The Muppets have always been self-aware characters. Several key plot points of The Muppet Movie, for instance, require the members of the Electric Mayhem to read the script of the film they're appearing in. So it's not surprising that the new The Muppet Show special is hugely meta, making sure that all the Muppets let the audience know that this is the most back-to-basics project Jim Henson's creations have been involved in in over 30 years.
Early on in the special, produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, among others, Kermit is backstage at the old Muppet Theater, and notices Rowlf playing his piano again. "We're doing the show again, frog," the wry piano-playing pooch declares. As the show-within-the-show begins, we cut to hecklers Statler and Waldorf in their usual balcony perch. Statler can't believe they're just doing the old show again. Waldorf replies, "Well, if it ain't broke!"
Yes. They are just doing The Muppet Show again. Finally.