We are getting a first look at guest star Sabrina Carpenter and executive producer Seth Rogen in a teaser for The Muppet Show special, a reboot of the classic series. Originally announced as a Disney+ event, the special will now premiere on both ABC and Disney+ Feb. 4, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original series.
As Deadline reported in September, the variety special serves as a backdoor pilot and, in success, would spawn a new Muppet Show television series. That is referenced in the teaser.
“It’s the return of The Muppet Show back on the very stage where it all started, and then ended, and is maybe starting again, depending on how the night goes,” Kermit says in it.
In addition to Kermit, The Muppet Show special features Miss Piggy and the beloved Muppet gang for a blend of music and comedy — and a whole lot of chaos — as they once again take the stage of the original Muppet Theatre with Carpenter as their special guest.
Carpenter, who has spoken of her love for the Muppets for years and channeled Miss Piggy with her outfit at the VMAs in September, is sharing a scene — and a dance — with the Muppet icon in the teaser, which you can watch above.
Meanwhile, Rogen gets a reality check from Fozzie.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to be here,” Rogen says, to which the bear replies, “Got any other dreams?”
From 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio and Point Grey Pictures, the special is directed by Alex Timbers, who also serves as executive producer. Rogen, Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee are executive producers for Point Grey Pictures; David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter and Michael Steinbach are executive producers for The Muppets Studio; Carpenter, Albertina Rizzo, Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson are executive producers.
Veteran Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman and Matt Vogel perform the majority of the iconic Muppet characters in the special, joined by a team of additional performers. Dave 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 many others.
The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson, ran from 1976-81 and aired in over 100 countries and featured notable guest stars including Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Liza Minelli, Paul Simon and many others. All five seasons are currently available to stream on Disney+