The Muppet Show Returns: A Nostalgic Comeback with Sabrina Carpenter

There was a time in my life when watching The Muppet Show at the weekend felt like a ritual. It was comfort TV in its purest form chaotic, wholesome, and endlessly funny. So when I heard Disney were bringing it back for a special, with Sabrina Carpenter as the guest star (an artist whose music I genuinely enjoy), I was actually really looking forward to it.

After watching the special the other night, I can happily say I had a great time with it. It felt like a genuine blast from the past seeing Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and the gang back on stage. While a lot has obviously changed since the show’s original run in the late 1970s, the special does a solid job of capturing the charm and spirit of what made The Muppet Show so beloved in the first place.

The sketches and musical numbers mostly land, and I found myself laughing out loud more than I expected to. There’s something comforting about the familiar structure: the backstage chaos, the corny jokes, the self-aware humor, and the playful interactions between Carpenter and the Muppets. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel instead, it leans into nostalgia, and honestly, that’s exactly what I wanted from it.

Sabrina Carpenter was also a really pleasant surprise. She fits into the format naturally, keeps her performance clean, and comes across as genuinely enthusiastic about being there. It never feels like she’s just turning up for a contractual obligation she seems to embrace the silliness of the Muppets’ world, which goes a long way in making the whole thing feel warm and authentic. She’s a strong choice of guest for introducing a younger audience to The Muppet Show while still appealing to older fans who grew up with it.

My one real gripe comes with Kermit’s voice. No disrespect to Matt Vogel, who is clearly talented, but his take on Kermit still feels noticeably off to me. Jim Henson’s original performance had a warmth and sincerity that’s hard to replicate, and Steve Whitmire came closer to that familiar tone. Vogel’s version feels different enough that it can be slightly distracting at times, especially for long-time fans. I do think Disney should seriously consider refining or rethinking Kermit’s voice moving forward, because he is the emotional anchor of the entire franchise.

That aside, this Muppet Show special is a lot of fun. It’s light, charming, nostalgic, and easy to watch the kind of comfort viewing that reminds you why these characters have endured for decades. If you’re a long-time fan of the Muppets, this is absolutely worth checking out, and if you’re newer to them, it’s a great entry point into their weird, wonderful world.

A successful comeback that understands its roots while still feeling accessible to a modern audience.