Entertainment
10 Guests Who Need To Appear Next on ‘The Muppet Show’ Reboot
The curtain rose once again as The Muppet Show returned with a one-off reboot episode. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original 1976 series, fans of the iconic Jim Henson characters fell back in love with the puppet sketch comedy show. Directed by Alex Timbers, The Muppet Show used the same beloved format, with Sabrina Carpenter as the featured guest star, with appearances by Seth Rogen and Maya Rudolph.
Reviving the show’s tone with humor, heart, and humanity, The Muppet Show‘s singular episode served as a potential backdoor pilot. Met with welcome praise, the prospect of a full reboot series is on many fans’ minds. Should it come to fruition, we’ve all begun to dream up potential celebrity cameos that could come with more episodes. Using a formula similar to the types of individuals who appeared during the original run, our list features actors playing iconic roles, the music industry’s finest, and some of the funniest people on the planet. It’s time to play the music and light the lights and welcome these potential stars to The Muppet Show.
1
RuPaul
If there is anyone who can slay The Muppet Show, it’s RuPaul. The reason that drag is mainstream is because of the hard work Ru has done with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Coming in or out of drag, RuPaul would match the high camp that’s inherently attached to The Muppet Show. Of course, RuPaul would bring enough glitter and sequins to truly make the episode sparkle and shine.
Now, this wouldn’t be the first collaboration between Ru and The Muppets. He has had cameos on other Muppet shows, as well as alongside Lady Gaga for her Thanksgiving special, while Miss Piggy stopped by Drag Race. Another RuPaul appearance would continue the tradition. Ru could help teach The Muppets to read while Miss Piggy instructs them as to how to throw shade. Then, of course, one of The Muppets would have to get in drag, officially. The episode could feature a lip sync for your life and a runway extravaganza. The options are endless! What’s clear is that RuPaul would most certainly bring charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent!
2
Josh Gad
With The Muppets being a part of the Disney family, some Disney legends would inevitably swing by to hang out with the gang. The perfect Disney legend, who just officially became a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, would be Josh Gad. While his appearance might then raise the question whether The Muppets are canonically in the MCU, a Muppet x Frozen crossover seems natural. As the voice of Olaf, Gad has a natural Muppet quality that would fit seamlessly into this world. His appearance could tie into a winter-themed episode in which they all have a sing-along to “Do You Want To Build a Snowman?”
Like a child at heart, Gad would bring the joy we have that’s inherent in The Muppets. He could be a perfect fit to do a sketch with Dr. Bunson Honeydew and Beaker. With so many brilliant actors who have lent their voices to Disney animation, many stars could fill this spot. When it comes to Gad, he has the Disney spirit in his heart. He would be a joyful guest host, to say the least. Plus, there would only be one possible way to end the show: warm hugs!
3
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
Even though their time together with Wicked has concluded, that doesn’t mean our two best friends can’t “hold space” for a guest spot on The Muppet Show. Both beloved for their voices and acting prowess, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo could defy gravity together again. If ever there was a moment to recognize how well pink goes with green, it’s at the home of the original home of where pink and green together began.
While they easily could appear as a solo act, The Muppet Show would serve as the perfect place for a reunion. They might even invite Jonathan Bailey to join them after he reunites with his Glinda on the West End. There’s no doubt that parodies alongside Miss Piggy and Kermit on “Popular” and “The Wizard and I,” respectively, would be on the docket. While it may be one short day at The Muppet Show, it’ll be one for the ages.
4
Ayo Edebiri
Some of the greatest guest hosts on The Muppet Show were the female comedians. From Madeline Kahn to Carol Burnett, their brilliant appearances mean the reboot would definitely call in a female comedian from this decade. Who better to ask than Ayo Edebiri! After her brilliant stint on Saturday Night Live, Edebiri knows how to do sketch comedy and do it well. With a whimsical quality, she would be a wonderful character actress who could match the zaniness around her.
Another major reason why you may see her on your screens is that she may be campaigning for a spot. As a diehard Muppets fan, having previously stated she’d love to steal Gonzo’s role in The Great Muppet Caper, it’s a match made in television heaven. Now, the big question: Would Gonzo be flattered or find an instant rival? Whichever direction it is, there’s already content built for Edibiri’s appearance. As a versatile performer, she might be the wildcard guest host we never knew we needed.
5
Olivia Colman
All hail the queen! The original run of The Muppet Show had many Hollywood greats swing by. From Rita Moreno to Raquel Welch, definitive actresses have brought some truly special episodes. To continue that tradition, Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Olivia Colman would be extraordinary. Though mainstream audiences are familiar with her dramatic works, including The Crown, she has many comedies on her resume. And in real life, she’s actually quite silly. Need proof? Check out any of her hilarious appearances on The Graham Norton Show.
