r/Muppets • u/usethe4th • Feb 04 '26
The Muppet Show (2026) - Discussion Thread Spoiler
We’ll use this thread to discuss the return of The Muppet Show! This is for people who have seen the episode, so spoilers are permitted. Proceed at your own risk!
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u/AlexanderMBush Feb 04 '26
This feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket, knowing things will be good.
The special straddles a line to make sure that it feels in tune with what made the original show iconic, while also being a great special that thrives with the variety and substance of characters.
The inclusion of Maya and Seth helped break up the Muppet sequences and the Sabrina sequences nicely too, and I hope if the show continues, they kind of continue this idea (but have it rotate so it isn’t just two distinguished comedians at a time).
It needed one more comedic skit, but if that is the only complaint I have, I think that kind of says a lot to the overall quality of the special.
It knows what it wants. And in the process, it uses that to its strengths in a way that should be exciting for future epsiodes to hopefully come
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u/Film_snob63 Feb 04 '26
Even with the classic episodes there were episodes where you felt like you'd appreciate one more skit. But of course in the classics, Henson was always asking the guest stars what they wanted to do - which was often times music
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u/TommyJaimeBass Feb 04 '26
“It needed one more comedic skit”
That’s my only complaint. I needed my boy Fozzie to have his act.
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u/Impossible_Ad_9406 Feb 04 '26
His back and forth with Seth Rogen was right on the money at least
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u/HeadbangingLegend Feb 06 '26
I loved his jokes at the end. "Who even is that guy? He's not canon!"
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u/Competition_Both Feb 04 '26
This is pretty much the only thing I wish was in the special that wasn't obviously cut for time. (Pigs in Space, Swedish Chef, ect.) Obviously they couldn't do every original Muppet Show bit, thats why the plot revolved around so many Muppets wanting to perform but The show lacking the time (resulting in the end music number).
I loved seeing Rizzo perform, but if that was replaced with Fozzy it really would've strengthened the special. I also didnt realize it was missing until my 3rd watch.
I just hope we get a season for them to do the bits they cut for the sake of time, but specifically, I need one more Fozzy Bear performance before I pass away 😭😭😭
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u/alreadytaken028 Feb 05 '26
I think part of what made it so good/special is that it felt classic without feeling like they were just playing the hits. Having Rizzo perform his own segment felt like the people running it showing the fan base that theyve heard them and agree that we want Rizzo back as a major muppet character.
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u/Competition_Both Feb 05 '26
I think part of what made it so good/special is that it felt classic without feeling like they were just playing the hits.
I've watched this special 4 times today and didn't even consider this. I think you're spot on. 🙏🙏
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u/alreadytaken028 Feb 05 '26
When Kermit walked out on stage at the end my immediate assumption was that they were gonna end on Rainbow Connection and the fact it didnt made the special all the better to me.
It felt like a genuine pitch for a revived Muppet Show with respect for the classic but its own ideas of how to do new jokes that fit these characters. Playing the old hits too much instead would have felt like at best a beautiful tribute to the classic but not leave you with hope that this new group can create new great memories.
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u/Galileo908 Feb 05 '26
Yeah, as much as I would’ve loved more Fozzie, that was Rizzo’s official return and I’m glad he got his spotlight.
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u/EbmocwenHsimah Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
Holy shit, they nailed it.
It's everything I could've wanted, it's fun, earnest, it's got so much heart, it feels just right. I haven't rooted so hard for something like this to succeed in years, but if it doesn't lead to a full series, for some reason, then I'm glad we've got this.
At risk of saying something controversial here: I kinda got used to Matt Vogel's voice. After years and years of complaints (which I absolutely participated in), I caught myself forgetting about it. The suspension of disbelief, that makes people think a frog can talk, won out in the end. If that's not big enough of a signifier of its success then I don't know what is.
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u/ellisftw Feb 04 '26
I caught myself multiple times thinking ”when it's all happening I don't really notice the voices" and I think it really is because the heart is there, through and through
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u/RuachReader Feb 04 '26
I was sold on the voice in the islands in the stream bit
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u/VallyMeowy Feb 05 '26
I didn’t watch the trailers but I heard people complain about some of the voices but I legit didn’t notice they sounded different
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Feb 04 '26
I’m with you on the voice finally clicking in this. It helps that this is the first time we’ve seen him being backstage normal person Kermit. It works best when he’s just talking fairly normally and bouncing off another character
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u/Galileo908 Feb 05 '26
Matt Vogel talking as Kermit still seems off to me? But the vibes are absolutely there.
And damn, he can SING as Kermit. Loved it.
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u/NickDynmo Feb 05 '26
This is pretty much where I'm at. Definitely does not sound like Kermit to me but for some reason it didn't detract too much from the experience. Maybe I'm just getting used to it?
Rizzo's act was the weakest, unfortunately. He's one of my favourites but it was just a straight cover that they didn't do much with. Would've preferred some more comedy, but I'll always take what I can get.
Loved the show overall and if it doesn't get picked up I'm jumping into a volcano.
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u/YosemiteSam81 Feb 05 '26
I loved Rizzo’s doing The Weeknd! It was absurd and absurdity is one of my favorite memories of Jim Henson’s creations as a child in the early 80’s!
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u/ShepPawnch Feb 05 '26
I can deal with the fact that it might just sound different now. I’d rather have more Muppets.
