The Muppets Win the Ratings Game While Wonder Man Sneaks Up on Disney+ (Ep. 4)

Disney is having a moment and this episode covers three very different reasons why. Eric and Lauren dig into the surprise ratings success of The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special, break down why Marvel’s Wonder Man quietly became a sleeper hit on Disney Plus, and wrap things up with a look at Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary and the popcorn bucket chaos that came with it. From broadcast TV demos to streaming strategy and park optics, this one moves fast and covers a lot of ground.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special delivers strong ABC ratings and wins the key 18–49 demo
• Why those numbers matter to advertisers and what they could mean for a potential weekly revival
• The Sabrina Carpenter bump and how celebrity guests factor into Muppets nostalgia and reach
• Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro spotted at Disneyland and the symbolism of that park appearance
• Marvel’s Wonder Man emerges as a sleeper hit with critics and viewers despite minimal marketing
• Why a lower-budget, character-driven Marvel series may point to a smarter streaming future
• Disney California Adventure turns 25 and sparks long lines thanks to a high-tech Ferris wheel popcorn bucket
• The ongoing reseller debate and whether Disney should crack down harder on merch flippers

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

• Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠

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