The Muppet Show makes its Exciting Return to Disney+
by Iain Mclean
Kermit and the gang reunited yesterday for the first Muppet Show episode since March 1981 and was met with immediate praise. Whether it was people tuning in again to see if they could recapture the magic or a new wave of Muppets fans, they were not disappointed by the time the end credits rolled.
The show followed the classic format of on-stage performances from the Muppets, mixed in with scripted background bits between their guest-star Sabrina Carpenter, Miss Piggy and Kermit.
Sabrina Carpenter performed two songs during the episode, one being her hit “Manchild” and a duet with Kermit himself, which was “Islands in the Stream” which had a golden sequence in which Miss Piggy attempted and succeeded in interrupting the duet.
The young popstar didn’t feel out of place either, as soon as she appeared on screen to sing “Manchild” she fit right in with the Muppets gang. This was further enhanced by her chemistry with Kermit and Miss Piggy, the latter having a mini verbal spat with the singer at one point.
Kermit the Frog at the 25th Anniversary of original The Muppet Show in Los Angeles, 2001 (photo by Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images)
Another highlight in their re-debut was Gonzo attempting to perform a stunt while naming every “Best Supporting Actress” winner, which ended up continuing throughout the show as unforeseen circumstances saw him popping up in almost every backstage bit.
They also never strayed from the formula that made them great to begin with, with performances including comedic mishaps followed by Kermit frantically trying to keep the show together backstage.
This was a fantastic return for The Muppets, whose future was in doubt after their attraction at Disneyland California was shut down and nothing new was announced for the IP.
It currently sits with a 97% critic score and 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
This is something Disney cannot ignore, there is a clear high demand for The Muppets and with this episode delivering that magic to an entirely new generation. They need to invest in making a full episodic show return, as it’s clear Jim Henson’s creations still hold a place in people’s hearts and minds all these years later.
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to play the music, light the lights and meet The Muppets on The Muppet Show tonight. Available exclusively on Disney+ now.