The Muppet Show (2026)
ABC | Release Date: February 4, 2026
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
81
METASCORE
Universal acclaim based on 22 Critic Reviews
Positive:
21
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
91
ConsequenceLiz Shannon MillerFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: What this new Muppet Show confirms is that in the hands of fans, Jim Henson’s legacy is safe — but specifically these fans, who understand the formula and know just how much to tweak it for today. Read full review
90
What's Alan Watching?Alan SepinwallMay 4, 2026
Season 1 Review: It turns out the formula still works like gangbusters when it's these characters involved. Especially when they're handled by writers and directors and performers who understand the very delicate mix of sweet optimism and manic chaos required. Read full review
90
Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewRob OwenFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: This “Muppet Show” is the sincerest effort yet to re-create the manic lunacy and charm of the original and feels of a piece with the series that started it all. Read full review
90
TimeJudy BermanFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: The revival is so satisfying that I only have one complaint: There’s too little of it. Read full review
90
TV GuideJen ChaneyFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: It's as clear as the nose on Gonzo's face after watching this special that it is absolutely time to get things started on a new Muppet Show, immediately. Read full review
90
Screen RantCher ThompsonFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: While the Muppets are able to hold their own without guest stars and glitz, The Muppet Show shines with the bonus of Carpenter carrying a classic-but-modern flair. Read full review
90
IGNTara Bennett Feb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: The Muppet Show deserves two flippers up and a Kermit flail for bringing the Muppet gang back to the format that showcases their comedy, creativity, and heart in the very best way. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesRobert LloydFeb 4, 2026
Season 1 Review: The overbooking conundrum builds to a sentimental speech from Kermit and a feel-good ending set to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Sentiment is consistent with the Muppets gestalt, but not really part of “The Muppet Show.” But I will excuse it, and hope they return with more. Read full review
80
SlateSam AdamsFeb 4, 2026
Season 1 Review: It’s not that every little bit is great, or zingy and self-contained enough to make for a good viral clip. (“I hope that you at least enjoyed some of it,” a sheepish Kermit says to his audience by way of a farewell.) But the overall effect is much greater than the sum of its parts, and quite enough to justify making more of these. Read full review
80
DeciderJoel KellerFeb 4, 2026
Season 1 Review: Seeing The Muppet Show back as if it never left is not only comforting and nostalgic, but it’s still really entertaining. Let’s hope Disney decides to go forward with a new series after the success of this special. Read full review
80
Washington PostLili LoofbourowFeb 4, 2026
Season 1 Review: "The Muppet Show" has never been about being great. It's been about feeling good. And on that front, boy does this silly little special deliver. Read full review
80
The New York TimesJames PoniewozikFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: “The Muppet Show,” it turns out, doesn’t need to be retooled for a new era, because the Muppets exist outside of time. These are, in fact, your grandparents’ Muppets, and your parents’. And yet they’re exactly the Muppets you need right now. Read full review
80
RogerEbert.comBrian TallericoFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: Maybe the best review I can give this Rogen/Goldberg reboot is the simplest: I hope they make many more of them. Read full review
80
TheWrapJesse HassengerFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: To say more about the specific segments would spoil the fun of watching “The Muppet Show” and marveling at the production numbers that are both cleverly elaborate feats of puppetry and sublimely silly vaudeville gag vehicles. Read full review
80
The TelegraphAnita Singh Feb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: This fidelity to the original is practically unheard of in the world of TV, where shows are not revived but “rebooted”, and always for the worse. Elements of this (embargoed by Disney) are transporting – suddenly you’re feeling joy and a fuzzy nostalgia. Read full review
80
The TimesBen DowellFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: It’s definitely a return to basics, and all the more joyous for it. Read full review
80
EmpireJohn NugentFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: This is a smart, silly revival of our favourite fuzzy heroes, executed with craft and care. More, please! Read full review
80
ColliderRoss BonaimeFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: The Muppet Show is a delightful return for this gang, and if this series (hopefully) gets picked up, the reboot will only get stronger and more refined. Read full review
75
IndieWireChristian ZilkoFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: When rebooting a property as beloved as “The Muppet Show,” the first priority is not to screw anything up. Rogen and company managed to achieve that, providing a nostalgic foundation that should give them as much runway as they want for future experimentation. Read full review
75
The Daily BeastNick SchagerFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: This charming return engagement melds the old with the new with great gonzo (or is that Great Gonzo?) flair. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: This is not The Muppet Show at its best, but it’s a return to what the Muppets do best. Read full review
60
The GuardianLucy ManganFeb 3, 2026
Season 1 Review: Look, it’s fine. If you have never seen the original, it’s probably even good. If you have, there are still moments that tease at taste and memory. Read full review
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