Kermit the Frog, the iconic green Muppet created by the late Jim Henson, has a television history that stretches back nearly to the medium’s earliest years. Few characters have evolved so gracefully alongside TV itself.
Early Beginnings in 1950s Television
Kermit first appeared on a local television program in Washington, D.C., during the mid-1950s. As television expanded rapidly across America, the character quietly grew with it.
By the late 1960s, Kermit had become one of the standout Muppet personalities on Sesame Street, the educational preschool series where the Muppets have thrived for decades.
From TV Specials to a Variety Show Breakthrough
In the mid-1970s, ABC aired two Muppet television specials in 1974 and 1975. While creatively ambitious, those early efforts failed to connect with a broad audience.
Everything changed in 1976 when Henson moved the Muppets into TV syndication with a classic variety program inspired by old-school vaudeville. This new format proved to be a perfect fit.
The Golden Era of The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show ran for five highly successful years and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Kermit served as the calm, endlessly patient host of a chaotic theater where Muppets and human guest stars staged a weekly performance.
Meanwhile, the sharp-tongued duo Statler and Waldorf heckled the show relentlessly from their balcony seats, becoming fan favorites in their own right. Celebrity guests lined up to appear, ranging from vaudeville legends like George Burns and Milton Berle to contemporary stars such as Linda Ronstadt, Elton John, and Steve Martin.
Attempts to Modernize the Franchise
As the Muppets transitioned into films, ABC repeatedly tried to revive the original television magic. In 1996, Jim Henson’s son Brian produced Muppets Tonight, a clever reboot set inside a television studio, echoing the sketch-comedy style of SCTV.
Years later, in 2020, Disney, now the corporate owner of ABC, released Muppets Now on Disney+. This version targeted internet audiences and shifted leadership from Kermit to Scooter, a change that failed to win over longtime fans.
A Back-to-Basics Revival for 2026
For 2026, ABC has reversed course and returned to the formula that originally worked. Director Alex Timbers and his writing team restored Kermit as the central host, brought back the classic theater setting, and reinstalled Statler and Waldorf in their familiar balcony seats.
With a fresh generation of writers and puppeteers, this new version captures the same charm and energy that made the original debut so memorable 50 years ago.
Star Guests and Classic Muppet Chaos
The revival features several high-profile guests. Maya Rudolph appears seated among the theater audience, marking one of the few updates to the format—humans and Muppets now sit together. Seth Rogen, also an executive producer, takes part as well.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter shines in musical performances and comedy sketches, echoing the role Linda Ronstadt once played. In one standout scene, Miss Piggy storms into Carpenter’s dressing room, accidentally flattening Kermit, who groans in pain while desperately hiding from her.
Miss Piggy and Carpenter both sing during the show, while comedy comes fast and loud from Kermit, the Swedish Chef, Pepé the King Prawn, Fozzie Bear, Beaker, Janice, Gonzo, Animal, and—stealing the spotlight yet again—Statler and Waldorf.
A Timeless Formula That Still Works
This latest revival of The Muppet Show proves that sometimes the best way forward is to look back. By restoring Kermit’s leadership, embracing the classic theater setting, and trusting strong writing and puppetry, ABC has delivered a version that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Statler and Waldorf may grumble as always—but for fans old and new, this return to form is pure joy.