If you want better main cast performance
Choose A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Season 1. It scores 5.0 vs 3.4 for main cast performance, with a 4.5 overall score.
The Muppet Show (2026) Review
Bottom Line
Choose it for a warm, funny return to the classic Muppet variety-show formula, especially if nostalgia and Sabrina Carpenter appeal to you. Skip it if Kermit’s changed voice, rapid pacing, or a few adult-leaning jokes are likely to bother you.
Best for
Longtime Muppet fans, families comfortable with a few grown-up winks, and viewers who enjoy old-school variety comedy with musical guest stars.
Not for
Viewers who strongly dislike nostalgia-driven revivals, are sensitive to Kermit’s changed voice, or want a slower, more story-focused episode may be less satisfied.
Verdict
The Muppet Show’s 2026 special wins reviewers over by resisting reinvention. Its strongest asset is how confidently it restores the old theater, backstage chaos, musical numbers and character-driven comedy while letting Sabrina Carpenter fit naturally into the ensemble. Most critics describe the result as joyful, funny and surprisingly timeless, with strong practical puppetry and an immediate desire for more episodes. The tradeoffs are concentrated rather than fatal: Kermit’s newer voice remains distracting for some longtime fans, the roughly half-hour runtime leaves favorite characters underused, and several jokes or sketches feel rushed or underpolished. Even reviewers with those complaints generally see the special as a convincing proof of concept for a full revival.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
44 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.014 (32%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.426 (59%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.43 (7%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.41 (2%)
Pros highlights
-
Most reviewers laugh often and praise the character comedy, slapstick and wordplay, but several note flat sketches, uneven punchlines or jokes that need another pass.
-
Across the set, the special is repeatedly called fun, delightful and easy to enjoy; even several mixed reviews still find plenty to smile or laugh at.
-
The musical numbers are a major source of fun, especially Carpenter’s performances and the ensemble material, though the Rizzo number and compressed finale draw mixed reactions.
-
The classic mix of stage acts, musical numbers and backstage overbooking works well as a simple framework for the chaos, even when individual sketches vary.
-
Sabrina Carpenter is repeatedly singled out as an unusually natural guest, while the human cameos generally support rather than overpower the Muppets.
-
The rebuilt theater, backstage spaces, props and stage presentation earn strong approval for making the special look convincingly rooted in the classic show.
Cons highlights
-
Veteran Muppet performers draw strong praise for puppetry and character work, but Kermit’s changed voice is the most persistent performance complaint.
-
The short runtime cannot fully serve such a large ensemble. Several reviewers specifically want more Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal, Electric Mayhem and other favorites.
Cast & Creators
-
PerformerCarpenter is the clearest human standout: reviewers repeatedly call her a perfect or ideal fit, praising her comic timing, musical performances and chemistry with Miss Piggy.
-
ActorRudolph’s audience cameo becomes a recurring comic highlight, with reviewers calling her contribution delightful and especially funny.
-
RizzoFreeman’s Rizzo work earns direct praise, with reviewers calling his puppetry spectacular and saying he is doing an excellent job with the character.
-
ProducerRogen is credited with understanding the classic Muppet formula, and his brief on-screen presence is generally treated as a fun addition rather than a distraction.
-
RowlfBarretta’s brief Rowlf material is positively received as a fun early beat.
-
Miss PiggyJacobson’s Miss Piggy work is praised for making the character funny beyond her diva persona.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other TV Shows, this product is above average in character consistency, family friendliness, violence level, near average in soundtrack quality, acting performance, below average in editing quality, main cast performance.
Comparison summary
44 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher23 (52%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts19 (43%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower2 (5%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| character consistency | 4.6 | 3.0 | +1.6 |
| family friendliness | 3.6 | 2.4 | +1.2 |
| violence level | 4.8 | 3.2 | +1.6 |
| age appropriateness | 3.9 | 2.7 | +1.3 |
| editing quality | 2.0 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
| main cast performance | 3.4 | 4.5 | -1.1 |
| plot clarity | 4.0 | 2.8 | +1.1 |
| episode length | 4.2 | 3.3 | +0.9 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better emotional impact
Choose Young Sherlock, Season 1. It scores 5.0 vs 4.4 for emotional impact, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better episode structure
Choose DTF St. Louis. It scores 5.0 vs 4.3 for episode structure, with a 4.3 overall score.
If you want better soundtrack quality
Choose Wonder Man, Season 1. It scores 5.0 vs 4.3 for soundtrack quality, with a 4.1 overall score.
FAQ
Is the 2026 special faithful to the original The Muppet Show?
Yes. Reviewers overwhelmingly say it restores the classic theater, variety-show structure, backstage chaos and character dynamics rather than reinventing the formula.
Is it family-friendly?
Mostly, but several reviews flag mild slapstick, a few darker gags and subtle adult innuendo. Some recommend extra parental awareness for younger children.
How is Sabrina Carpenter in the special?
She is one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly praise her comic fit, musical numbers and chemistry with Miss Piggy.
What do reviewers think of Kermit’s voice?
It is the most recurring performance complaint. Some adjust to Matt Vogel’s take, while others find it noticeably or jarringly different from earlier Kermit performances.
Does the half-hour runtime work?
It keeps the episode brisk, but many reviewers think it is too short to give the large Muppet ensemble enough time and say it leaves them wanting more.
Does the special work as a possible pilot?
Most reviewers think so. They describe it as a promising proof of concept and repeatedly express interest in more specials or a full series.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
Article Reviews
pshspawprint.com
“It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights, it’s time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show Tonight!”.Celebrating 70 years...
- Review score
- 3.8
voicemag.uk
It's time to play the music and light the lights as Kermit and the gang return to Disney+ with very special guest star Sabrina Carpenter!
- Review score
- 4.7
movieguide.org
Is THE MUPPET SHOW TV Special family friendly? Find out only at Movieguide. The Family and Christian Guide to Movie Reviews and Entertainment...
- Review score
- 4.2
littlebitsofgaming.com
When I was a kid, I adored The Muppet Show (still do now that I'm almost 50). For 30 minutes once a week, I would be silent, sitting in front...
- Review score
- 4.4
thepopbreak.com
The Muppet Show special featuring Sabrina Carpenter was a perfect revival of the beloved Jim Henson series.
- Review score
- 4.6
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