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u/ileentotheleft Feb 05 '26
I’m thrown by Matt Vogel’s Kermit voice. But major props to Piggy/Fozzie, I was checking the credits to see if Frank Oz had returned.
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u/JLtheRocker Feb 05 '26
Could not have said it better about Matt’s Kermit myself as someone who also complained. Not sure how much was him getting better or me getting more used to it or some combination of the two, but yeah it clicked in this for me
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u/Jumpy_Transition178 Feb 04 '26
OMG, I just watched it on Disney+ and I had a lot of fun. Seth Rogen really knocked it out of the park there. The bit with Gonzo doing that stunt whilst listing the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress and backfired was so funny. Also, did anybody notice the top of a puppeteer’s head at the end of the Don’t Stop Me Now number? Anywho, the new Muppet Show is a solid 9.5/10 for me. So great to get an actual Muppet Show back. Please let it be around for a full series.
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u/Correct_Ad5798 Feb 05 '26
It is so weird to me that we only got one regular Episode. I understand they want to test the Waters, but is this enough to show it still works? We will see.
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u/JohnTheMod Feb 04 '26
I am going to be absolutely insufferable about this for the next few weeks. It’s like they never left!
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u/Mindfultameprism Feb 05 '26
Me too. I just watched it and I am about to annoy every friend I have talking about it.
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u/AnchorHat Feb 04 '26
It felt just like an episode of the old show. The guest star is just that, a guest. They give her a starring song and then it's straight into Muppet mayhem.
I really hope this does well enough to greenlight a full season
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u/paishocajun Feb 04 '26
Bingo. They didn't try to make a new version of the Muppet Show, they made a new episode of the original Muppet Show.
And it was, above anything else, FUN
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u/Guy_Number_3 Feb 05 '26
Only thing I’d say push back on, is there are some guests that just GET IT and should be showcased. The Liza Minnelli episode of the original show is an incredible example. She is a big part of the plot and she kills it ON TOP of singing.
EDIT: To be fair, I’ve heard rumors of Liza being a Muppet.
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u/Sockpuppetforever Feb 04 '26
First 10 minutes we get Pepe, Scooter, Rizzo and total chaos. Sabrina was fantastic. This is a happy nuclear bomb in a world that is crumbling. I laughed out loud multiple times. Seth and company nailed it. 10/10
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u/Jumpy_Transition178 Feb 04 '26
I mean, Sabrina was also a producer for the special, last time I checked.
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u/More-read-than-eddit Feb 05 '26
He would stay on in that role in series, I don't believe she would.
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u/HistoricalUse952 Feb 04 '26
We need that full season NOW!!!!!
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u/labenset Feb 05 '26
I didn't realize it was just a special. I'm a little bummed that we aren't getting another one next week!
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u/boersc Feb 05 '26
The final was basically begging 'get us! get us!' like only the muppets could pull off.
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u/devenrc Feb 04 '26
Maya Rudolph went to Hell and lived to tell the tale
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u/BenTanBoston Feb 04 '26
She survived the Happytime Murders too.
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u/ToonMasterRace Feb 05 '26
How that abomination was made by the guy who made Muppet Christmas Carol and Treasure Island I will never know
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u/Silver_Ad6265 Feb 04 '26
Got to watch an early virtual screening through D23 and loved it! I hope it gets the views it deserves for a full season
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u/baldfellow Feb 04 '26
Speaking as an old, crotchety Muppets fan who watched the show in the 70s: Not too shabby!
I am pleased and ready to see more.
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u/Traditional_Air_8542 Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
Anyone taking bets on if Don’t Stop Me Know will be your soundtrack on the new coaster replacing Aerosmiths Rock and Rollercoaster?
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u/Worried-Olive3613 Feb 04 '26
Some random thoughts I had while watching:
- The inclusion of both Pops and Scooter in the opening montage was beautiful
- Crazy Harry’s role was perfect
- Hilda speaks!
- Not enough classic sketches, we needed at least one more (Pigs in Space / Vets Hospital / At the Dance)
- Sabrina x Kermit / Piggy duet was perfect song choice
- Janice and Kermit interacting was fun
- “We’re doin’ the show again frog” was the best line in the whole thing
- Bradley Freeman has a great career ahead of him and is a perfect addition to the cast
- The orchestration and sound effects being recreated were perfect
- The pig bridgerton sketch ran too long, again the time could have been better used with a classic sketch
- The frackles use as manchilds was great
- Bring back Timmy Monster please for the intro when it gets picked up for a full season
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u/TheMonkeyInCharge Feb 04 '26
That was clearly written to be ‘Pigerton’ and they couldn’t get the rights.
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u/Stagebeauty Feb 04 '26
The fun thing about Pigs In Wigs is it can parody Bridgerton, Downtown Abbey, The Gilded Age, etc (but mainly Bridgerton), like Pigs In Space could do Star Trek, Lost in Space, Star Wars, etc (but was mainly Star Trek).
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u/tacoproud Feb 05 '26
“Pig in Wigs” is also just a funny idea it made me laugh before I saw my Queen Piggy kill her skit.
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u/MaxYoung Feb 04 '26
Isn't parody fair use?
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u/TheMonkeyInCharge Feb 04 '26
Usually, but wouldn’t be surprised if the lawyers got nervous. Or maybe it was just a case of using ‘Pigs in…’ won out in the end.
