It is a rare feat in Hollywood to reboot a 50-year-old franchise and satisfy both cynical critics and die-hard fans, yet Disney’s new anniversary special has done exactly that. Despite the modest linear TV ratings typical of modern variety specials, the reception has been nothing short of a miracle. The project has quietly become one of the most beloved modern Muppet entries, proving that the felt-and-fur gang doesn’t need a gritty rebrand—they just need to be themselves.
The data confirms the hype. Following its February 4 premiere, the special maintains a stunning 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. While it debuted with a perfect 100%, the addition of more reviews has only solidified its status as a “Certified Fresh” hit, with audience approval holding strong in the mid-90s. These numbers don’t just beat out the 2015 ABC mockumentary series; they put the special on par with the legendary 1970s original. Critics are calling it the “sincerest effort yet” to recreate the “manic lunacy” of Jim Henson’s era. As IndieWire noted, the creative team’s biggest success was that they “didn’t screw anything up,” proving that the Muppets are finally safe in the hands of fans who understand the formula.
The emotional payoff for the audience has been just as significant. On fan threads and social media, the sentiment is one of pure relief. One fan described the experience as a “joyous nuclear blast amid a collapsing world,” while others marveled at the “complete pandemonium” of the opening number. The special leaned heavily into fan service that felt earned rather than hollow, featuring deep-cut cameos from characters like Robin, Bean Bunny, and Hilda (who had her first speaking line since season one of the original series). Viewers reported a rare modern phenomenon: putting their phones down for the entire 32-minute runtime just to soak in the “light-hearted break” from reality.
If you weren’t watching the broadcast, you certainly saw the highlights on your feed. The special was practically built for viral success, headlined by Sabrina Carpenter, whose “playful diva energy” made her the perfect foil for Miss Piggy. Clips of Carpenter clobbering Muppets in a dive bar during her hit “Manchild”—backed by a chorus of chickens—spread instantly. However, the undisputed king of the night was Rizzo the Rat, whose neon-soaked cover of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” became an overnight meme. These moments highlight a key truth: the Muppets understand internet humor and “chaos culture” better than most human celebrities ever will.
Whether this special serves as a “backdoor pilot” for a full series revival remains to be seen, but the message from the public is clear. By embracing the weirdness, the warmth, and the trademark “controlled chaos,” this special has reminded us why we love these characters. Disney let the Muppets “cook,” and the result was a “warm blanket” of nostalgia that has left everyone begging for more.