
We owe a debt of gratitude to Thank Frog for The Muppet Show. This new half-hour special, available on Disney+, feels like a fresh start for Jim Henson’s beloved characters (or, as Miss Piggy might say, their younger selves!). It’s exactly what the franchise needed. Produced by Seth Rogen, the show closely resembles episodes of the original Muppet Show from 50 years ago – from the iconic theme song and practical effects to the familiar heckling of Statler and Waldorf, who even joke about how faithfully it recreates the original. Despite being owned by Disney, the Muppets risk being overshadowed by bigger franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. So, if this special feels like Kermit and the gang are trying to impress Disney executives, that’s a good thing! The Muppets are at their best when they’re the underdogs, and they deliver a fantastic performance.