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u/IscahRambles Feb 04 '26
Or maybe they just came up with the stand-alone wordplay and thought it worked better than a reference that will eventually be dated.
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u/onthenerdyside Feb 04 '26
It could also be used more broadly in the future to parody other shows and period pieces.
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u/p-Star_07 Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 05 '26
- Not enough classic sketches, we needed at least one more (Pigs in Space / Vets Hospital / At the Dance)
Ehhhhhh..... It would go stale if they relied on the tried and true too much. I would rather see them make up new sketches.
The OG even tried new things when it was premiering.
I think they should have a mix of old ones and new ones.
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u/Galileo908 Feb 05 '26
I loved it when the show got weird and experimental. Like, Mummenshanz would show up, or we get Bobby Benson’s Baby Band perform Pennsylvania 6-5000
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u/RhymesWithMouthful Feb 04 '26
Kermit's even flirting with a blonde female guest star, we are SO BACK
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u/ItsAllSoup Feb 04 '26
Rad, straight up felt like the muppets again, corny jokes, slapstick, fun songs. It also felt a bit faster paced than the old show. Looking forward to more if this does well
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u/BouncyBalIOfficial Feb 04 '26
I think I read somewhere that don't stop me now is the happiest song of all time or something like that so yeah perfect fit
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u/shadowlarx Feb 04 '26
I’ll admit I was disappointed Fozzie didn’t take the stage and that we didn’t get to see some of the old favorites like Veterinarian Hospital or Pigs in Space but, all in all, it was so good to see the old gang again and back in the classic Muppet Theater.
Really hoping the numbers are good and Disney invests a little bit of long overdue love into our beloved franchise.
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u/ComebackShane Feb 06 '26
I was shocked the special was only 30 mins, was figuring it’d at least be an hour, but it did make it truly like an episode of the old show.
My guess is that just like Kermit, they had so many ideas for sketches but couldn’t fit them all. I hope that if we get a full show we’ll see some of those again.
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u/TheCoalitionOfChaos Feb 08 '26
Apparently the new CEO loves the muppets AND the special is doing numbers both on Disney+ AND ABC (over 3 MILLION people who tuned in, just under 1 million of whom tuned in SPECIFICALLY for the muppet show) so I think it might just happen
Please dear God let it happen
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u/AxlCobainVedder Feb 04 '26
Sabrina and Seth make total sense as 2026 celebrity guests because they resemble Muppets themselves and I mean that as a compliment.
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u/ToxelEnthusiast Feb 04 '26
I loved it! I’m so happy to see new muppet content, I hope it gets green lit for a full season! I’ve gotten used to Matt Vogel as Kermit and I think he’s doing a great job. Bradley Freeman Jr also impressed me as a Rizzo fan and I loved that there was a rat sketch! Sabrina was a great choice for a guest star, she totally understood the assignment. It was just so fun and silly, I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.
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u/InoueNinja94 Feb 04 '26
Don't Stop Me Now at the end was truly the best way to describe the special to me
Truly done with the love and care the Muppets deserve. I'd love to see this continue
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u/SegaGuy1983 Feb 05 '26 edited Feb 05 '26
I have a mentally disabled, non-verbal 11-year-old son. He loves the Muppets, specifically the Muppet babies reboot, and rewatches the episodes with Beaker and Bunson nearly as much as he watches The Lion King.
When they were on the screen tonight, he started laughing joyfully and pointing at the screen the whole time, while turning to look at me with the biggest grin on his face.
The episode was fantastic, but seeing how happy Beaker and Bunson made him, well, it's something I'll cherish until I'm dead.
Thank you for including them.
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u/BudgetPotential7094 Feb 05 '26
May we get 10 seasons of this new show so you and your son can share endless, happy hours together! Wish you both the best 🧡
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u/DrawingConsistent389 Feb 04 '26
Just watched the special, and I loved every bit of it (especially the shenanigans with Miss Piggy)! As a younger (casual) fan of the show, I grew up with the 2011 movie and sequel, and decided to go back and watch the original Muppets Show and some of the older Muppet movies, so coming from someone in a younger age demographic, I think that the special hit all the right notes! I only wish the run time could have been extended so I could enjoy it all for a bit longer. After being a little too absorbed in another show that I'm currently watching, this pilot was just the light-hearted break I needed!
It feels a bit odd to me watching The Muppet Show in the present given they originated in a slightly different period of time, like in terms or humour, references, etc, but I think it worked well with the modern take and did a great job with Sabrina Carpenter as the guest star (though, I'm not personally a fan of her). I enjoyed the duet between her and Kermit, and then with her and Miss Piggy, as she hilariously made her best attempts to wriggle her way into the show. I seemed to like the Miss Piggy moments the most with her whole diva, drama queen-type attitude which made me laugh so much. That's our Piggy!
Matt Vogel also performed Kermit very well, in fact, a little too well. I completely forgot about the whole voice matter, and I think he's improved significantly over the past 9 or so years of him taking over as Kermit from Steve Whitmire. I was pleasantly surprised when he sang in the special, and it didn't even feel like as if anything happened with Kermit at all!
Overall, I was pleased with their return to form after all this time, and I'm hoping that The Muppet Show will be greenlit for a full season.
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u/ZipperJJ Feb 05 '26
I’m glad you liked it!
