THE MUPPETS RETURN FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL WITH SABRINA CARPENTER

The Muppets are officially making a comeback to celebrate their 50th anniversary, and they’re bringing pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter along for the ride.

Disney has confirmed that The Muppet Show will return for a special one-off anniversary event, more than four decades after the original series ended. The new special will stream exclusively on Disney+ from February 4, promising fans a joyful mix of “music, comedy and a whole lot of chaos” from the iconic Muppet Theatre.

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and the rest of the beloved gang will reunite to mark half a century since Jim Henson’s creations first captured the hearts of audiences around the world. The original The Muppet Show ran from 1976 to 1981, becoming a global television phenomenon and redefining family entertainment with its unique blend of slapstick humour, celebrity guests and musical performances.

One of the biggest surprises surrounding the anniversary special is the involvement of Sabrina Carpenter, who will appear as a special guest and also serve as an executive producer on the project. The pop star’s participation signals a clear intention to bridge generations, introducing The Muppets to younger viewers while delighting longtime fans who grew up with the show.

Carpenter has enjoyed a huge run of success in recent years, scoring four UK Number One singles and two UK Number One albums, and becoming one of pop music’s most recognisable faces. Her role in the anniversary special reflects The Muppets’ long-standing tradition of featuring the biggest names in music and entertainment.

During its original run, The Muppet Show became famous for attracting an extraordinary list of guest stars. Legends such as Sir Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, John Cleese and Debbie Harry all appeared on the programme, often embracing the show’s playful absurdity and musical creativity. The series was broadcast in more than 100 countries, reaching audiences on an unprecedented global scale.

In 1978, Time magazine famously described The Muppet Show as “the most popular television entertainment now being produced on Earth,” a testament to its cultural impact at the height of its success. The programme also proved to be an awards powerhouse, winning multiple Emmy, Grammy and BAFTA awards during its run.

"The Muppet Show" starring Kermit and Co. is coming soon – Credit: Walt Disney Studios

The success of the television series led to a string of popular feature films, including The Great Muppet Caper in 1981 and the much-loved The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992, which has since become a festive staple for many families. More recent outings have included Muppets Most Wanted in 2014, starring Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell.

The upcoming anniversary special also sees Seth Rogen returning as an executive producer. The Canadian comedian and actor was involved in the 2020 Muppets series and has been vocal about his lifelong love of Jim Henson’s creations. His involvement further suggests the new special will balance classic Muppet humour with a modern edge.

While details of the storyline and additional guest appearances are being kept under wraps, expectations are high. Fans can anticipate musical performances, celebrity cameos and the trademark behind-the-scenes chaos that made the original show so beloved.

As The Muppet Show celebrates 50 years, the anniversary special stands as both a tribute to Jim Henson’s enduring legacy and a reminder that Kermit and friends remain as relevant, and chaotic, as ever.