It’s time to play the music and light the lights — The Muppet Show is returning to television tonight with a brand-new half-hour special celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary. The special airs on ABC at 9 p.m. and is also streaming on Disney+, bringing a wave of nostalgia to longtime fans and introducing a new generation to the beloved chaos of the Muppet Theatre.
Alongside iconic characters like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, the anniversary special will feature guest stars Sabrina Carpenter, Maya Rudolph, and Seth Rogen — a fitting mix of music, comedy, and modern star power to honor the legacy of one of television’s most influential variety shows.
From a Frog and a Dream
The Muppets were created by legendary puppeteer Jim Henson in the 1950s, with Kermit the Frog emerging as his earliest and most recognizable creation. Originally aimed at adults, the Muppets first appeared in 1955 on Sam and Friends, a short-form TV series produced for WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the 1960s, Muppet characters — especially Kermit and Rowlf the Dog — popped up in late-night talk show skits and television commercials, including appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Rowlf made history as the first Muppet to appear regularly on network television through his role on The Jimmy Dean Show. In 1966, Henson was tapped to create characters for Sesame Street, which debuted in 1969 and gave the Muppets massive exposure.
A Show for Grown-Ups (and Kids Too)
Despite the success of Sesame Street, Henson worried he was becoming typecast as a children’s entertainer. He envisioned a more adult-oriented variety show, blending satire, music, and celebrity guest appearances. Early attempts included sketches on the first season of Saturday Night Live and two ABC specials in 1974 and 1975, but U.S. networks passed, believing Muppets would only appeal to kids.
That changed when British network ATV took a chance, offering Henson the opportunity to produce the show in England. The Muppet Show premiered in the UK in September 1976 and quickly became a sensation, drawing around 14 million viewers on Sunday nights by December.
A Global Phenomenon
The show’s success soon led to syndication in the United States and around the world. By its third season in 1978, The Muppet Show reached an astonishing weekly global audience of 235 million viewers.
Early on, producers relied on personal connections to secure guest stars, since appearing on the show required travel to Britain. That changed dramatically when famed ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev volunteered to appear. The resulting publicity transformed The Muppet Show into one of the most sought-after television bookings in entertainment.
In total, the series featured 120 celebrity hosts, with a strict rule: no guest could host more than once during the original six-year run. (John Denver was a rare exception, appearing on the show and in two Christmas specials.)
Awards, Miss Piggy, and Lasting Legacy
Rita Moreno hosted the very first episode and won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance. The following year, Peter Sellers — who appeared entirely in character rather than as himself — and Bernadette Peters earned Emmy nominations. Since guests couldn’t return, they were often granted special requests, such as sharing scenes with their favorite Muppet. Miss Piggy was reportedly the most requested, followed closely by the wild and unpredictable Animal.
The Muppet Show ran for five seasons from 1976 to 1981, earning numerous honors including BAFTA TV Awards, a Primetime Emmy, a Peabody Award, and even a Grammy. Its popularity led to multiple feature films, beginning with The Muppet Movie in 1979. In 2004, the beloved characters officially became part of the Disney family.
The Curtain Rises Again
Fifty years later, the Muppets remain a cultural touchstone — witty, heartfelt, and delightfully absurd. Tonight’s anniversary special isn’t just a celebration of a show, but of a legacy that proved puppets could entertain everyone. So grab a seat, cue the theme song, and enjoy the return of the Muppets — because some things never go out of style.