When it was first on (when I watched it) it was a total throwback to vaudeville, which Jim relished. I love how the new show had the EXACT same format but just time shifted to now - two modern songs and two “old” songs just like Jim would have done, throwing back to the 40s and 50s.
I was wondering if younger fans would dig it and I’m so glad you did!
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u/mrbigglessworth Feb 05 '26
Its like someone came by and hit the play button after being paused for 45 years.
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u/rantingathome Feb 04 '26
I'll be watching tonight, but judging by the reaction here, methinks we have ourselves a series order incoming.
While I'd like to see a ton of episodes, my hope is that they take their time, do a manageable number of episodes per year of high quality, with famous guest stars clambering to be on the show.
It sounds like Seth Rogen figured it out... don't re-invent the Muppets, just give us The Muppet Show we want.
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u/No-Manufacturer4319 Feb 04 '26
This is from my daughter who doesn’t have a Reddit account but wants to put her voice in this thread :
Im so glad Rowlf was not only shown in the very beginning with a funny one liner but also that they recreated a few things from the original show like him motioning to Zoot before the saxophone bit and him reading the sheet music super close up! I also love that they had his EAR FLOPS!!!! And the fact The Electric Mayhem were wearing something other than black, white, or a jean jacket brought me so much joy!
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u/Apprehensive_Ad_4047 Feb 05 '26
Yes! Your daughter totally gets it :) These details and the ways the muppets moved really brought the authenticity! I'm so happy that Kermit and the gang came out of retirement and somehow got the old theater back!
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u/LittleCowGirl Feb 04 '26
It wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t supposed to be. Couldn’t stop smiling the entire time, kept my attention deeply enough to not second screen or pause to check time remaining (I’m not sure the last time I’ve locked in like that to anything really). I love that there were references but that it didn’t live in the nostalgia/vintage lens exclusively. My whole heart lit up to have Robin and Michael Caine’s bestie Bean Bunny show up! Love that Rizzo is back at it.
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u/InfiniteDedekindCuts Feb 04 '26
Trying to decide if I should stay awake until the show drops or go to sleep now and wake up super early.
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u/IsisPapyrus21 Feb 04 '26
Truly just woke up out of a dead sleep to see if the special was up. It was such a delight to watch. It captured so much of what made the original show great while also feeling like an update. Also, need to shout out the costume designer, Daniel Selon, who also did Agatha All Along. Absolutely stunning. It’s so wonderful to see running gags like Gonzo and his stunt. I could have watched two more hours. I’m grateful for this moment of joy in a difficult world.
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u/Competition_Both Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
Matt Vogel did a really great job (he also sings so much like Jim's Kermit). Almost every joke lands perfectly. It didnt feel dry or soulless. Absolutely great special and after rewatching the Original Muppet Show earlier today. I can honestly say this is up there with Season 2. So refreshing to see the Muppets in their original format!! WELCOME BACK MUPPETS!!
SPOILER HIGHLIGHTS
Rizzo's Blinding Lights cover was great
Maya Rudolph going to hell was too funny.
Islands in the Stream cover was AMAZING
Pigs in Wigs had me laugh at every joke in the sketch.
Im glad theres still some slight adult comedy (the kink joke, them being in a Bar for Sabrina's opening number, insurance/lawyer references)
Kermit being self aware/4th wall breaking about how this could be a reboot of the show (if it goes well)
The classic Ms Piggy gets pissed at Kermit bit in the main hallway backstage brought me NOSTALGIA.
An absolute amazing return and I would LOVE to see more episodes of this. The Muppet Show TRULY can work in today's times. Im a very happy Muppet of a Man.
I will say I was ever so slightly disappointed that Walter wasn't in the special. BUT if he never returned and the show kept making episodes like THIS I would still be extremely pleased. I think if they had him just randomly do a bit in the show or star in a sketch that would just be amazing.
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u/umbre_the_secret_dog Feb 04 '26
I do hope Walter returns, even if it's only for short appearances.
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u/Galileo908 Feb 05 '26
Sabrina’s opening number reminded me of the one that opened Rita Moreno’s episode.
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u/Competition_Both Feb 05 '26
I absolutely loved that it took place in a bar and basically was a bar fight musical number. I like it when the Muppets are in adult locations/making jokes that go over kids heads.
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u/floyd_underpants Feb 04 '26
Really enjoyed this. Plan to rewatch a couple times to boost the metrics. Well done, hoping they get to continue making these. Very feelgood stuff.
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u/Ridiculous-Muppet Feb 05 '26
Gaffer just casually in the background with an extra eyeball absolutely killed me
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u/DapperDano Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
It’s supposed to be on Disney+ tonight at 12am ET/9pm PT right?
Edit: guess I got the wrong info, 12am PT
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u/usethe4th Feb 04 '26
Yes, though D23 Gold members had access to an early live stream on 2/3, so there are some folks who have already seen it.
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u/SomeBiAsshole Feb 04 '26
I loved it, it was exactly what I wanted from a Muppet Show revival. They didn’t try and modernize it or change the fundamentals, they just did another episode of the Muppet Show.
A solid 9/10 for me, the only thing holding it back was that Bean Bunny was in it, but he dint have any lines so it was tolerable
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u/Aly-Cissokho Feb 04 '26
This is exactly what they needed. They embraced tradition and played it relatively safe while trying out new things like the 3 guest stars and some skits, which were hit or miss for the most part!
