'The Muppet Show' Revival Is Exactly What We Need Right Now Judy BermanFebruary 4, 2026 at 9:07 AM 1 Sabrina Carpenter with the Muppets in The Muppet Show Credit Disney—Mitch Haaseth In the decades since viewers in the Washington, D.C., market got their first glimpse of Kermit the Frog, in the 1955 sketch series Sam and Friends, there have been many Muppet shows. Eighties kids were raised on Muppet Babies. A shortlived 2015 sitcom titled, simply, The Muppets chronicled Miss Piggy's stint as a talkshow host in the trendy mockumentary style of The Office.

- - 'The Muppet Show' Revival Is Exactly What We Need Right Now

Judy BermanFebruary 4, 2026 at 9:07 AM

Sabrina Carpenter with the Muppets in The Muppet Show Credit - Disney—Mitch Haaseth

In the decades since viewers in the Washington, D.C., market got their first glimpse of Kermit the Frog, in the 1955 sketch series Sam and Friends, there have been many Muppet shows. Eighties kids were raised on Muppet Babies. A short-lived 2015 sitcom titled, simply, The Muppets chronicled Miss Piggy's stint as a talk-show host in the trendy mockumentary style of The Office. But if we're being honest, there has only ever been one great Muppet Show—and the majority of Muppet TV projects, from Muppets Tonight in the 1990s to 2020's single-season Disney+ variety show Muppets Now, have been thinly veiled attempts to revive it. Which raises the question: In this era of endless reboots and sequels, why not just bring back The Muppet Show?

Well, it's finally happening. On Feb. 4, ABC and Disney+ will unveil a program that actually calls itself The Muppet Show—and, more importantly, recaptures both the format and the soul of the '70s original. For this estimable achievement, we can thank a team of executive producers that includes Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, on a hot streak following The Studio, as well as plenty of Jim Henson Company and late-night veterans. Guest starring is Sabrina Carpenter (also an executive producer), whose Miss-Piggy-meets-Betty-Boop persona makes her the ideal current celebrity for the gig. Every beloved character is back. The revival is so satisfying that I only have one complaint: There's too little of it. The single half-hour episode is billed as a special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Muppet Show. The public demands more Muppets!

The Muppet ShowDisney—Mitch Haaseth" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bjaq8p_LqMRH.F0IfVrwXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_time_773/8705c6c300fc21c9e23ba46071f5dece>The Muppet ShowDisney—Mitch Haaseth" src=https://ift.tt/Ey5Cbrm class=caas-img>The Muppet ShowDisney—Mitch Haaseth

Of course, that's precisely the response Disney seems to be seeking. Our host and showrunner of the Muppets' show-within-the-show, Kermit, wryly acknowledges as much in an anxious opening monologue that touts the characters' return to the original Muppet Theatre: "We are so excited to be back on the very stage where it all started, and then ended, and then is maybe starting again, depending on how tonight goes." (I won't spoil the derisive Statler-and-Waldorf banter that follows; just know that it happens, and it's delightful.) Some savvy executive clearly realized that it would be more effective to juice demand for a full season by airing one stellar episode that leaves viewers wanting more than to add The Muppet Show to ABC's weekly schedule and let it get lost in a sea of 9-1-1 spinoffs.

If that was indeed the plan, then it has been smartly executed. Maybe the key was to not fix what was never broken. The balance of variety acts and behind-the-scenes shenanigans is very close to what it was in the original series. The segments are mostly familiar crowd pleasers, from the Great Gonzo's inept daredevilry to the mad science of Bunsen and Beaker. Carpenter gets several musical numbers, an obvious but entertaining love triangle with a sheepish Kermit and an incandescently jealous Miss Piggy, and plenty of opportunities for self-aware, PG-13 humor. (Kermit: "We're still working out a few kinks." Carpenter: "That's all right. I love a kink.") Instead of overloading the special with celebrity cameos, we get appearances by Rogen and Maya Rudolph, who appeal to a broad audience and are always a pleasure to see (though it does seem like a bit of a waste to book Rudolph for this kind of gig and not have her sing).

