It is time to play the music. It is time to light the lights. The Muppets are finally back on television.
To celebrate a massive milestone, Disney has teamed up with comedian Seth Rogen. Together, they are reviving the iconic series, “The Muppet Show.” This event marks 50 years of the beloved franchise. It is a one-night-only special event. The show promises to feature some very famous human guests. Of course, it will also feature some very famous felt friends.
The special premieres tonight, Wednesday, February 4. It will air on ABC. However, if you prefer streaming, there is good news. If you have a Disney+ subscription, you do not have to wait. You can start streaming the 33-minute variety show right now.
Sabrina Carpenter Takes the Stage
One of the biggest draws for this special is the guest list. Pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter is set to appear. She is fresh off her appearance at the 2026 Grammys. Now, she is trading the red carpet for the Muppet theater.
Carpenter will not just be a bystander. She is set to participate in musical numbers. She will also act in comedy sketches. Fans can expect to see her performing alongside legends like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. It brings a modern pop flair to the classic puppet format.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Sabrina Carpenter is not the only human star involved. The special is a collaborative effort. Seth Rogen has helped bring this vision to life. He will appear in the special as well. Joining them is the hilarious actress Maya Rudolph.
These stars will interact with a full roster of Muppet icons. The press release for the show confirmed a long list of returning characters. Viewers can expect to see the Swedish Chef cooking up trouble. Pepé the King Prawn will likely offer his unique commentary.
The lineup also includes Fozzie Bear, Beaker, and Janice. The Great Gonzo will be there, likely attempting a dangerous stunt. Animal is set to bring the noise on the drums. And, of course, no Muppet show would be complete without the critics. Statler and Waldorf will be present to heckle the cast from their balcony box.
Back to the Variety Roots
Disney+ has described the new special as a true return to form. They stated that the project keeps “in the tradition of their classic variety show.”
This is a significant moment for the franchise. The iconic characters are returning to television in this format for the first time in over four decades. The goal is to capture the magic of the original series.
The special will feature brand-new music. It will include fresh comedy sketches. And, true to the Muppet brand, there will be “a whole lot of backstage chaos.” The show aims to reintroduce the gang to long-standing fans who grew up with them. At the same time, it hopes to win over a new generation of audiences.
When to Watch the Special
You have two main options for viewing. It depends on whether you prefer traditional TV or streaming.
If you are watching on cable, “The Muppet Show” 2026 special airs tonight. Date: Wednesday, February 4 Time: 9 p.m. ET Channel: ABC
If you are a streamer, you can watch it earlier. The special is already available on Disney+. It was released for streaming earlier in the day. You can log in and watch it immediately.
How to Watch for Free
Not everyone has a cable subscription. Not everyone has Disney+. If you fall into this category, you can still watch the show. You just need to know where to look.
The easiest way to watch “The Muppet Show” for free is by using a live TV streaming service. Many of these services offer free trials for new customers. This allows you to watch the ABC broadcast without paying upfront.
One reliable option is DIRECTV. This service carries ABC in its channel lineup. Currently, DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial. You can sign up, watch the special live tonight, and then decide if you want to keep the service.
If you choose to keep it, plans start at $34.99 per month. There are various subscription options available. You can choose different genre packs that suit your viewing habits. However, for tonight, the free trial is the key to watching Sabrina Carpenter and Kermit without spending money.
The Disney+ Option
If you prefer to watch on demand, Disney+ is the home for this special. As noted, it is already live on the platform.
This is not a free option, but it is the most direct one for streamers. A standard Disney+ subscription costs $11.99 per month. If you are already a subscriber, you do not need to do anything extra. Just search for “The Muppet Show” in the app.
Conclusion
Whether you are tuning in for the nostalgia or for Sabrina Carpenter, tonight is a big night for TV. The Muppets are back doing what they do best. With options to watch on ABC, Disney+, or via a free trial on a streaming service, it is easy to catch the action. Get your popcorn ready for the music, the lights, and the chaos. The curtain rises tonight at 9 p.m. ET.