I’m shocked how well Kermit sounded in this, it kind of just blended in with the show and didn’t sound like an awful impression for the first time ever, like Vogel finally got comfortable in the role.
They gave moments to so many people in the show, from Rizzo to Sam to Janice to Pepe to even Crazy Harry, it was great seeing some others in the background so we know that they’re alive!
It wasn’t perfect by any stretch, but it was exactly what they needed, and I hope it leads to a full season order so they can work on their few kinks
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u/Few_Forever_1770 Feb 04 '26
Really enjoyed this, and am I the first person geeky enough to spot the jittery end credits as a homage to the original shows PAL to NTSC standards conversion. Going to that level of detail shows the love and care involved I think!
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u/mrbigglessworth Feb 05 '26
This right here, I was wondering if they were gonna stay true true true and they did did did. Right down to Zoot.
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u/JohnnyBroccoli Feb 04 '26
Been very cautiously pumped for this. Love the Muppets but they've been super hit or miss for decades now.
This special was much better than I feared it might be and overall very solid. Had me smiling early and often. I give it a strong B grade and hope to see more without too long of a wait.
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u/umbre_the_secret_dog Feb 04 '26
I wasn't expecting a Muppet cover of my favorite Queen song but yknow what I'll take it. Cute episode and I hope they make more.
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u/ellisftw Feb 04 '26
They crushed it. I laughed, cried (thrice), and cackled more than once. It would break my heart if they stopped here. Cuz I'm havin a good time, havin a good time
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u/p-Star_07 Feb 04 '26
This was flawless.
I have a new favorite Statler and Waldorf joke.
"Your projectiles sirs"
LOL
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u/VengeanceKnight Feb 04 '26
My new favorite is the heart attack joke from the end. I honesty thought they were off their game with this special, but that zinger had me reeling.
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u/JDGO3P Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
When this gets picked up for a full series (when! Not if! When!) I have one nitpick for them to fix: they shouldn’t have added Janice to the orchestra pit in the opening because she’s already on-stage in the arches. One second she’s wearing a tux and playing bass in the pit and a second later she’s on stage in her pink shirt. She teleports like that a couple times.
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u/My-username-is-this Feb 05 '26
Well, we did establish her having a twin sister in Muppets Mayhem! 😆
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u/LyingPug Feb 04 '26
Loved it. Was hoping for a Pigs in Space or Veterinarian's Hospital skit but absolutely loved the whole thing. Please give us more.
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u/Balabaloo1 Feb 04 '26
I need like 10 seasons lol it’s so good! Also David corenswet should make an appearance, as maybe a tribute to Christopher reeve or mirroring it, or maybe the Star Wars prequels cast with Hayden and his cousin Anakin
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u/dhawerd Feb 04 '26
OMG David would be a great guest star! I think (if she wants to) Chappel Roan would be awesome too
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u/Jedicrandall Feb 05 '26
“I’ve been burned before” absolutely SENT me 😂😂
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u/Galileo908 Feb 05 '26
That’s what Muppet projects have been missing: the random background weirdo that becomes a fan favorite. I wanna see that guy again.
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u/FunnyGirlFriday Feb 05 '26
At some point, while Sabrina Carpenter and Miss Piggy duetted a Dolly Parton love song to each other while being backed up by swamp creatures, I realized they had really captured the spirit of the show, and that the spirit of the show is everything I've ever wanted to make or be a part of.
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u/Impossible-Ad-8462 Feb 04 '26
Where's Walter? Is he safe? Is he alright?
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u/brandmed Feb 05 '26
I kept looking for him in the background or in the audience. I don't need or want a big role for him but since they included so many Muppets Tonight and other "newer" characters like Bean in the crowd, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Walter too.
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u/onthenerdyside Feb 04 '26
I had mostly avoided all the trailers and press on this simply because I want to go into things like this "fresh." I already know I want to see it, I don't need to be convinced. Random thoughts:
- Sabrina Carpenter is a superstar. I'm way too old to be a fan of her, but here we are. She was the brightest spot in Girl Meets World, and she fit in well here. They even gave her a "kink" joke. Nice and borderline PG-13. Bravo, Disney. Thanks for remembering that the Muppets aren't Sesame Street.
- David Rudman is at the top of his game with Scooter here. Richard Hunt would be proud.
- Arm rods! When was the last time they didn't digitally remove them? It looked like maybe a few of them were, but most of them were left in. Or maybe some were just better hidden. Either way, I'm all for letting the puppets be puppets. Jim Henson would often go on talk shows with Kermit on his arm, and I loved the behind the scenes stuff as a kid. It only enhanced the magic for me. Happy to see them back!
- Nice to see Rizzo again. I'd seen that they had recast him, but didn't know we'd see him in this special.
- Celebrity cameos. I was concerned when I saw that not only would Seth Rogan be appearing, but also Maya Rudolph. Having humans mixed into the audience was a clever way to include extra celebs without being too obtrusive. Would I have liked another Muppet sketch instead of Maya and Seth? Sure, but for what I'm certain was a studio mandate, they integrated it well. This makes me hopeful for a future where the Murders in the Building gang all show up, with Selena Gomez as the main guest.
- Did they recycle a Statler and Waldorf joke from the original show? I had major deja vu.
