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Back like they never left, The Muppet Show is returning with a glitzy, star-studded special you won’t want to miss.
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all our favorite Muppets are returning to the stage on Feb. 4. The show’s return is thanks in part to Seth Rogen, who served as executive producer this time around. The actor and comedian is a self-proclaimed fan of the original show. The special will be available via ABC starting at 9 p.m. EST/PST and will stream on Disney+ at 12:00 a.m. PST / 3:00 a.m. EST.
Beyond our beloved puppet pals, Sabrina Carpenter is set to make an appearance along with comedian Maya Rudolph. Rogan will make a cameo in the special. Along with the rebirth of the show, fans will be treated to a 2026 version of The Muppet Show theme, which was created by Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Bill Sherman.
If you’re looking to tune in to The Muppet Show but don’t know where to start, ShopBillboard is breaking down how to watch without cable for free below. We’ll be showing you how you can watch the special the next day via Disney+. Keep reading to find out more.
How to Watch The Muppet Show For Free
As previously mentioned, The Muppet Show will air live on Feb. 4 via ABC at 9 p.m. EST/PST. Viewers will also be able to stream the show on Disney+ at 12:00 a.m. PST / 3:00 a.m. EST. Below you’ll find all the information you need to watch The Muppet Show online for free.
DIRECTV
If you’re looking to watch the show live, we implore you to consider DIRECTV. All of DIRECTV‘s packages include access to ABC as part of their base lineup, however we’d suggest the ENTERTAINMENT package.
This package is currently available for $89.99 a month and is perfect for those looking to tap into a slew of entertainment-based channels. If you’re unsure about committing to a new subscription, you can simply try the service out for free for five days, which will give you plenty of time to watch the two-hour special before canceling your subscription.
Disney+
If you don’t have time to catch The Muppet Show when it airs live, you can stream it with a subscription to Disney+. With ads, users will pay $11.99 a month while without ads, you’ll be paying $18.99 a month. This is a standalone plan that allows streaming on multiple devices at a time.
With this plan, you’ll be able to tune in to The Muppet Show, but you’ll gain access to a slew of classic Disney titles from animated flicks to music-themed watches like Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, Hamilton, Beyoncé’s Black Is King and so much more.
Sling Blue
Sling Blue is one of the easier ways to watch The Muppet Show special and costs $54.99 a month. Sling Blue includes 40+ channels including ABC, for The Muppet Show, along with CNN, TNT, NFL Network, Bravo, NBC and more. With your subscription, you’ll have access to the holiday special, along with all the live sports and news you could ever want. Unfortunately, Sling Blue does not have a free trial option.
Fubo
Another way to watch The Muppet Show special on ABC is via Fubo, which has a weeklong free trial available here. Fubo’s package includes a free DVR so you record the broadcast to watch the special back on-demand. Continue with one of Fubo’s streaming deals or cancel before your free trial is up to avoid being charged. The streaming service’s core plans, Pro, Elite and Delux, all have ABC. See details here.
Hulu + Live TV
Another option for our readers is a Hulu + Live TV subscription, given that ABC is included in the live TV channel lineup. The service’s live package includes major networks along with MTV, like CBS, NBC and more for all your live TV viewing needs.
A subscription to the service (with ads) will cost $89.99 per month, while the plan without ads goes for $99.99 per month. Both plans give you access to watch The Muppet Show live with ABC. You have access to stream The Muppet Show special thanks to both plan’s Disney+ inclusion. Your subscription gives you access to ESPN Select.
This subscription gives you access to the titles in Hulu’s library, along with live TV programs 24/7. This is one of the pricier plans on our list, however the bundle is well worth the price. This is thanks to the added Hulu titles, which include music-themed shows and movies like American Idol, The Voice, The Masked Singer, The Beatles: 8 Days a Week, Amy Winehouse: A Final Goodbye, Billie, Madonna and the Breakfast Club, Bad Rap, 69: The Saga of Danny Hernandez and more.
Watch the Trailer for The Muppet Show Special Here
The original The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson, ran from 1976 to 1981, which means it stopped airing nearly 45 years ago. It returned as Muppets Tonight from 1996-1998 on ABC. The show made a brief return in 2015, simply titled The Muppets, and ended in 2016. During its run, the series earned Emmy, Grammy, Peabody, BAFTA and numerous other awards. If you want to tune in to the OG show ahead of the 2026 special, all five seasons are available right now on Disney+.
