Few names in entertainment carry as much weight as Jim Henson’s. His creative genius not only shaped television, but also created characters that remain part of global culture today. From their earliest days, Henson’s creations connected with audiences in a way that went beyond comedy, tapping into something heartfelt and universal.
Generations have now grown up with these characters, and Disney, which has owned the property since 2004, continues to keep them relevant. From theme park attractions to films and streaming projects, The Muppets have lived many lives, each one bringing nostalgia for longtime fans while introducing the characters to children experiencing them for the first time.
Related: Celebrating 70 Years of Muppet Magic: A Journey Through Jim Henson’s Timeless Creations
The story dates all the way back to 1955, when Sam and Friends premiered on WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. Created by Henson, the show centered on Sam and his unusual companions — Yorick, Professor Madcliffe, Chicken Liver, Harry the Hipster, and Kermit.
Though the program ran for only six years, it introduced audiences to the style of storytelling that would eventually take the world by storm.
Over time, The Muppets became more familiar thanks to appearances on Sesame Street in 1969. Henson’s dream of a dedicated series came true in 1976 when The Muppet Show premiered in the United Kingdom after two earlier pilots for ABC failed to move forward. The show was an immediate hit, drawing millions of viewers on Sunday nights and quickly spreading to more than 100 countries.
Related: Jim Henson’s Iconic Studio Lot Sold to Popular Singer and Filmmaker
Although the series ended in 1981, the Muppets’ legacy carried on. Disney eventually acquired the rights in 2004, expanding the property with a steady flow of projects. Movies like The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), and The Muppets (2011) added to the canon, while television entries like Muppet Babies, Muppets Tonight, Muppets Now, and The Muppets Mayhem kept them present across decades.
This year has been filled with mixed emotions for Muppets fans. In June, Walt Disney World closed the long-running Muppet*Vision 3D attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a move that saddened many who considered it a staple of the park.
The closure, combined with uncertainty about the characters’ future, has made news about what’s coming next especially meaningful.
According to a report from Variety:
Variety has learned that the streamer has greenlit a one-off ‘Muppet Show’ event special that will air in 2026 to coincide with the original show’s 50th anniversary. In the special, the Muppets will return to the Muppet Theatre to produce a variety show. Sabrina Carpenter will guest star.
Veteran Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman and Matt Vogel will perform the majority of the Muppet characters in the special, supported by a team of additional performers. Goelz, who has performed with The Muppets for over 50 years, was one of the performers on the original “The Muppet Show” and originated the characters Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, among others.
Related: Muppets Courtyard Is Almost Gone: You Won’t Believe What’s Next
In addition to the confirmed special, speculation is swirling about what might come after. Variety also reported that insiders believe Disney may be using the anniversary event as a launchpad for a new Muppets series. While nothing official has been announced, the possibility has certainly raised excitement among fans eager to see the characters more frequently on screen.
Disney has not released an exact premiere date, but the special will stream on Disney+ sometime in 2026. By bringing the characters back to the Muppet Theatre, the event promises to blend old traditions with new elements, celebrating the show’s history while offering something fresh for a modern audience.
Do you love The Muppets? What is your favorite film or series starring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and their friends? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
