Disney+ Drops First Full Trailer For THE MUPPET SHOW Revival Event
The Muppet Show is officially back in the spotlight, and a newly released trailer confirms this upcoming Disney+ special is leaning hard into nostalgia while bringing some fresh energy with it.
ABC and Disney+ have unveiled a full look at the variety special, which is set to premiere Febyuary 4, which is timed with the 50th anniversary of the original series. Along with previously announced guests Sabrina Carpenter and Seth Rogen, the trailer reveals a fun surprise addition, Maya Rudolph.
Rudolph pops up in the audience seated next to Grover, which sells the special’s blend of celebrity chaos and classic Muppet absurdity. The footage expands on the teaser that dropped earlier, which opens with Rowlf quietly playing piano before Kermit breaks the fourth wall.
“It’s the return of The Muppet Show back on the very stage where it all started, and then ended, and is maybe starting again, depending on how tonight goes,” Kermit says in the clip.
That self-aware humor carries through a moment between Kermit and Rowlf that longtime fans will appreciate.
“Have you been playing the whole time?”, Kermit asks. “Well, what you think it was, some kind of sentimental montage in your head?, I’m doing the show again Frank!, an excited Ralph replies.
The upcoming special is more than a one-off celebration. It’s designed as a backdoor pilot, meaning if the response is strong enough, Disney could move forward with a full revival series.
That would mark a major return for The Muppet Show, which originally aired from 1976 to 1981 after being created by Jim Henson. The series became a global phenomenon, broadcasting in more than 100 countries and hosting an incredible lineup of guest stars including Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Liza Minnelli, and Paul Simon. All five seasons are currently streaming on Disney+.
The new special comes from 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Point Grey Pictures. It’s directed by Alex Timbers, who also serves as an executive producer.
Between the classic stage, meta humor, and a playful guest lineup, this Disney+ special looks like it understands exactly what makes The Muppet Show work. Whether this ends up launching a full reboot or simply stands as a celebration, it’s shaping up to be a pretty awesome return to form for Kermit and the gang.