I’ve never had a problem with Matt Vogel’s Kermit. There might have been some slight hiccups at the beginning (understandable because he didn’t even get months of prep after casting), but I always thought his Kermit had the right spirit. He’s only gotten better as he’s gotten more experience in the role.
Something I’ve found really evident not only in this most recent Muppet Show special, but also in the past couple of years of content and live performances is how strong Matt’s chemistry is with his fellow Muppeteers. This is especially true with Eric Jacobson, who plays Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Animal, and Sam the Eagle. The two of them were even Executive Producers of the special. There’s been inklings of Matt and Eric’s chemistry even before Matt took over Kermit. The biggest example is obviously Uncle Deadly and Miss Piggy’s friendship in the 2015/2016 ABC show. It was really the highlight of the show. Then we have post-casting with Floyd Pepper’s father-like behavior with Animal in Muppets Mayhem. This is important because the Jim Henson-Frank Oz relationship is the foundation of what makes The Muppets The Muppets. Matt also has great chemistry with Bill Barretta, who plays Rowlf, Dr. Teeth, Bobo, Pepé, Swedish Chef, etc. They seemed to be having a blast as Uncle Deadly and Bobo as Tex Richman’s henchmen.
If you look at the social media of people who work for Sesame Street and/or The Muppets, everyone clearly has a lot of respect and love for Matt Vogel. I think that level of professional respect and appreciation is what really makes his Kermit. You see it in the performance. So people need to stop hating on him.
