Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spooky musical special is as good as the Muppets get.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Muppets Haunted Mansion
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the show features memorable characters like Gonzo and Pepé, who navigate a spooky haunted house on Halloween and learn valuable lessons about facing fears. Although many enjoyed the artistic elements, character portrayals, and music, some felt certain scenes were too scary for young audiences, leading to mixed opinions on its suitability for children.
- fun characters
- spooky theme
- mixed suitability
- valuable lessons
- great music
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
While the rest of the Muppets are partying for Halloween, Gonzo (a weirdo, voiced by originator Dave Goelz) and Pepe (a king prawn voiced by Bill Barretta) have chosen to take up a Halloween challenge: spend a night in the great magician MacGuffin's mansion. Pepe is hoping to meet some celebrities, but it seems like everyone they meet on the property is pretty weird. Gonzo makes his way through the mansion, advised to seek room 999 for all the answers he needs to escape. Meanwhile, Pepe falls under the spell of a lovely woman (Taraji P. Henson) who may want to spend forever with him ... but what exactly does that mean?
Is It Any Good?
Recent Muppet offerings haven't always quite hit the tone of their earlier hits, but this hilarious (and a little scary!) special gets pretty close. Gonzo and Pepe make a great team, the guest stars are game (especially Arnett and Henson), and the puns are on point. A handful of new songs and a fantastic cover of Van Morrison's "Dancing in the Moonlight" will keep toes tapping.
Fans of the Disneyland ride will recognize lots of Easter eggs, including music cues and a request for no flash photography, and Muppet fans will see tons of their favorite puppets (with wild cards like the fish-throwing Lew Zealand, Uncle Deadly, and even an otter). Plus, the messages about facing your fears are woven in seamlessly with the goofy fun. A new classic? It could be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Muppets: They've been around a long time. How have they changed? In what ways have they stayed the same?
How much do you like to feel scared? What do you do when a movie or show is too scary for you?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 8, 2021
- Cast : Will Arnett , Danny Trejo , Chrissy Metz
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Holidays
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 15, 2025
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