50 Years "Muppet Show": Applause, Applause, Applause! - Disney+ celebrates The Muppet Show's 50th with a star-studded special—but Germany misses out
Disney+ is marking the 50th anniversary of The Muppet Show with a brand-new special, set to premiere on February 4, 2026. The event will blend music, comedy, and the classic vaudeville-style antics that made the original series a hit. However, fans in Germany will not find the 1976–1981 episodes on any streaming service or TV channel.
The special features pop star Sabrina Carpenter as the human guest, alongside beloved characters like Kermit the Frog, Gonzo, and Miss Piggy. Brief appearances from Seth Rogen and Maya Rudolph add to the star-studded lineup. Yet the absence of the original series from German platforms leaves many wondering when—or if—the classic episodes will return.
The Muppet Show first aired in September 1976, debuting in Germany on ZDF a year later. It was never just a children's programme. Instead, it parodied a struggling vaudeville troupe while satirising media and show business. Kermit, the frazzled host and manager, led a cast of eccentric performers, including Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and the diva Miss Piggy. The show's opening theme and the heckling duo Statler and Waldorf became iconic.
The original series hosted a long list of celebrity guests, from Rita Moreno to Diana Ross and Shirley Bassey. German singer Mary Roos was the first guest from the country, appearing after her duet with comedian Hape Kerkeling. Creator Jim Henson once claimed 'Muppet' came from blending 'marionette' and 'puppet', though he later dismissed that explanation.
Despite its enduring popularity, the original episodes remain unavailable in Germany. Licensing issues may be to blame, as Disney owns the rights but has yet to add the full series to its catalogue. The new special offers a taste of the classic format but does not replace the missing episodes.
The 50th-anniversary special arrives on Disney+ in early 2026, giving fans a fresh dose of Muppet humour and music. But the absence of the original series on German platforms means viewers cannot revisit the full run of episodes. For now, the special stands as the only way to experience The Muppet Show in its familiar, chaotic glory.
