The Muppet Show's 50th Anniversary Special: A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Disney+ Revival
This year marks the alleged 50th anniversary of The Muppet Show, a milestone that might make some of us feel our age, but let's not dwell on that. Instead, we celebrate the magic of Jim Henson's creation, which brought chaotic vaudeville charm to television screens with an unforgettable cast of puppets. From Miss Piggy's diva antics to Gonzo's eccentricities and the Swedish Chef's culinary chaos, the show was a weekly dose of joy, held together by the earnest Kermit the Frog and his assistant Scooter, all under the watchful, cantankerous eyes of Statler and Waldorf.
A Star-Studded Commemoration on Disney+
To commemorate this golden anniversary, Disney, which acquired the Muppet rights in 2004, has reunited the old gang for a one-off half-hour special on Disney+. Guest appearances from Sabrina Carpenter, Seth Rogen (who also serves as executive producer), and Maya Rudolph add a modern twist to the classic format. The effort to revive the spirit is palpable; everyone involved clearly wants to deliver a moment of happiness in these challenging times, acknowledging that we all deserve a brief escape from the darkness.
Moments of Magic and Missed Opportunities
The special has its highlights, particularly for those new to The Muppet Show. Miss Piggy's interactions, such as her sweet yet threatening response to Sabrina Carpenter's admiration, capture her inimitable character. A Bridgerton pastiche with pigs in Regency wigs and Dr Bunsen Honeydew's experiment on Beaker evoke the original's whimsical humour. However, the script often feels drab, with jokes that beg for refinement, including some that might be better left on the cutting room floor. This raises questions: was this a rush job, or has the show's time simply passed in an era that struggles with frivolity?
The Jarring Change in Kermit's Voice
One significant hurdle for long-time fans is Kermit's voice. Originally performed by Jim Henson until his death in 1990, then by Steve Whitmire until his dismissal, the role now falls to Matt Vogel. While Vogel performs competently, his rendition sounds jarringly different to those accustomed to the earlier versions, potentially distancing the magic for older viewers. Yet, this may be a generational shift, as new audiences might not notice the change.
A Gateway to the Original Series
Despite its flaws, the special serves a valuable purpose. It can entertain children for half an hour, introducing them to iconic characters like Miss Piggy, and it alerts parents that all five series of the original The Muppet Show are available on Disney+. This could be a soothing escape, encouraging families to hunker down and revisit simpler, happier times through the classic episodes.
The Muppet Show 50th anniversary special is available on Disney+ from 4 February. While it may not fully recapture the original's sparkle, it offers enough charm to build upon if a series revival follows, reminding us that in unfrivolous times, a bit of Muppetational joy is still worth seeking.
