The Muppets are stepping back into the spotlight, and they’re bringing some high-profile friends along. Disney+ has unveiled the official trailer and key art for the upcoming Muppet Show special event, confirming Maya Rudolph as the latest guest star to join the long-awaited revival.
Rudolph will appear alongside previously announced special guest Sabrina Carpenter, with Seth Rogen pulling double duty as both executive producer and on-screen guest. The one-night special is set to premiere on 4 February, streaming on Disney+ at 12 a.m. PST (3 a.m. EST) before airing later that evening on ABC at 9 p.m. local time.
The new event marks a celebratory return for Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the iconic ensemble as they reunite on the stage of the original Muppet Theatre. True to the franchise’s legacy, the special promises a lively mix of musical performances, comedy sketches, and the signature mayhem that has defined The Muppets for decades, with Carpenter serving as the featured guest star.
Produced by 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio and Point Grey Pictures, the special is directed by Alex Timbers, who also serves as an executive producer. Rogen executive produces alongside Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee for Point Grey Pictures, while David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, and Michael Steinbach executive produce for The Muppets Studio. Carpenter also joins the executive producing team, along with Albertina Rizzo, Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson.
Music remains a central part of the production, with a newly recorded The Muppet Show Theme (2026). The track is performed by The Muppets and produced by Bill Sherman, a recipient of both Grammy and Emmy Awards.
Originally created by Jim Henson, The Muppet Show aired from 1976 to 1981 and became a global phenomenon, broadcasting in more than 100 countries and hosting an array of legendary guest stars, from Elton John and Diana Ross to Johnny Cash and Liza Minnelli. The series earned multiple major awards during its run and was once dubbed by Time magazine as the most popular television entertainment in the world. The franchise will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, with all five original seasons currently available on Disney+.
The upcoming special also features a roster of veteran performers, including Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman and Matt Vogel, who collectively bring the beloved characters to life. Goelz, a Muppet mainstay for over five decades and an original cast member, returns to the stage as the performer behind Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, among others.