The revival of the beloved variety series, The Muppet Show, is already proving to be a major hit. Since premiering on February 4, the special has drawn an impressive 7.58 million multiplatform viewers across ABC and Disney+. That strong audience turnout comes alongside glowing reviews, with the show earning a stellar 98% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Those numbers are especially encouraging given that, when the project was first announced, insiders suggested it could potentially act as a backdoor pilot for a full-fledged return of the iconic series.

The special featured a star-studded lineup of guest appearances, including Sabrina Carpenter, Maya Rudolph, and Seth Rogen. Rogen and Carpenter also served as executive producers. In the special, the Muppets return to the Muppet Theater, reuniting to stage a fresh take on their classic variety show format.

Alex Timbers directed and executive produced the project. Executive producers also included Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee for Point Grey Pictures, along with David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, and Michael Steinbach for The Muppets Studio. Carpenter was joined in executive producing by Albertina Rizzo, Matt Vogel, and Eric Jacobson. The special was produced by 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Point Grey Pictures.

Longtime Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman, and Matt Vogel brought most of the beloved characters to life, supported by an extended team of puppeteers. Notably, Goelz, who has been part of The Muppets family for more than 50 years, was a performer on the original “The Muppet Show” and famously originated fan-favorite characters including Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.