Why Kermit The Frog’s Voice Changes in ABC’s New Muppet Show

The iconic Muppets are making a comeback on television with a new special airing on ABC. Scheduled for Wednesday at 9 PM, the show will feature Kermit the Frog and his beloved friends alongside celebrity guests like Sabrina Carpenter and Seth Rogen. However, fans are buzzing about a notable change—Kermit’s voice sounds different. This has sparked a widespread inquiry: Why does Kermit sound like that?

Kermit’s Voice Change Explained

Since 2017, Matt Vogel has been the voice of Kermit the Frog. This change has left some fans feeling uneasy, especially those who have grown fond of the original voice. Vogel, who is also the voice behind characters like Big Bird and the Count from “Sesame Street,” first took on Kermit during the short-lived “Muppets Now” series on Disney+ in 2020. He also voiced the character in the 2021 Halloween special “Muppets Haunted Mansion.”

The Legacy of Kermit’s Voice

Kermit the Frog has had three voices over the years. Jim Henson, the legendary puppeteer who created the Muppets, originally voiced him. Henson’s contributions to shows like “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show,” which aired from 1976 to 1981, made Kermit a household name. Following Henson’s tragic death in 1990, Steve Whitmire stepped in as Kermit’s voice. Whitmire voiced Kermit in various projects, including:

• 1992’s “A Muppet Christmas Carol”
• 1996’s “Muppets Treasure Island”
• 2011’s “The Muppets”
• 2014’s “Muppets Most Wanted”

However, Whitmire’s tenure ended controversially when Disney replaced him with Matt Vogel in 2017. Reports indicated that Whitmire’s communication style was deemed “overly hostile and unproductive.” In defense, Whitmire claimed he was advocating for the best interests of the Muppets, particularly regarding Kermit’s character development on the ABC series “The Muppets.”

What’s Next for Kermit Fans?

As Vogel continues to voice Kermit, many fans are just now becoming acquainted with his interpretation of the character. The new ”Muppet Show” offers a fresh opportunity for audiences to hear Kermit’s latest voice. A trailer has been released, allowing viewers to judge the changes for themselves. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on how Kermit’s new voice resonates with them.