The Muppets Conquer UK Charts On Disney+ as Back-to-Basics Gamble Pays Off

The Walt Disney Company has officially confirmed that the Muppets are back in the big time. Since its debut on 4th February, The Muppet Show anniversary special has reached nearly 8 million viewers globally, sparking a 125-million-hour binge-watch of legacy Muppet content on Disney+.

But beneath these global millions lies a specific triumph for the UK market, where the Muppets have reclaimed their status.

The British Vaudeville Revival

While US audiences are viewing this as a fresh hit, UK fans and critics are treating it as a return to form for a franchise that was famously filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. There’s more than a touch of nostalgia for the old format in the new show.

Reviewers from The Guardian and TechRadar UK have noted that the special's success stems from its refusal to "Americanise" the humour further. By returning to the original vaudevillian variety format, complete with the iconic Muppet Theatre and the dreaded laugh track, Disney has tapped into a specific vein of British nostalgia.

The Muppet’s Unique Vaudeville Style

The reason The Muppet Show always felt so unique is that it was an American creator (Jim Henson) using the American Vaudeville format, but filming it inside a British Music Hall setting (Elstree Studios). It created a hybrid Anglo-American Vaudeville that the 2026 special returns to:

• The Muppet Theatre itself looks like a classic Victorian London Music Hall (velvet curtains, gold leaf, ornate boxes).

• Statler and Waldorf are the ultimate personification of the grumpy British Music Hall heckler.

• The guest stars represent the American Vaudeville tradition of the Top of the Bill celebrity.

The anniversary special's success in 2026 is essentially a full-circle moment, that brings that hybrid Anglo-American style back to modern screens. It feels fresh and funny but with a modern hook.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Top of the Bill

The data shows that the special didn't just appeal to those who remember the 1970s original. The casting of Sabrina Carpenter, who also served as an Executive Producer, has been a masterstroke for the UK's Gen Z demographic.

Her duet of "Islands in the Stream" with Kermit has become a viral sensation on UK social media, bridging the gap between parents who remember the original and children who know Carpenter from the global charts.

The anniversary special has captivated such a large audience because it is crossing the generation gap in a light-hearted and family-fun way. You enjoy sitting down to watch the show as a family because it has something for all ages.

Disney Plus and The Muppets Success: Stats

The show’s anniversary special has been a huge success on Disney Plus both in the UK and in the US. Here are some of the interesting stats:

A Message From Kermit

The success of this show on Disney+ has even been recognised by Kermit himself, as he shared a message via his Instagram channel to thank the shows fans, which you can see below:

Why This Matters for the UK Audience

Insiders suggest the nearly 8 million viewers have all but guaranteed a full series order. For the UK, this could mean a return to the production styles that made the original a staple of British TV.

It’s also huge news for Muppets fans longing to sit in front of fresh yet nostalgic comedy that is suitable for all the family.

This success also comes just as Disney+ and Sky have announced a joint streaming option, so this may be another reason for people to consider the bundle. Take a look at How to get Disney+ included with your Sky TV subscription (March 2026 Update) for more.

Magic in a Minute

After years of experimental movies and mockumentary-style shows that missed the mark, the Muppets have finally remembered that they belong on a stage, in a theatre, with a guest star and a very grumpy balcony.