The Muppet ShowDisney—Mitch Haaseth" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gDD1HXD5mNGA6cBUloJpFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_time_773/524f375c11214c183c41d3fa74b4ecb2>The Muppet ShowDisney—Mitch Haaseth" src=https://ift.tt/BGWr1MY class=caas-img>Seth Rogen with Fozzie Bear in The Muppet ShowDisney—Mitch Haaseth

A few adjustments have been made to make the show work in 2026. Sketches are a bit punchier and backdrops more elaborate, though not in a way that undermines the Muppets' scrappy, analog aesthetic. The cultural references are just current enough to feel fresh, with a minimum of internetty pandering. This subtlety seems wise. Muppets Now tried to update The Muppet Show for the streaming era, and while it did a fine job, that wasn't really necessary. The original series took cues from vaudeville, which was certainly not a cutting-edge genre in the disco era. But those tropes felt classic, not dated; half a century later, they still do. And it's comforting to revisit them, paired once again with a couple dozen immortal marionettes that have been part of the family-entertainment firmament for as long as most viewers have been alive—especially in the depths of this winter of our collective discontent.

It's going to be hard to maintain the quality of the special over a full season, but I sure hope Disney gives this set of producers the chance to try. Because they evidently understand, as much as any steward of the franchise has in the decades since Jim Henson's death, that The Muppet Show is timeless. Muppets now? No, Muppets forever.

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Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

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'The Muppet Show' Revival Is Exactly What We Need Right Now

'The Muppet Show' Revival Is Exactly What We Need Right Now Judy BermanFebruary 4, 2026 at 9:07 AM 1 Sabrina Car...

New Photo - Susan Lucci recalls stunned disbelief when she won first Daytime Emmy after losing 18 times: 'Are...

&34;Winning is definitely better!&34; she jokes in her new memoir, &34;La Lucci.&34; Susan Lucci recalls stunned disbelief when she won first Daytime Emmy after losing 18 times: 'Are you sure?' &34;Winning is definitely better!&34; she jokes in her new memoir, &34;La Lucci.&34; By Ryan Coleman :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/RyanColemanauthorphoto0081ce8f0254478080f35972c433877b.jpg) Ryan Coleman Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books. EW's editorial guidelines February 3, 2026 7:51 p.m.

"Winning is definitely better!" she jokes in her new memoir, "La Lucci."

Susan Lucci recalls stunned disbelief when she won first Daytime Emmy after losing 18 times: 'Are you sure?'

"Winning is definitely better!" she jokes in her new memoir, "La Lucci."

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Bad Bunny's "Immaculate" Transformation Goes Viral After His Historical Grammy Win Binitha JacobFebruary 4, 2026 at 8:07 AM 0 Bad Bunny's glowup is quickly becoming one of the most talkedabout transformations on the internet. Without a doubt, the Latin singer is the arist of the hour, with a victorious Grammy night behind him, where he won the coveted Album of the Year trophy, and the 2026 Super Bowl Performance ahead of him. Fans are not only reflecting on his growth as an artist but also his physical reinvention.

- - Bad Bunny's "Immaculate" Transformation Goes Viral After His Historical Grammy Win

Binitha JacobFebruary 4, 2026 at 8:07 AM

Bad Bunny's glow-up is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about transformations on the internet.

Without a doubt, the Latin singer is the arist of the hour, with a victorious Grammy night behind him, where he won the coveted Album of the Year trophy, and the 2026 Super Bowl Performance ahead of him.

Fans are not only reflecting on his growth as an artist but also his physical reinvention.

Bad Bunny's glow-up is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about transformations on the internet

Image credits: Recording Academy / GRAMMYs

It's been nearly 10 years since Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, broke out into the scene in his 20s.

The Puerto Rican rapper sported mostly buzzcuts and flashy outfits back then.

The now 31-year-old rapper was seen as the embodiment of charm and charisma in his black velvet suit and well-groomed beard at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Image credits: Apple Music/NFL

Bad Bunny's early style included flamboyant experiments, including showing up to the 2018 American Music Awards with an eye on his forehead.

"The eye represents many things," the then-rising star explained at the time.

"Power, trusting yourself, seeing things that others don't see and don't understand, both in the world and in yourself, and most of all always having the vision to move forward, grow, and improve," he added.

"The eye represents many things," the then-emerging star explained at the time

Image credits: John Shearer/Getty Images

"My style influences what my music is and everything that surrounds me within it," he told Billboard in 2019.

The global star said the way someone dresses is "a type of art."

"Everyone must dress, and use their creativity, express themselves in that way, their feelings, their way of thinking," he continued. "Everyone must be free in that area and let the mind flow."

Image credits: Bad Bunny

Fans have been obsessing over his transformation, saying: "I desperately wich [sic] God Bad bunny prayed to manifest something like this."

"Nah, Bad Bunny's transformation is immaculate. Wow," another chimed in.

The Latin superstar said an individual's fashion choices could be seen as "a type of art"

Image credits: twalsh

Many speculated whether he underwent cosmetic surgery to achieve his current look.

