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The Muppet Show’ 50th Anniversary Special Debuts to Rave Reviews on ABC and Disney+

The one-off replicates the original show's scale and tone under Alex Timbers, positioning itself as a proof-of-concept for a fuller revival.

Overview

  • The half-hour special returns the variety format with Sabrina Carpenter as guest host and executive producer, plus cameos from Maya Rudolph and executive producer Seth Rogen.
  • Directed by Alex Timbers, the production rebuilt the Muppet Theatre to original scale using 1976 blueprints and features more than 180 characters on screen.
  • Longtime performers Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson returned as both talent and executive producers alongside Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Peter Linz and David Rudman.
  • Fan favorites Rizzo the Rat and Bean Bunny officially return, now performed by Bradley Freeman Jr.
  • Early reception is strong with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic score reported, while social media praise is tempered by some complaints about Kermit’s voice, and no series order has been announced despite talk of a backdoor pilot.