Disney has done something fans have been dreaming about for decades: brought back ‘The Muppet Show’ for its 50th anniversary, and in a way that actually feels like the real deal.
No over-the-top modern updates, no unnecessary CGI, just Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie, and yes… Rizzo the Rat, back where they belong; on a rickety old stage.
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It’s been decades since Jim Henson’s puppets first charmed the world, but this special proves one thing that some things are timeless. And some things, apparently, deserve a little more spotlight than ever.
Bringing back the originals (and doing it right)
Disney’s past attempts at reviving The Muppets were…well, let’s say they were inconsistent. From half-hearted reboots to forgettable guest appearances, it seemed like no one could capture that exact Henson magic.
But this time, the formula is simple. Put the puppets where they shine best: a theater stage with big, messy sketches, celebrity guests, and pure, unfiltered heart.
Critics are loving it. Rotten Tomatoes gives the special a perfect 100% score, matching the original run from 1976-1981. Audiences? They’re even more thrilled, giving it a 97% rating compared to the 91% of the old series.
For those who need a refresher, ‘The Muppet Show’ originally aired from 1976 to 1981, producing five seasons and 120 episodes. Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, and Dave Goelz delivered a kind of vaudeville for TV.
Seth Rogen, nostalgia, and the perfect revival
Enter Seth Rogen, the man who grew up with these puppets and now has brought them back exactly as they were. Critics agree it’s a triumph. But more than that, it’s a love letter to every fan who ever squealed at Kermit’s banjo, cringed at Fozzie’s jokes, or swooned at Miss Piggy’s diva antics.
The Muppets aren’t just puppets. They’re cultural icons. Since debuting in 1955, they’ve appeared in ‘Sesame Street’, ‘Saturday Night Live’, ‘The Muppet Show’, and numerous movies.
The 2026 special brings him back front and center. After teasing appearances on social media earlier this year, Rizzo now stars in a musical sketch with Sabrina Carpenter.
A stage full of mishaps, exactly what fans love
That’s the beauty of ‘The Muppet Show’. Chaos is part of the charm. Gonzo on rocket rollerblades? Check. Miss Piggy losing her wig mid-sketch? Check. Fozzie bombing a joke? Double check. Every Muppet faces disaster, and it’s delightful. Except Rizzo. He handles mayhem like a pro, a sly smile and quick quip always ready.
Rizzo may be back, but he isn’t performed by Whitmire anymore. Bradley Freeman Jr. now brings the rat to life, capturing the exact tone, timing, and personality that fans loved. The transition is seamless.
Disney finally cracked the code: don’t overcomplicate the Muppets. Let them be messy, heartfelt, funny, and unpredictable. Sprinkle in some celebrity guests, stage mishaps, and a little musical magic, and you’ve got television gold.