"The way bad bunny got all that surgery and look completely different? Money well spent, though. He looks amazing," one said.

"He has definitely had work done. And that's okay," another wrote.

Image credits: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Bad Bunny, who already had an athletic physique, began focusing more on his appearance when he became the global ambassador for Calvin Klein underwear in March 2025.

"I had a whole routine focused on my physique and getting into the best shape for this campaign," he told GQ in March last year. "I was eating super clean and training as much as possible."

The Puerto Rican rapper began focusing more on his body when he became the global ambassador for Calvin Klein underwear

Image credits: badbunnypr

The DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS artist revealed that he was in the gym when he got a phone call from Jay-Z, telling him he was going to perform at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

"It's crazy because I was in the middle of a workout. So I remember that after the call, I just did like 100 pull-ups," he said during a conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music.

"I didn't need more pre-workout sh** or whatever. It was very special," he added. "It was so special."

Image credits: Michael Tran/Getty Images / Christina House/Getty Images

Image credits: AnAverageGamerX

Image credits: YourPapiAntonio

Bad Bunny does more than going to the gym.

His focus on his physique also comes from his dive into acting and wrestling.

After making his in-ring wrestling debut at WrestleMania 37, he won the WWE 24/7 Championship in 2021.

The DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS artist won the WWE 24/7 Championship in 2021

Image credits: Vogue

Image credits: notpopbase

Image credits: andrew_liggins

"I know [wrestling has] always been his dream. He stopped doing everything else. He's always making music, but he stopped. He stopped doing everything to dedicate himself to this 100%," his creative director, Janthony Olivares, previously told GQ.

Janthony said the singer trained twice a day and worked on his technique and body to ensure he was built for the sport.

"It was the biggest change I'd seen," he added.

Image credits: erenfromtargets

Image credits: theeboyonce

Bad Bunny's commitment to acting also saw him change up his training when he took up the role of The Wolf in Bullet Train (2022).

"The amazing thing about Bad Bunny was that he came to us with not as much prep time but knew what he was up against," the film's stunt coordinator, Greg Remente, told Men's Health in 2022.

The Grammy winner is fully committed to his role of The Wolf in Bullet Train

Image credits: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Greg described the rapper as "hungry and humble," noting that he showed up every day for a week for a couple of hours.

He "grinded it out with us in our stunt workshop space. We knew he would use a knife and fight against a guy with a briefcase. He would be on the attack," he said.

Image credits: kewchiy

"In about 20 minutes of training, we would immediately see he's strong … " he continued. "Thankfully, he's a badass. He showed up, started moving, and we were like, 'Oh, this is going to turn out to be great.'"

The stunt coordinator said he believes Bad Bunny could have a big career in action movies as well.

"He also aged a decade, like fine wine," read one comment online

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Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: February 04, 2026 at 08:36AM on Source: PRIME TIME

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Bad Bunny’s “Immaculate” Transformation Goes Viral After His Historical Grammy Win

Bad Bunny's "Immaculate" Transformation Goes Viral After His Historical Grammy Win Binitha JacobFebruary ...

Hank and John Green's studio becomes a nonprofit as they aim to make 'trustworthy content' online JAMES POLLARDFebruary 4, 2026 at 8:17 AM 0 FILEThis photo combo shows from left, John Green and Hank Green. (AP Photo/File) NEW YORK (AP) — Authorvloggers Hank and John Green often end their popular "Crash Course" videos with a donation appeal to keep the YouTube show "free for everyone forever." The multihyphenate brothers now hope they've figured out a way to do just that — by changing their production studio's tax status.

- - Hank and John Green's studio becomes a nonprofit as they aim to make 'trustworthy content' online

JAMES POLLARDFebruary 4, 2026 at 8:17 AM

FILE-This photo combo shows from left, John Green and Hank Green. (AP Photo/File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Author-vloggers Hank and John Green often end their popular "Crash Course" videos with a donation appeal to keep the YouTube show "free for everyone forever." The multihyphenate brothers now hope they've figured out a way to do just that — by changing their production studio's tax status.

Their educational media company Complexly, which has garnered billions of views through web series that explain just about every classroom subject from animal biology to Latin American literature, will now operate as a nonprofit.

The change is intended to ensure viewers have access to engaging, fact-based content that can compete free of advertisers' interests in the attention economy. It comes as artificial intelligence gives rise to absurdist " brain rot " and distorted deepfake images while public media struggles to make ends meet amid sudden cuts in federal funding.

"Part of what Complexly's trying to do is create good information on the internet," Hank told the . "Let's actually just say that this is our goal. Like, our goal isn't to build a big company and sell it someday."

