The entertainment world is bracing for a collision of two blonde icons as the legendary Muppets prepare for their grand return to the small screen. In a move that bridges generational gaps and blends contemporary pop stardom with classic variety show whimsy, Sabrina Carpenter is set to guest star in the highly anticipated revival of The Muppet Show. Premiering February 4 simultaneously on Disney+ and ABC, the special marks a significant milestone for the franchise, arriving five decades after Jim Henson first introduced his band of felt misfits to the world in 1976. However, the real drama isn’t happening backstage—it’s happening right in front of the cameras, where a playful power struggle has emerged between the "Espresso" singer and the world’s most famous porcine diva, Miss Piggy.
During a recent promotional circuit for the special, the tension—however tongue-in-cheek—was palpable. In an exclusive exchange with E! News, the two stars traded barbs that highlighted their remarkably similar "it-girl" energies. When asked if she felt any nerves sharing the stage with a modern-day Grammy winner, Miss Piggy was characteristically dismissive of anyone else’s star power. Balking at the suggestion of being intimidated, Piggy insisted that the power dynamic was quite the opposite. She suggested that viewers should instead ask Carpenter if she felt overwhelmed by the presence of a global icon such as "moi." To ensure there was no confusion, Piggy doubled down, advising the press not to bother asking the singer at all, but rather to take her word for it: Carpenter was, in her estimation, "very intimidated."
Sabrina Carpenter, currently enjoying a meteoric rise in the music industry following the massive success of her "Short n’ Sweet" era, took the banter in stride. In a clip from the upcoming special, the 26-year-old singer leans into the adoration, confessing to Miss Piggy that she has long looked up to the fashion-forward Muppet. Carpenter admitted that her own aesthetic—noted for its vintage glamour, high-glitz costumes, and unapologetic femininity—is largely modeled after Piggy’s signature style. The compliment, however, was met with a classic Piggy retort involving legal threats. Acknowledging that her legal team had already "taken notice" of the similarities, Piggy quipped that her attorneys would be in touch regarding the potential copyright of her persona.
While the rivalry provides the comedic sparks, the show’s more grounded elements are held together by Kermit the Frog. Always the diplomat, Kermit stepped in to smooth over the diva-off, praising Carpenter’s dual talents as both a vocalist and an actress. He emphasized how rewarding it was to share the stage with a performer of her caliber, though Piggy was quick to offer a skeptical side-eye before begrudgingly agreeing with the sentiment.
The revival is more than just a showcase for pop stars; it is a high-production effort executive produced by comedy heavyweight Seth Rogen. Rogen, who also appears in the special alongside Saturday Night Live icon Maya Rudolph, has been a lifelong fan of the Muppets. According to Kermit, Rogen’s involvement was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, noting that the actor was willing to do whatever was necessary to honor the legacy of the original sketch series. Miss Piggy, predictably, seemed unaware of the hierarchy, expressing genuine surprise that Rogen held an executive title, perhaps assuming that all creative decisions began and ended with her.
As the Muppets prepare to reclaim their throne in the cultural zeitgeist this February, they are leading a massive wave of new and returning television programming that promises to keep audiences glued to their screens throughout the spring and summer. From high-stakes dramas to nostalgic reboots, the upcoming television calendar is packed with must-watch content.
The reality television landscape kicks off the month with the return of Below Deck Down Under on Bravo, airing February 2. Captain Jason Chambers returns to the luxury superyacht Katina, navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the even more treacherous interpersonal dynamics of his crew. Fan favorites like Chef Ben Robinson and Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher return to lead their respective departments, while the interior and deck teams see a mix of new faces and returning veterans like Alesia Harris and João Franco.
For fans of legal thrillers, Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer returns for a fourth season on February 5. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo reprises his role as Mickey Haller, the defense attorney who famously operates out of the back of his car. This season, adapted from Michael Connelly’s The Law of Innocence, finds Haller in the most precarious position of his career: defending himself against a murder charge. The season promises a deep dive into Mickey’s past as he battles the FBI and the District Attorney’s office to clear his name.
Nostalgia continues to be a driving force in 2025 programming. Peacock will debut a modern reimagining of the 1989 horror-comedy The ‘Burbs on February 8. The series updates the cult classic’s premise for the modern era, following a young couple who move back to the husband’s childhood neighborhood only to find that the quiet cul-de-sac hides deadly secrets and suspicious new neighbors. Meanwhile, Hulu brings back The Artful Dodger on February 10. The high-energy Dickensian spin-off finds Jack Dawkins facing the gallows and a complicated love triangle involving Lady Belle and a new antagonist, Inspector Boxer.
Animation fans have plenty to look forward to with the mid-February return of Fox’s heavy hitters. Family Guy enters its 24th season on February 15, followed by the milestone 20th season of American Dad on February 22. These long-running staples continue to anchor the network’s Sunday night comedy block, proving that the appetite for irreverent social satire remains as strong as ever.
Apple TV+ is also expanding its roster of prestige dramas. The Last Thing He Told Me returns for its second season on February 20, with Jennifer Garner and Angourie Rice continuing their search for answers regarding the disappearance of Owen, played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Later in the month, on February 27, the platform will debut the second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The sweeping Godzilla-centric saga moves the action to Kong’s Skull Island, introducing a new "mythical Titan" and exploring the generational trauma of the families caught in the crossfire of monster attacks.
One of the most anticipated returns of the year is the third season of Euphoria on HBO, set for April 12. After a three-year hiatus, creator Sam Levinson is implementing a five-year time jump, moving the characters out of the hallways of East Highland High and into the complexities of their early twenties. Starring Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney, the new season is expected to be as provocative as ever, with Sweeney recently hinting at the show’s continued commitment to boundary-pushing content.
The summer months and beyond hold even more surprises. Prime Video will explore the origins of a cinematic icon with Elle, a Legally Blonde prequel series following a teenage Elle Woods in high school. Reese Witherspoon, who serves as a producer, expressed her excitement over newcomer Lexi Minetree’s portrayal of the character, promising a series that captures the kindness and authenticity that made the original films a global phenomenon.
Looking further ahead into 2026, the industry is already buzzing about several high-profile projects. HGTV is planning a massive crossover event with Bachelor Mansion Takeover, where former stars of the dating franchise will use their renovation skills to give the iconic mansion a complete overhaul. Additionally, Netflix is tapping into Nickelodeon nostalgia with Hollywood Arts, a Victorious spin-off starring Daniella Monet as Trina Vega, who returns to her alma mater as a substitute teacher.
Whether it’s the biting wit of Miss Piggy or the high-stakes drama of the courtroom, the next several months of television offer a diverse array of storytelling. As Sabrina Carpenter proves by joining the Muppets, the most compelling entertainment often comes from the most unexpected pairings. As the February 4 premiere of The Muppet Show approaches, fans are eager to see if Carpenter can survive her encounter with the world’s most demanding diva—or if Miss Piggy’s attorneys will truly be in touch.