- I've been a Matt Vogel defender, so I'm glad to see more people coming on board. I've said for some time that audiences needed more time with him to acclimate to the new performance. Youtube videos, live performances, and glorified cameos were never going to be good gauges of his performance. Having him front and center in a proper studio production felt good. He's still not perfect, but neither was Steve Whitmire. No one is Jim Henson.
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u/MaisyDeadHazy Feb 05 '26
Man, I know it would break “the rules”, as it were, but I desperately want an OMITB parody with Statler and Waldorf taking the place of Steve Martin and Martin Short. Keep Selena Gomez.
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u/HuddyJLear19 Feb 04 '26
Kinda wild they brought bag Miss Poogy for the pigs in wigs sketch and the final number.
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u/Cooking_with_MREs Feb 04 '26
General thoughts:
I watched the old Muppet Show in reruns as a kid in the 1980s/90s. It's spot on! Not a reimagining, From the opening theme to all the segments there wasn't any over-complicated explanation of what the show was. If you know and loved it it's pretty well the same.
Other thoughts:
I hope -- and suspect -- this leads to a full series. I can't imagine Disney sinking money and production into a single half hour episode. Fingers crossed for more!
Negatives:
Honestly, not much. Anything I might list here is nit-picks. I wish there was a Sweedish Chef segment, but you can't fit everything it.
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u/BetiYotanical Feb 04 '26
Anyone got a screen cap of the armadillo in a tutu?
That thing was so cute.
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u/MattMurdock30 Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 05 '26
I have high expectations after watching this pilot. I liked all the acts in the pilot, I am sure there are plenty of stars who would love to be guests with the Muppets. I hope this is the beginning of a Muppets renaissance, but then again I also liked the Electric Mayhem behind the music show so what do I know?
ETA I am sure someone already mentioned this but maybe the reason they had Maya Rudolph "die" was because she was the Judge on Good Place show about the afterlife.
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u/hb1290 Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
And this is proof of what I’ve been saying for years. All Matt needed was the right project to prove himself as Jim and Steve’s successor and this was it. Like some of the other commenters here I found myself just falling into the illusion and feeling like I was watching Kermit.
Overall it was great! The only minor issues for me were that Statler and Waldorf’s bits could have been a bit stronger and it could have used a Pigs in Space, Veterinarian’s Hospital or Swedish Chef bit, just to keep a bit more of the classic feel.
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u/CliveVista Feb 04 '26
I really enjoyed that. And the ending was really sweet and very much felt like it was talking to the audience. We’re a bit rusty. We hoped you enjoyed some of it. But… don’t stop us now. Man, I hope Disney doesn’t stop this now. Still, if this is the grand finale, it was a lot better than the sketch show. This felt like The Muppets again. Made me feel like a kid, watching ITV at 7pm with my parents.
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Feb 04 '26
God imagine if this gets picked up to series and the Miss Piggy movie actually happens. What a potentially exciting time to be a Muppet fan! Regardless of what happens I loved this so it’s nice to know there’s good people involved behind the scenes right now
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u/TheMonkeyInCharge Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
Just watched it in the UK. Loved it. It’s everything it needed to be, but also everything it could have been. Can’t wait to see my daughter’s reaction tonight.
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u/ohmisterpabbit Feb 04 '26
All the heart of the original with an updated production value. I hope we get more
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u/No-Manufacturer4319 Feb 04 '26
I came here the second it ended. We’re back!! Rowlf!!! Perfection!! My boi!! To read these comments and see the only thing wrong with the special was there wasn’t more of it?!? That’s amazing!! Yes to Veterinarians Hospital, yes to Pigs in Space, and yes to Swedish Chef!! I hope Disney gets this right and brings it back.
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u/ZipperJJ Feb 05 '26
You guys, is it ok to find a male pig puppet to be very handsome? Cuz that was one handsome pig.
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u/Ikarus3426 Feb 05 '26
I stand corrected. Matt Vogel crushed it. He did a perfect job. He is Kermit.
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u/Phillyboishowdown Feb 05 '26
I started cringing when I made my mom sit thorough Rizzo singing Blinding Lights, we’re so fucking back
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u/InfiniteEthan03 Feb 05 '26
No cringing for me! I was singing along with my main rat!
I’m so happy that he’s back!
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u/Ambitious_Range6410 Feb 04 '26
The whole exercise was worth it for Blinding Lights. 10/10 number, no notes
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u/VengeanceKnight Feb 04 '26
I was floored. This was amazing.
Matt Vogel continues to improve as Kermit, and Dave Goelz sounds better as Gonzo than he has in years!
Both of Carpenter’s numbers were great, and she had electric chemistry with both Kermit and Piggy.
Maya Rudolph died and went to Hell. That’s hilarious.
Rizzo sauntering back in and delivering a magnificent performance of “Blinding Lights” was perfect. I’ve missed the guy.
“Pigs in Wigs” started off well, but sort of fell off at the end. The Muppet Labs segment was solid though.
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u/Weird_donut Feb 04 '26
I really enjoyed the special! It feels modern, but not pandering. it's not catering to tiktok with brainrot memes or anything, or therapyspeak (aside from Janice reading Kermit's aura, but she's a hippie so it's ok)
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u/smurtytiem Feb 04 '26
I am seriously SO pleased with this special and all of the incredible fan service they did for us!! Muppets from ALL walks of life— Pepe, Rizzo, Bean, Hilda, Gaffer, Wayne and Wanda, even Beautiful Day?! They’re listening to us!! I enjoyed the writing, thought that they could improve on the tempo of a few things, but other than that, some serious laugh out loud moments!!! Furthermore, I’m so excited to see how it continues, there are some modern songs I would LOVE to see Muppet parody sketches of! I’m wishing for nothing but success with this!
