I watched The Muppet Show on Disney+ and found it charming but old-fashioned – luckily, Sabrina Carpenter mostly saves the day

Disney+’s The Muppet Show Special Event: A Nostalgic Return with Modern Challenges

The Muppets are back, and for longtime fans like myself, it’s a bittersweet reunion. Disney+’s “The Muppet Show Special Event” brings Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang back to the stage that made them famous, but the question remains: can the charm of 1976 translate to 2026?

A Faithful Recreation with a Few Twists

The special event largely follows the format of the original show, complete with celebrity guests, musical numbers, and the classic backstage chaos. The episode features Sabrina Carpenter as the guest star, and while her performance is solid, the overall show feels like it’s still finding its footing.

One of the highlights is the opening sequence, which pays homage to the original series with a montage of black-and-white photos of iconic celebrity guests. The show then transitions to Kermit walking through the backstage area, setting the stage for the return of the Muppets.

The Good, the Bad, and the Corny

The special event has its moments. The duet between Kermit and Sabrina Carpenter on “Islands in the Stream” is touching, and the finale, featuring the entire cast singing Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” is a joyous celebration of the Muppets’ enduring appeal.

However, not all the segments hit the mark. The “Pigs in Wigs” act, inspired by Bridgerton, falls flat, and the all-rat performance of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is cringeworthy. The humor, while nostalgic, sometimes feels outdated, and the writing could use a modern update to appeal to today’s audience.

The Muppets in 2026: A Work in Progress

The special event is a reminder of the Muppets’ enduring charm, but it also highlights the challenges of bringing a classic show into the modern era. The vaudeville-style humor that worked in 1976 may not resonate as strongly with today’s viewers, who are accustomed to sharper, more sophisticated comedy.

That said, the Muppets’ appeal lies in their timeless characters and the joy they bring. If the writing can be updated to match the wit and intelligence of today’s audience, there’s potential for the Muppets to thrive once again.

Verdict

Disney+’s “The Muppet Show Special Event” is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but it’s not without its flaws. While it captures the spirit of the original show, it struggles to find its place in the modern entertainment landscape. For die-hard fans, it’s a welcome return, but for new viewers, it may feel like a relic of the past.

The Muppets have always been about embracing chaos and finding joy in the unexpected. If they can channel that energy into a more contemporary format, they might just have a shot at winning over a new generation of fans.

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