“The Muppet Show” was revived for a one-night, 50th anniversary special that premiered on Disney+ and ABC on February 4th. The show was hosted by pop star Sabrina Carpenter and featured guest stars Maya Rudolph and Seth Rogen. The revival followed the same variety-show format as the original show, which aired from 1976 to 1981.
The half-hour program brought popular characters Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their friends back to the stage of their original theater, offering a nostalgic reunion for longtime viewers. The reboot featured Carpenter performing her pop single “Manchild“, and Rizzo the Rat performing a parody of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” alongside several nonsensical guest interactions. Ultimately, it has received positive reviews, debuting with a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics Claim Outdated
Along with the praise, the special has faced criticism from parents and adults alike who consider the formatting of the show to be too outdated. It featured familiar exaggerated sketches from the 1976 show, such as the classic sketch, “Muppet Labs,” starring Bunsen Honeydew and his loyal assistant Beaker. The content of the revival was also directed towards adult audiences; subtle mature jokes were made between Carpenter and Kermit as the latter said, “We’re still working out a few kinks,” to which Carpenter responded, “That’s OK, I like a kink, too.” This adult-oriented humor surprised parents who had previously assumed that the show would be family-friendly.
Viewers have questioned who the special was intended for, especially given its Generation Z host, alongside the age-old acts many Generation X viewers expected. The Muppets have released various films and shows since the end of the original show, with multi-year gaps between releases. These movies include the 2011 “The Muppets” and the 2014 “Muppets Most Wanted,” both of which used plot devices centered on saving the characters and reviving their reputation. With the franchise’s latest series “The Muppets Mayhem” ending in 2023, the anniversary special may have been intended to regain audience attention for the franchise.
Legacy Versus Future
After the 1990 passing of Jim Henson, “The Muppet Show” creator and Kermit performer, Steve Whitmire filled the role until 2017. Whitmire’s interpretation of Kermit maintained the character’s essence while adding his unique touch. However, this interpretation became the subject of criticism and controversy, leading to reports of Whitmire using “hostile and unproductive” language, possible union-related disputes and disagreements over Kermit’s characterization — claims that have been widely speculated but not officially confirmed in relation to Whitmire’s firing. Since Whitmire’s exit, Matt Vogel has performed, having previously performed as the villainous puppet Constantine in “Muppets Most Wanted.”
Following the release of the anniversary special, Whitmire published a 4,500-word blog post titled “Where, oh, Where has Our Little Frog Gone?” criticizing Disney and claiming that Henson’s legacy has been permanently damaged under its ownership. He argued that Disney abandoned Henson’s intent for original performers to perform their roles indefinitely. Despite originally claiming that his reason for dismissal was due to “unacceptable business conduct,” Whitmire previously acknowledged being accused of “disrespectful” behavior during the production of “The Muppets” ABC series that aired from 2015 to 2016, a concession that weekend his challenge to The Muppets Studio statement which was issued to the associated press.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding Kermit’s new voice and the direction of the franchise under Disney, the anniversary special itself has prompted a wider conversation about what audiences expect from the Muppets today. The tension between honoring Henson’s original vision and adapting to contemporary tastes reflects a broader challenge faced by long-running franchises navigating generational shifts. As viewers weigh nostalgia against reinvention, the special has become less about a single performance and more about how the Muppets continue to evolve in a changing media landscape.
With both praise and criticism, the Muppet franchise remains relevant as ever five decades after its debut. With Gen Z oriented guests and revived sketches, the special brought together longtime fans and new viewers alike. Its light-hearted approach showed that the Muppets’ blend of familiarity and reinvention still resonates, reaffirming their place in pop culture.