Disney to air 2026 one-off Muppet Show special for 50th anniversary

Disney will air a one off Muppet Show special in 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary of the original series, with production led by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's Point Grey Pictures and pop star Sabrina Carpenter set to appear and serve as an executive producer, according to multiple reports. The broadcast, billed as a variety show event, has been positioned as a potential backdoor pilot that could lead to a new season of the classic franchise if the special is successful. The production recently received a tax credit from the California Film Commission.

The event is being produced by 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio and Point Grey Pictures. Albertina Rizzo is credited as writer and executive producer and Alex Timbers will direct and also serve as an executive producer. Other executive producers named for the project include Rogen, Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee, David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, Michael Steinbach, Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson.

Longtime Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman and Matt Vogel are reported to return to perform the majority of the iconic characters. Goelz, who has been...