From Rizzo’s “Blinding Lights” cover to chicken-backed pop performances, the internet can’t get enough of “The Muppet Show.”
By
Crystal Bell
Crystal Bell
Digital Culture Editor
Crystal Bell is the Culture Editor at Mashable. She oversees the site’s coverage of the creator economy, digital spaces, and internet trends, focusing on how young people engage with others and themselves online. She is particularly interested in how social media platforms shape our online and offline identities.
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Credit: Disney/Mitch Haaseth
The internet loves a comeback tour, but it adores one with puppet fleece and impeccable comedic timing. Case in point: The Muppet Show special, which returned to the Muppet Theatre on Feb. 4 for a one-night event on Disney and ABC — and promptly took over everyone’s feeds.
Seriously. I didn’t know I needed a Rizzo the Rat cover of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” until I saw it, and now I don’t ever want to live in a world without it.
The Muppet Show originally ran from 1976 to 1981, pioneering the variety format with a blend of vaudeville silliness, celebrity guest spots, and backstage chaos anchored by Kermit the Frog’s perpetually frazzled calm. The new special revives that spirit with all the familiar faces, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and Statler and Waldorf, along with a lineup of contemporary guests, from Maya Rudolph and Seth Rogen (who also serve as executive producers) to pop star Sabrina Carpenter.
But it’s the clips that have really sent fans and group chats into a frenzy, proof that the Muppets understand how to play the internet better than most human celebrities.
Mashable Trend Report
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Leading the pack is a truly unexpected cover: Rizzo belting out The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” on rat-infested streets. The contrast between the sleek, synth-pop hit and Rizzo’s nasally bravado is instant comedy, and social media has embraced it wholeheartedly.
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Then there’s Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of “Manchild,” which has been circulating widely for its playful integration into the Muppet universe. Rather than feeling like a standard guest slot, the performance leans into the show’s absurdity, letting Carpenter spar with the chaos around her — which includes a flock of chickens on backup vocals.
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And then there’s the press run. Kermit and Miss Piggy have been popping up together in interviews (including a hilarious episode of Vanity Fair‘s Lie Detector Test), bantering like a couple who’ve been married, divorced, remarried, and media-trained for decades. Their chemistry feels untouched by time.
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Long before algorithms and engagement metrics, Kermit and company mastered the art of attention. So, really, the Muppets were built for virality long before the concept of virality existed. The internet is just their latest stage.
Crystal Bell is the Culture Editor at Mashable. She oversees the site’s coverage of the creator economy, digital spaces, and internet trends, focusing on how young people engage with others and themselves online. She is particularly interested in how social media platforms shape our online and offline identities.
She was formerly the entertainment director at MTV News, where she helped the brand expand its coverage of extremely online fan culture and K-pop across its platforms. You can find her work in Teen Vogue, PAPER, NYLON, ELLE, Glamour, NME, W, The FADER, and elsewhere on the internet.
She’s exceptionally fluent in fandom and will gladly make you a K-pop playlist and/or provide anime recommendations upon request. Crystal lives in New York City with her two black cats, Howl and Sophie.
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The Muppets Have Always Known How too break the Internet
The Digital Legacy of The Muppets
The Muppets, a beloved ensemble of puppet characters created by Jim Henson, have consistently captivated audiences worldwide. From humble beginnings on television to dominating social media feeds, the Muppets have mastered the art of breaking the internet. Their unique blend of humor, heart, and creativity allows them to transcend generations and platforms, becoming viral sensations time and again.
Why Do The Muppets Break the Internet?
Several factors contribute to The Muppets’ enduring internet-breaking prowess:
- Timeless Characters: Figures like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo have distinct personalities that appeal to all ages.
- Relatable Humor: Their comedy effortlessly adapts to current social trends while maintaining a wholesome charm.
- Viral Videos and Memes: Clever clips and GIFs featuring Muppet antics frequently circulate across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Collaborations With Celebrities: guest appearances from stars enhance social media buzz and broaden audience reach.
- Adaptation to New Media: Embracing digital content formats has kept The Muppets relevant in the age of viral culture.
Iconic Online Moments That Took Over the Internet
Over the years, The Muppets have made headlines with several highly shareable and talked-about moments, including:
- Kermit’s Tea Meme: This classic image of Kermit sipping tea, often paired with sassy captions, became an internet staple.
- Miss Piggy’s Sassy Comebacks: Her bold and hilarious comments spark shares and reactions.
- Animal’s High-energy Performances: Clips of Animal on drums consistently go viral among music lovers and meme enthusiasts alike.
- The Swedish Chef’s Nonsensical Antics: Universal appeal through physical comedy, shared widely across platforms.
Case Study: The Muppets’ Viral Social Media Campaigns
| Campaign | Platform | Key Feature | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| #MuppetsForever Launch | Instagram, Twitter | Celebrity cameos with short clips | 1.5M shares, renewed fan engagement |
| Kermit Tea Meme Resurgence | Twitter, Reddit | Humorous captions with social commentary | Millions of uses, trending hashtags |
| Animal Drum Challenge | TikTok, YouTube | Interactive audience drum-offs | 50M+ video views, global participation |
The Benefits of Muppets’ Internet Presence for Brand and Fans
- Extends Audience Reach: Engages new generations of viewers beyond traditional TV.
- Increases merchandise Sales: Viral content promotes collectibles,toys,and memorabilia.
- Fosters Community: Fans from all over connect over shared Muppet humor and culture.
- Supports creative Expression: Inspires fan art, parodies, and digital tributes.
practical Tips for brands Inspired by The Muppets’ viral Success
- Leverage Character Personality: Develop relatable and authentic characters or personas for audience connection.
- Create Shareable Content: Focus on humor, emotion, or nostalgia to encourage sharing.
- Engage in Trend Participation: Use popular hashtags, challenges, and formats to join viral conversations.
- Collaborate With Influencers: just like the Muppets do with celebrities,brands can increase visibility.
Firsthand Fan experiences and Online Communities
Muppet fans worldwide often share their experiences and favorite moments of going viral online in dedicated communities like Reddit’s r/Muppets.Discussion threads regularly highlight how new specials or spoof movies bring fresh viral content and engagement for old and new fans alike, keeping the Muppets alive and relevant in the digital age.
These conversations deepen fan loyalty and create a vibrant ecosystem of Muppet thankfulness that fuels further internet-breaking moments.
Muppet Characters That Fuel Internet Virality
| Character | Viral Trait | Meme Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kermit the Frog | Relatable sarcasm & wisdom | “But that’s none of my business” tea meme |
| Miss Piggy | Sassy attitude & glamour | Iconic diva quotes |
| Animal | Wild energy & music passion | Drumming challenges & gifs |
| The Swedish Chef | Physical comedy & gibberish speech | Cooking fail memes |
How The Muppets Adapt to Evolving Internet Trends
The Muppets continue to innovate by:
- Launching original sketch videos tailored for YouTube and TikTok.
- Encouraging user-generated content through challenges and hashtags.
- Partnering with digital influencers for cross-promotions.
- integrating topical humor into their digital appearances, frequently enough spoofing current events and pop culture.