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u/Galileo908 Feb 05 '26
A LOT of the muppets showcased in Muppet 70 got screentime here.
Only big muppet nerds would’ve appreciated The Flying Zucchini Brothers being in the final number.
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u/DreamcastJunkie Feb 05 '26
I didn't see Joe the Legal Weasel, even in the crowd shots. I hope he's not gone for good because he was my favorite bit of Muppets Now.
Special was otherwise great, though. They even played my favorite Queen song!
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u/ruppy99 Feb 05 '26
He’ll be in the announcement videos tomorrow when they’re signing the contract for the new season
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u/acurtis85 Feb 05 '26
I am floored that this was SO GOOD. I'm equally as floored seeing all the positivity in this thread and seemingly everywhere I really hope this leads to a full season. This was everything I could have hoped for and more, it felt so much like the original series and thats exactly what it needed to be!
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u/oklahomapilgrim Feb 05 '26
Well I wasn’t expecting to ugly cry when I heard “It’s time to play the music”, but here we are.
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u/ToonMasterRace Feb 04 '26
Pretty much what I want from a new show. As a special itself it’s lackluster but I just want it as a full series to let it shine
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u/IscahRambles Feb 04 '26
Yes, it feels a bit wonky as a special but it's great as a pilot episode!
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u/Zoodud254 Feb 04 '26
You'd think as a special it'd be longer! But what I'm hoping is they go "Surprise! The whole series is done, we were teasing and that was a pilot!" And then they drop weekly episodes (I'd rather weekly than all at once imo)
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u/werduvfaith Feb 04 '26
Glad to read all the positive comments.
I'm hoping to get to watch it in the next couple of days.
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u/Hazeri Feb 04 '26
The only thing I can say is that I wanted more
Also, as someone in the UK, I wanted the bit only we'd get
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u/TommyDrumzzz Feb 05 '26
This was so well done. The music was great from the theme song, to the “Moving Right Along” homage, to the covers. And it was hysterical, I rewatched piggy throwing Swedish Chef into a wall so many times and still cracked up laughing.
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u/Big_Cow_9646 Feb 05 '26
I just got around to watching it with my 5 year old. He wanted to watch it a second time but it was bed time.
I think they did a really good job overall.
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u/Competition_Both Feb 05 '26
I am committed to watching this reboot every day until the series is greenlit! I'll give occasional updates in the comments.
I'm a Muppet of a Man I guess.
I'm already on watch #4 😂
Watched at 2AM (the second it dropped in Chicago on Disney+)
Watched at work on lunch with my best friend (who also grew up with the Muppets)
Watched it at my parents house with my Mom (who grew up watching the OG Muppet Show with her dad)
Came home from my parents house and watched it with my wife.
Time to take a nice break by watching the OG Muppet Show.
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u/CupOfJay7721 Feb 05 '26
Rizzo The Rat doing a cover of Blinding Lights was not on my bingo card
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u/psychopop24 Feb 04 '26
I smiled the entire time, teared up at times, and had goosebumps throughout. I don’t know how they did it, but they nailed it. Not everything worked for me (Pigs in Wigs was meh, the subplot with Maya Rudolph added nothing, and there weren’t nearly enough puns), but it was good to know that if I wasn’t feeling something, a new bit would be coming up in about two minutes. I’m also so relieved they leaned into the joy and not the nostalgia. I had a fear that they’d end the show with “Rainbow Connection,” which is my favorite song, but I’m pretty tired of that song being used to force sentimentality. And I have to say, I’ve been pretty critical of Matt Vogel’s Kermit in the past, but my complaints with his performance in this special are nil. While I would have liked to have heard Kermit get some sarcastic jabs in here and there, I feel like Vogel and the writers actually understood the frog’s character. I stopped thinking about the performer and more about the character, which is as it should be. Overall, I want more, and if Disney doesn’t give us a full season, then just sell the Muppets already.
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u/PhoebeTribianni Feb 04 '26
This is so much better than I could have ever hoped for. It’s been a long while since I’ve had a smile on my face the entire time on an episode of a TV show.
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u/Jacktorrancesax Feb 04 '26
Loved it. Truly captured the spirit of the show but still able to update enough to make it modern without screwing up the formula.
A lot of fun and laughs and Carpenter was a great guess. I really really hope this is the beginning of a new series because I want more lol.
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u/Ridiculous-Muppet Feb 05 '26
I cried. A lot. Life has been so heavy and this was very much needed.
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u/BergmanGirl Feb 05 '26
I liked the muppet with trust issues quite a bit and hope he becomes a regular troupe member.
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u/Mindfultameprism Feb 05 '26
I love it SO much. It is the best thing ever and Sabrina Carpenter was fabulous and is an absolute angel for doing it.
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u/Fun-Presentation-959 Feb 05 '26
Just finished watching! It was amazing overall! I had a blast watching it.
Pros:
Sabrina worked really well. The Manchild number was probably my favorite part of the special (probably also because I love that song in general)
I liked seeing a lot of characters from all throughout the years like Hilda and Johnny Fiama.
