A fresh 'Muppet Show' special has debuted on Disney+, aiming to recapture the essence of the beloved Jim Henson creation. This half-hour presentation, executive produced by Seth Rogen and starring Sabrina Carpenter as a celebrity guest, functions as a pilot for a potential series revival. It masterfully blends nostalgic elements with contemporary touches, showcasing the Muppets' enduring appeal through familiar sketches, musical numbers, and the trademark backstage chaos that defined the original program. The special’s success could pave the way for a full reboot, offering a renewed sense of optimism for the future of these iconic characters after years of perceived missteps by Disney.
The special intricately mirrors the structure of the original 1970s series. From the moment Kermit prepares the studio, accompanied by Rowlf's piano melodies, to Scooter's familiar '30 seconds to curtain' call in Sabrina Carpenter's dressing room, the production meticulously recreates the show's classic introduction in high-definition. This commitment to authenticity extends throughout, delivering a variety show format rich with musical performances and comedic skits, all set against a backdrop of escalating backstage pandemonium. Kermit's enthusiastic overbooking of guests leads to a delightful congestion of Muppets, from well-known figures to more obscure characters like Lew Zealand and the romantic duo Wayne and Wanda, ensuring even the most dedicated fans have plenty to discover and identify.
A standout feature of the special is its dedication to classic Muppet humor, particularly the running gag. While new sketches dominate, the beloved 'Muppet Labs' makes a triumphant return, with Bunsen Honeydew's experimental eyedrops causing Beaker's eyes to comically detach and regenerate, leading to a cascade of flying eyeballs that persist throughout the show. This gag perfectly exemplifies the Muppets' unique comedic timing: a joke that starts funny, becomes intentionally overused, and then circles back to hilarious through sheer repetition. Such recurring humor was a cornerstone of the original series and its films, from Beaker clones interrupting a Mac Davis episode to the pervasive icy patch in 'A Muppet Family Christmas', demonstrating a deep understanding of what makes the Muppets' comedy timeless.
The special's willingness to embrace the Muppets' inherent 'weirdness' is another key to its charm. Beyond the unexpected romance between Maya Rudolph and the Beautiful Day Monster, a particularly memorable segment features Rizzo the Rat performing The Weeknd's 'Blinding Light' with a chorus of fellow rats in a dimly lit alley. This unscripted, off-the-wall sketch captures the spontaneous, slightly eccentric spirit that characterized the original 'Muppet Show' but often gets sidelined in more plot-driven Muppet films. It also marks a significant moment for Rizzo, a character largely absent in recent years following the departure of his original performer. His vibrant return, under the skillful portrayal of Bradley Freeman Jr., injects a fresh energy while honoring the character's legacy.
Incorporating contemporary elements like Sabrina Carpenter as host and The Weeknd's song is a strategic move to ensure the Muppets remain relevant for new generations. While fan favorites like Steve Martin would be welcome in future iterations, attracting modern stars is crucial for broadening their appeal beyond nostalgia. Despite past challenges, including cancelled TV shows and the closure of 'Muppet Vision 3D', the future looks brighter with upcoming projects such as a new Muppet roller coaster, comic books, and action figures. The return of the Beautiful Day Monster, a character from the Muppets' earliest days, symbolizes a hopeful new chapter, suggesting that truly beautiful days might indeed lie ahead for the franchise.