The Muppet Show Revival Earns 98% Rotten Tomatoes Score on Disney Plus
A beloved television classic has made a triumphant return, capturing the hearts of both critics and audiences alike. The Muppet Show has launched a new 30-minute special on Disney Plus, designed as a backdoor pilot to test the waters for a potential revival series. This fresh instalment of Jim Henson's iconic creation has already garnered impressive acclaim, boasting a 'Certified Fresh' rating of 98% on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.
Blending Nostalgia with Modern Humour
The special cleverly merges the timeless charm of the original with contemporary sensibilities, proving the adaptability of a franchise with a 70-year history. In a nod to today's screen-addled youth, the episode includes a light-hearted sequence that pokes fun at Generation Alpha's permanent attachment to their devices. This blend of old and new has resonated deeply, with one reviewer describing the show as 'incredibly nostalgic' and demanding that Disney commission further episodes.
Star-Studded Cameos and Veteran Performers
The production is brimming with backstage shenanigans and features an impressive roster of cameos from modern stars. Sabrina Carpenter, Seth Rogen—who also served as an executive producer—and Maya Rudolph all make appearances. They are joined by the beloved original characters, including Kermit the Frog and his on-again, off-again partner Miss Piggy, who humorously contacts her lawyers after Carpenter steals her look.
Veteran performers from the original series also return, such as Dave Goelz, the original puppeteer for Gonzo and Dr Bunsen Honeydew. This mix of new talent and classic artistry has been praised for its fidelity to the source material, with The Telegraph noting that 'the fidelity to the original is practically unheard of in the world of TV.'
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The response from critics has been overwhelmingly positive. The Times highlighted the 'deft deployment of slightly risqué jokes' and enjoyed a Bridgerton spoof starring Miss Piggy. On Rotten Tomatoes, audience reviews echo this enthusiasm, with one viewer, Camden, writing: 'The cast of Muppets are hilariously themselves and everyone is playing their parts to perfection.'
Seth Rogen's involvement as an executive producer has been particularly noteworthy, drawing praise from Kermit the Frog himself. In an interview with E! News, Kermit remarked: 'He is such a giant in the comedy world, and he just happens to love the Muppets. He was willing to do whatever he could to help make this special. He was great.' Miss Piggy, ever the diva, offered a more subdued response, simply asking: 'He was an executive producer?'
A Future for the Franchise?
This standalone episode serves as a test to see if the Muppets can still captivate today's audience. With its high Rotten Tomatoes score and warm reception, it suggests a bright future for the franchise. The special successfully balances self-aware warmth with the timeless humour that made the original series a classic, leaving fans eager for more. As streaming continues to dominate the entertainment landscape, The Muppet Show proves that some legends never fade, they simply evolve.
