“The Muppet Show” is staging a comeback on Disney+.
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.
According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, the special could serve as a backdoor pilot that would help launch a new iteration of the iconic series.
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.
Albertina Rizzo will serve as writer and executive producer. Alex Timbers will direct the episode and serve as an executive producer. Carpenter also serves as executive producer on this variety show installment. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee are executive producers via Point Grey Pictures along with David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter and Michael Steinbach from the Muppets Studio. Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson are also executive producers. 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Point Grey produce.
“The Muppet Show” was created by Jim Henson and originally aired in the U.K. and in first run syndication in the U.S. The show attracted a wide range of A-list stars throughout its run, including Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Liza Minelli, and Paul Simon
The original series “The Muppet Show,” created by Jim Henson, ran from 1976-81 and aired in over 100 countries and featured notable guest stars including Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Liza Minelli, Paul Simon and many others. It has remained incredibly popular ever since and helped bring the Muppets to mainstream prominence.
Rogen is repped by Principal Entertainment LA, UTA, ID, and Felker Toczek. Carpenter is managed by Volara and Foundation Media Partners and repped by The LEDE Company and Paradigm for film and TV.
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