The recent resurgence of The Muppet Show, marked by a critically acclaimed special hosted by Sabrina Carpenter, has earned six Emmy nominations. Among these nods is a recognition for Matt Vogel's performance as Kermit the Frog, a role that has been the subject of significant fan debate for nearly a decade.
The special, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the original series, has been praised for its writing and production, but the nomination for Vogel's Kermit highlights a persistent point of contention.
Vogel took over the iconic role of Kermit the Frog in 2017, following the departure of longtime performer Steve Whitmire. While Disney cited "unacceptable business conduct" for Whitmire's firing, the reasons have remained undisclosed. Vogel, a veteran puppeteer with extensive experience on The Jim Henson Company's productions, including Sesame Street, initially performed other Muppet characters without controversy.
However, Vogel's portrayal of Kermit quickly drew criticism. Early performances, such as at the Hollywood Bowl, led to fan complaints that his Kermit sounded different, with some noting a perceived "new accent." This criticism persisted through subsequent projects like the 2021 Disney Plus special Muppets Haunted Mansion. Even fan sites like Tough Pigs urged patience, suggesting that limited opportunities for Vogel to perform as Kermit and for audiences to adapt to his voice contributed to the backlash.
Despite the ongoing fan discourse, the recent The Muppet Show special saw Vogel, after nine years in the role, receiving an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Voice Performance. This recognition arrives at a time when speculation mounts about a potential relaunch of The Muppet Show series.
The nomination offers a measure of vindication for Vogel, who has navigated a challenging reception from a dedicated fanbase. For many long-time Muppet enthusiasts, the Emmy nod underscores the performer's dedication and talent, potentially signaling a new era for the beloved character as discussions around a full series reboot continue.