"There's never been more information and yet there's never been less information that you feel you can trust," John added. "Our goal at Complexly has always been to make trustworthy content. And making Complexly a public good, for me, is the next step in that process."

Strong audience and philanthropic support

Nonprofit status has been a consideration for several years, according to Complexly CEO Julie Walsh Smith.

The studio already receives sizable philanthropic funding — including $4.8 million last year. The nonprofit's initial supporters are led by existing partners such as YouTube, PBS, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Other funders such as Arizona State University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute underwrite a number of "Crash Course" projects.

While about one-third of their revenue comes from a YouTube program that gives creators a share of advertising earnings, strong audience support made them confident in their ability to reach individual donors.

John estimates that another third of their revenue comes from Patreon, a platform where fans can contribute to their favorite online creators often in exchange for bonus content. Monthly Patreon subscribers tend to give $5 or $10 to help them make shows such as "Crash Course."

They also sell minted silver "Crash Course" coins every year that can cost thousands of dollars. Hank said they have relationships with the individuals who buy the most expensive versions of the coin — and that most of those high-dollar supporters have said they want to increase their support but maybe "felt a little weird" giving money to a for-profit entity.

The small donors provide general funds that Hank said give them flexibility to "invest in the ideas that we think are most likely to deliver impact through reach."

It is "hard to do the thing that we have to do where we compete with MrBeast and cat videos and all of the very attention-grabbing dashcam fights that YouTube has to offer," he said. "But we really take that responsibility very seriously. We are not just here to make educational video. We are here to make educational video that people choose to watch. And so that's the fight that we are fighting."

New roles and new shows

The nonprofit transition requires Hank and John, best known for his young adult novels "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska," give up any equity they held in Complexly. While the Montana-headquartered nonprofit expects to maintain its staff of roughly 80 employees, Smith says its growth means they no longer require the founders' "day-to-day leadership."

John will move forward as "founder emeritus" — he doesn't know exactly what that means but says he is "looking forward to finding out" — while Hank will join the nonprofit's board of directors and continue hosting some shows.

"The way I like to think about it is they're going from leaders of the organization to cheerleaders," said Smith.

John promised that the viewing experience won't change much. If anything, he said, there are potential new shows "that have long been great ideas that weren't possible because they didn't make sense from a business perspective."

Complexly is committing $8.5 million to a new educational series that neither its founders nor CEO would discuss yet. But Smith did say they are seeking additional funding for an upcoming series that will follow Hank as he goes behind the scenes at zoos and museums to spotlight the specimens they don't display.

As far as new mediums such as TikTok go, Smith said they're focused on YouTube while staying committed to being in the spaces "where audiences are spending their time."

Living in an 'advertising-fund ed internet'

The duo has long tried to crack the economics of the internet.

They founded the crowdfunding platform Subbable in 2013 to help creators raise money for specific projects. There was even a point where Hank tried to form a union for creators, whose livelihoods are subject to the unpredictability of social media platforms' algorithmic priorities and advertising share models.

This shift wasn't motivated by any doubts about their business' health, they insisted, but rather other concerns.

"We've always worried about being overly reliant on advertising," John said. "I think that an advertising-funded internet is a complicated place to live, as I've observed from the last 25 years of my life."

By leaning into philanthropic funding, John says the desire is for Complexly to exist "for the good of the people who benefit from it" and not "for anyone else's benefit."

"That's not the same path a lot of digital media companies take," Smith said. "Often, they'll put premium content behind paywalls or behind a subscription service. And we're just never gonna do that."

No strangers to the nonprofit world

It's hardly their first foray into philanthropy.

The brothers say they have granted more than $17 million to dozens of charities through their Foundation to Decrease World Suck. They fund those donations with the profits from everyday purchases made on the Good Store, their online retailer.

That familiarity has made them aware of the fact that many nonprofits struggle with the nimbleness required of a digital production studio. But they emphasized that there are many ways to run a nonprofit. John noted that Partners in Health — one of the Good Store's charitable partners — track tuberculosis in Lesotho with an app that is "on par with anything being done in the private sector."

"It's perfectly possible for nonprofits to be innovative and fast movers," John said. "It's just that you need to set that up from the beginning."

"Can we signal to other people that there is no reason why you can't do this and also model, as we go forward, that if that's a choice that other people want to make then there's good ways to do it?" Hank added.

___

coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit https://ift.tt/xrXuq3a.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: February 04, 2026 at 08:36AM on Source: PRIME TIME

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Hank and John Green's studio becomes a nonprofit as they aim to make 'trustworthy content' online

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