to the Muppet Theatre to produce a variety show. Sabrina Carpenter will guest star.
Veteran Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman and Matt Vogel will perform the majority of the Muppet characters in the special, supported by a team of additional performers. Goelz, who has performed with The Muppets for over 50 years, was one of the performers on the original “The Muppet Show” and originated the characters Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, among others.
While this new special is already generating excitement, insiders told Variety that Disney may use the anniversary event as a springboard for a brand-new Muppets series. That possibility has not yet been confirmed, but it has sparked conversation about what might be next for Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the crew.
What is confirmed is that Disney is planning to celebrate half a century of Muppet history in style. The special is set to stream on Disney+ in 2026, though an exact date has not yet been announced. With a mix of veteran talent, modern guest stars, and nostalgic callbacks, it looks set to capture everything that made the original show such a phenomenon.
Do you love The Muppets? What is your favorite film or series starring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and their friends? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
