I’ve never quite gotten the impression that Disney cares all that much about the Muppets, compared to the various other IP they own, such as say, Marvel or Star Wars. In the last decade or so, they haven’t been doing exciting things with the Muppets, whether it was that ABC sitcom that was just 30 Rock with Kermit and Piggy, or whatever Muppets Now was.
But now, finally, there’s a new Muppets project that has done the characters justice. And all it took was getting back to basics and bringing back something resembling the original 1970s Muppet Show.
Helmed by Seth Rogen and his writing partner Evan Goldberg, it’s technically a one-shot special for Disney+ and eventually ABC, which could potentially serve as a pilot for a series. Considering the rapturous reaction it’s gotten, I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens.
The new Muppets special essentially resembles the structure of a classic Muppets Show episode, and it stars Sabrina Carpenter, who might be the modern celebrity most directly in line with the Muppets ethos of any modern celebrity. The Sabrina/Miss Piggy friction may have been obvious, but it works.
The result is a resounding success, and I hope it leads to much more.
As usual with The Muppet Show, the sketches are hit-or-miss, with highlights including Carpenter’s first musical number — a duet on “Manchild” with the chickens — and the final singalong of all the Muppets on Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” I also liked the running joke about them needing to cut an act, and not being able to decide, and Gonzo doing a stunt while naming past Oscar winners for Best Supporting Actress.
My one big complaint? Kermit the Frog just does not sound right. Matt Vogel took over from Steve Whitmire about a decade ago, and while he certainly has the puppeteering down, the voice just isn’t quite right.
I love the 2011 The Muppets movie, with Jason Segel, and I always will, for both personal reasons — I was a new father whose then-1-year-old son was obsessed with Kermit — and also because it’s it’s just great on its own merits. Nothing the Muppets have come up with since has been anywhere close to that level, until now.
The Muppet Show is streaming now on Disney Plus.