A guest spot on The Muppet Show would allow Colman to flex her comedy chops alongside the cast in silly sketches that would give viewers a new perspective on her. Certainly, Miss Piggy will have something to say as to who the real queen is. Further, she could also showcase her softer side, as we saw on Heartstopper. There are certainly many fine actresses who could fill this spot, but Colman would be a bloody delight.
6
Bowen Yang
Comedians were mainstays during the original run, especially Saturday Night Live alumni and previous guest hosts. Like Gilda Radner, Steve Martin, and Candice Bergen before him, Bowen Yang would be an excellent option to follow in their footsteps. Having just seen Maya Rudolph in the one-off, an SNL star would have an ease into this world. Yang, who recently left his long-standing post, had always been tapped as the player who would play some of the most random creatures and objects, including Moo Deng and the Iceburg. Surely Yang would be willing to pop on any costume and lampoon anything.
Yang would serve as an excellent foil to Muppet stars like Fozzy Bear and Gonzo. His ability to match their energy would lead to some excellent sketches. Or, he could go full high-culture like Radner and do a Gilbert and Sullivan parody as she did with the “Carrots of Penzance.” Yang just seems like a logical option and someone who would adore the opportunity to join another iconic franchise.
7
Cole Escola
This may be the most random entry on this list, but assure you, there’s a method to the madness. Perhaps you may recognize Cole Escola from their brilliant Tony Award-winning performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in their original play, Oh, Mary! Fans of the show have begged the producers to cast Miss Piggy in the part. While that’s unlikely to come to fruition, Escola does have a connection to Miss Piggy: they are writing a Miss Piggy movie to be produced by Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence. Not only would this be a wonderful tie-in, but it would also be brilliantly chaotic.
If you’re unfamiliar with their work, luckily, they have made many talk show appearances where you can get a gauge of their energy. As someone who would go all out for the sake of comedy, Escola would likely be a part of any sketch while wearing any frock. Escola might even appear alongside Stone and Lawrence to pump up their future star! The Muppet Show was notorious for inviting wild card entertainers like Vincent Price, Peter Sellers, and Alice Cooper to play along. If there is one person who could benefit from this appearance, it’s Escola.
8
David Corenswet
To mirror one of the most memorable appearances from the original run, when Superman himself, Christopher Reeve, dropped in, the new revival could welcome our current Man of Steel, David Corenswet. With those beautiful baby blues, this genuine heartthrob might surely be pursued by Miss Piggy just like Reeve was. With a Juilliard background, he, too, could slip in and offer up some Shakespeare. The range of possible sketches and characters he could share screen time with could make for a fun appearance.
As one of Hollywood’s quickest rising stars, Corenswet could continue to expand his reach to a larger audience. Perhaps the only hiccup is if you expect Superman to appear, the House of Mouse owns Marvel, and Superman is DC. That said, throw on some sexy little glasses, and you get Clark Kent. This guest spot would be a modern take on nostalgia, especially for the individuals who grew up with the original run.
9
Chappell Roan
As we saw at the end with the company-wide Queen sing-along, there’s no doubt The Muppets wouldn’t want to capitalize on a finals number featuring the modern classic, “Pink Pony Club.” And who better to lead it than pop’s rising star, Chappell Roan. A singer who is the modern representation of camp in pop music, Roan’s appearance could easily mirror the iconic guest spot by Elton John during the original run. With innate flamboyance and a flair for the dramatics, Roan would bring the same energy John brought during “Bennie and the Jets.”
There are all sorts of options for what Roan and The Muppets could do. Surely we could see a newfound recurring bit in which Miss Piggy might be wearing the same attire as Roan. She has worn a pig prosthetic before, so it’s not far-fetched! Like many pop stars who have graced The Muppet Show stage, they represented the music of the moment. No one is more of the moment than the Midwest Princess!
10
Olivia Rodrigo
Just like Sabrina Carpenter, a modern pop star with an association with Disney is destined. While it could be Miley Cyrus, who could revive Hannah Montana, the more likely option would be former High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star Olivia Rodrigo. Drawing on her HSMTMTS days and her iconic songbook, Rodrigo could bring a fun edge to the show. We’ve seen SNL lampoon “Drivers License” via sing-along, so it’s feasible The Muppets might carry on the tradition.
The joy of the reboot episode was the show’s ability to bridge the generation gap. By maintaining the spirit of the original and welcoming modern stars, The Muppets can be a multigenerational watch. Rodrigo’s youthful vibe matches Carpenter, but brings a different aura that would make her visit different. Charismatic and theatrical, Rodrigo would be a wonderful guest host. Now, who will join her on “Vampire” dressed as a vampire? My money’s on Rizzo.
The Muppet Show
- Release Date
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February 4, 2026
- Director
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Alex Timbers
- Writers
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Albertina Rizzo, Kelly Younger, Jim Henson
- Producers
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Matt Vogel, Seth Rogen, Alex McAtee, Eric Jacobson, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Sabrina Carpenter, Michael Steinbach, David Lightbody