The Ultimate Compilation of TV Shows' Unbelievably Innovative Usage of Famous Songs

Summary

"Stranger Things" season 4 finale incorporates Metallica's "Master of Puppets" in a memorable episode, using music to distract the Demobats.

In "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," the utilization of the Backstreet Boys' hit, "I Want It That Way," in acapella singing astutely aids in identifying a murderer.

In "Beef," the portrayal of personal growth for the protagonist Danny is depicted by an acoustic performance of Incubus' "Drive."

TV shows have often used famous songs in unique and creative ways. Some shows have gained popularity by incorporating their own popular songs as theme songs, like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation's use of The Who's "Who Are You?" However, only a few shows have managed to cleverly integrate these well-known songs into the plot, themes, and characters of celebrated television shows.

The creators of some of the most iconic TV shows in history have even composed their own songs to further enhance the overall legacy of their shows, as seen in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's numerous original songs. Popular music in television shows can serve as a link to specific eras, emotions, and sentimentalities, allowing these songs to energize viewers, provoke laughter, or add depth to the most dramatic scenes. Let's take a look at ten shows that have masterfully used famous songs in creative and unforgettable ways.

10 Stranger Things – "Master of Puppets"

9 Brooklyn Nine-Nine – "I Want It That Way"

The TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine demonstrates an innovative use of music that seamlessly complements its storyline. In a captivating cold open scene from season 5, episode 17 titled "DFW," Andy Samberg's character assists a woman in identifying a murderer. He cleverly prompts the suspects to perform an a cappella rendition of the Backstreet Boys' iconic hit song "I Want It That Way." With humorous brilliance, the woman successfully identifies one of the five suspects as the person who sang the song at a bar, thus revealing the killer of her brother.

8 Beef – "Drive"

7 Grey’s Anatomy – "Chasing Cars"

In the third episode of the hit Netflix series Beef, released in 2023, one of the main characters surprises viewers with an acoustic rendition of the popular alternative rock song "Drive" by Incubus. Throughout the entire Beef soundtrack, listeners are treated to a collection of 90s and 2000s rock songs that collectively capture the deep-seated anger experienced by Danny (played by Steven Yeun) and Amy (played by Ali Wong) throughout the series. In a significant scene, Danny skillfully performs the song on his acoustic guitar during his church group gathering, symbolizing his newfound commitment to his faith and cultural heritage. This early glimpse into Danny's personal growth ultimately falls short as the events of Beef unfold.

The inclusion of the 2006 pop hit "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol in Grey's Anatomy has made it difficult for many fans to separate the song from the show. This song has become synonymous with the long-running series and features actual cast members singing the famous lyrics during a pivotal moment. Additionally, "Chasing Cars" is featured multiple times in the series, making it even more iconic. Another song from that era, often associated with Grey's Anatomy, is The Fray's "How to Save a Life".

6 South Park – "Carry On My Wayward Son"

5 Skins – "Wild World"

South Park has mockingly tackled various aspects of contemporary pop culture in the 21st century, and Guitar Hero is certainly no exception. Stan and Kyle find themselves becoming obsessed with achieving mastery as virtual rockstars within South Park, often opting to play the iconic rock anthem "Carry on My Wayward Son" by the band Kansas. Notably, this song makes multiple appearances throughout the episode and is indeed featured in the Guitar Hero video game. It is worth mentioning that the television series Supernatural also holds a significant connection to this beloved Kansas track.

The first two seasons of the UK version of Skins are widely regarded as some of the greatest teen dramas ever produced. As the first season concludes with a tragic twist, the cast delivers a haunting and stripped-down performance of "Wild World" by Cat Stevens. This rendition of the iconic song not only relates to the overarching themes of the show but also encapsulates the unexpected and dark turn of events that occur at the end of the first season, effectively portraying the existential despair experienced during adolescence in a clever and humorous manner.

4 13 Reasons Why – "The Night We Met"

13 Reasons Why proved to be a masterfully crafted series, delving into dark themes that were flawlessly intertwined with the haunting melody of "The Night We Met" by Lord Huron. As soon as the song made its enchanting appearance in the show, it skyrocketed in popularity, effortlessly capturing the essence of love and heartbreak. The combination of the show's success and the mesmerizing scene in which the song played solidified "The Night We Met" as an instant classic, celebrated across various social media platforms and forever etching it into the legacy of the folk-rock band Lord Huron.

3 Succession – "An Open Letter to NYC"

Succession's pilot episode introduced Kendall Roy, the show's most controversial character, in a way that effectively portrays his grandiose and childish behaviors, as well as his lack of self-awareness. In a pivotal meeting with a tech company's SEO, Kendall can be seen energetically pumping himself up by comically rapping along to the Beastie Boys' "An Open Letter To NYC." The music seamlessly accompanies Kendall's whimsical and soft-spoken rapping, but abruptly stops, exposing his unimpressive monotone voice. This clever use of music highlights Kendall's perpetual immaturity and an absence of shame that persists well into his adult life.

2 Yellowjackets – "Cornflake Girl"

"Cornflake Girl" by Tori Amos played a significant role in the season 2 premiere of Yellowjackets, effectively accentuating the show's exploration of betrayal among women. Nora Felder, the Music Supervisor who previously curated the inclusion of "Running Up That Hill" in Stranger Things, expressed to Variety that the song exemplified the events unfolding in the climactic scene of episode 1. Furthermore, it was thematically fitting as it embodied the tense relationships between certain female characters at that particular point in the series.

1 The Last Of Us – "Long, Long Time"

Linda Ronstadt's "Long, Long Time" in HBO's The Last of Us emerges as a remarkable and contemplative incorporation of music within a television series. This particular song flawlessly encapsulates the emotions shared between the characters in episode 3, aptly named "Long, Long Time". By delving into the inner thoughts of the characters, the introspective melody exemplifies their profound yearning for love, all the while grappling with the absence of recognition or fulfillment in their relationship. The track serves as an homage to a desolate heart, showcased in an unexpectedly exquisite installment of The Last of Us, thereby solidifying it as one of the most innovative instances of musical integration in a television show.

Source: Variety