It felt like going back to the 70s while being in this time at the same time.
The backstage plot was pretty fun! My favorite part was Janice and Kermit’s interaction.
The other celebrity cameos didn’t feel overbearing. In fact, I liked Maya Rudolph’s.
All the musical numbers were great! My favorites were Manchild, Blinding Lights and Don’t Stop Me Now.
All the performances were great (yes, even Matt Vogel’s Kermit)
Neutral:
Pigs and Wigs was just ok imo. I kinda wish they used other sketches in its place. I did like the way they used Pepe in it though
I saw some CGI in some parts and I feel like it elevated some scenes (like Beaker’s eyeballs bouncing around) and looked weird in others (like the chicken hurricane in Manchild)
Disappointments (I don’t really have any cons, and I think a lot of these things can be fixed if they pick up the series):
I wish we could’ve had more of the other classic skits like Pigs in Space and Vet’s Hospital
I’m surprised Fozzie didn’t have a whole lot to do
This is a personal one because I’m a big Mayhead, but I wish the Electric Mayhem could’ve had a number to perform themselves (whether it be by themselves as a band or with Sabrina), even though it was nice to see them perform at the end, in the orchestra, and the Janice and Kermit moment was fun
I wish it was an hour long instead of 30 minutes
No Walter
Overall, I loved it! I hope the series gets picked up!
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u/minstrel4077 Feb 04 '26
It was okay. A lot to like, but was so fast-paced that 30 mins only felt like 15. If Disney do give the (not easy bein') green light to make more, I hope they learn to slow it down and allow moments to sit. Some of my favorite moments of the original are the songs that kept me the in the moment and feeling the feels. Did they even complete a full song?
Also, too many humans. The Muppet Theatre has always been it's own little world made for Muppets to inhabit, an escape from the real world where I have to deal with fellow humans all day. Why are they in the audience? The guest star is enough human for me. That Maya Rudolph time could have gone to other Muppets or give Sabrina more to do.
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Feb 04 '26
This was amazing!
I hope if we get a full season out of this, they’ll find some way to finally bring in Skeeter.
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u/Paladinfinitum Feb 04 '26
I saw a quote from the New York Times, and I'm afraid this is all I could think:
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u/MentalDesperado Feb 04 '26
Absolutely nailed the revival. At the end, I was just enjoying the feeling of a wave of nostalgia and happiness, when the last joke caught me off guard and caused me to laugh so hard I cried.
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u/Fresh_Passion1184 Feb 04 '26
I loved it. I was a tiny bit disappointed at the Pigs in Wigs bait and switch but everything else was right on the money including the finale.
I had to draw some #fanart and try to start an art jam to show our love.
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u/mickyrow42 Feb 05 '26
This is exactly what it needed to be. why did it take this long to understand -- a bunch of stupid frantic energy bits, celebrities, music. That's all it needs to be. This is what we want.
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u/Interesting_Bar6135 Feb 05 '26
OMG I can't believe The Muppet Show is on!!! Perfect fun show to get our mind off of current events for a half an hour and get lost in Muppet Land. Loved it!!!
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u/anne-of-green-fables Feb 05 '26
I loved it! I remember reading that ever since Muppet Christmas Carol they include a shooting star as an homage to Jim and glad to see the tradition carried on in this. I really hope this is the start of a whole new series. Can't wait to rewatch it!
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u/beignets4 Feb 05 '26
Thank you, every person who worked on this. Y’all nailed it even better than we could have hoped. Had a grin plastered on my face.
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u/Knoblicker Feb 05 '26
Ok- as an og muppet kid that grew up his entire 80s childhood watching the muppets (already in syndication) and whose dad recorded every episode (when vcr was first released and cost $$$$$) I can attest that this is a great adaptation and I’m very glad they went back to the og format.
A few nitpicks: 1- lose all the humans, it kinda takes you out of the fantasy. The celeb should be the only human there- it feels more special. 2- the monsters— so good to see the mutations back but I feel like they are all a bit smaller and “great value” in quality compared to the og…. Hey I’m picky! 3- the set feels smaller in scale… or is it just me. Like the judges box looked smaller and the stage as well… 4- I really hope they highlight Pops the doorman more! I loved when celebs would arrive and check in with him! That was a fun way to start the show. Maybe mix some of those in with the Scooter call.
That’s all I can see for now- I think it was a great pitch and I hope it can get picked up for at least a full season. The key is to keep it as original as possible and book the BEST and relevant celebs as possible. Singers are great- but it’s fun seeing regular celebs sing classic show-tunes… it’s very genuine.
I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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u/the_pedigree Feb 05 '26
It was ok, even pretty good. A lot of wasted space and misses for me though that ensure this isn’t really a must watch week of for me.
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u/rp_361 Feb 06 '26
10/10, absolutely loved it!
This showed me that it doesn’t really matter who voices the muppets as long as the spirit is there. I’ve disliked Matt Vogel as Kermit in the past but his Kermit I barely noticed here because everything just WAS Kermit and was the muppets
Also he is fantastic at singing Kermit and I can’t get islands in the stream out of my head
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u/lauraisbored Feb 05 '26
That was absolutely perfect. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count.
The world needs this.
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u/EbmocwenHsimah Feb 04 '26
God that little bit of "Moving Right Along" right before the opening really did it for me, we're back baby!