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The Muppets are experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, marked by multiple high-profile appearances and industry recognition. Disney+’s revival of “The Muppet Show” earned six Emmy nominations, including a nod for outstanding variety special. The beloved characters also made a memorable appearance at the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, performing alongside major artists including Madonna and Justin Bieber. Additionally, a new attraction themed around the Muppets opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Orlando earlier this year.
Industry professionals involved with the franchise are optimistic about the renewed momentum. Eric Jacobson, who performs Miss Piggy and served as an executive producer on the Disney+ revival, expressed enthusiasm about the current trajectory. Leigh Slaughter, vice president of Muppets Studio and another executive producer on the special, emphasized the significant momentum behind the characters and stressed the importance of maintaining their authenticity.
However, the Muppets’ recent history reveals an inconsistent path to success. Following Jim Henson’s death in 1990, the franchise struggled to maintain its former prominence despite being acquired by Disney in 2004. Several attempts at reviving the property—including a 2015 ABC series and a short-form Disney+ show—failed to gain traction with audiences. Industry observers hope the current revival represents a turning point rather than another temporary resurgence, though studio executives remain focused on carefully planning future projects that align with both the characters’ essence and Disney’s broader strategy.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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