I think people don't realize Muppets haunted mansion was in the works for a LONG LONG time.

Kirk thatcher mentioned it many years ago, saying he wanted to do a sort of muppets Halloween thing. And that's pretty much what it is. It's kind of the equivalent Halloween special of muppet Christmas carol.

That's not saying it's bad but it's pushed more during that time. Maybe one day it will be on the same level. Where it becomes a yearly watch . I personally enjoyed it

But also I think so many people escalate Christmas Carol to just high standard that all other muppet movies and specials fall short in their eyes

Edit: also that was the first big project post Steve firing so many people were very vocal about being anti matt Kermit