Top 9 Musical TV Shows That Struck a Chord with Audiences
Musical TV shows have carved out a special niche in television history, with their ability to integrate drama, comedy, and music into captivating storylines. Here's a countdown of the top 9 musical TV shows that have left an indelible mark on audiences, each with its unique blend of elements that resonate beyond the screen.
9. Smash (2012)
Taking the last spot in our countdown is 'Smash,' a musical drama that gives viewers a peek behind the curtain of Broadway. Despite its cliches and melodramatic plotlines, 'Smash' offered a series of catchy tunes and a glimpse into the highs and lows of the theatrical world. With a backdrop of original music and a storyline interweaving personal trials with professional triumphs, the show managed to gather a loyal fan base. Its portrayal of the complexities of stage life, alongside the contributions of industry heavyweights like Steven Spielberg, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman, made it a show that, while flawed, is fondly remembered for its ambition to capture the essence of musical theater.
Smash character promos
8. Nashville (2012)
Blending the allure of country music with the drama of the entertainment industry, 'Nashville' struck a chord with fans of the genre. Initially, the narrative strength of the show lay in its portrayal of the intricacies of the music industry, particularly through the lens of female country music stars. Despite its descent into soapy melodrama in later seasons, the series started strong, with compelling characters and storylines that appealed to music lovers. The departure of central character Rayna James in the fifth season marked a turning point for the show, as it struggled to maintain the same depth and authenticity that had originally captivated its audience.
Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes alongside Connie Britton in Nashville
7. Empire (2015)
At number seven, 'Empire' combines the glitz and glamour of the music industry with the raw energy of family drama. The show's first season was lauded for its Shakespearean undertones and compelling performances, particularly by Taraji P. Henson as Cookie. Although it lost some of its narrative strength in the following seasons, 'Empire' remained a cultural phenomenon, exploring themes of power, legacy, and ambition. The series managed to keep viewers hooked with its dramatic twists and star-studded guest appearances, despite an untimely end that left fans wanting more.
Taraji P Henson standing alongside Taye Diggs, who has a microphone pointed at him, on Empire
6. Galavant (2015)
In the sixth spot, we have the quirky and whimsical 'Galavant,' a fairy-tale musical comedy that dared to be different. Its blend of satire and song created a cult following that appreciated its unique take on the musical genre. While it never achieved high ratings, 'Galavant' was a creative gem that offered a fresh perspective on fairy-tale narratives, complete with catchy tunes and a self-deprecating sense of humor. The show's ability to poke fun at itself while delivering a heartwarming story earned it a place in the hearts of its dedicated fans, despite its short two-season run.
King Richard (Timothy Omundson) and Galavant (Joshua Sasse) in Galavant
5. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020)
Midway through our list is 'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist,' a show that resonates with audiences through its empathetic and optimistic storytelling. The series revolves around the titular character's newfound ability to hear others' emotions through song, offering a unique and heartwarming approach to musical television. Tackling themes of grief, identity, and love with a mix of both humor and gravity, it's a show that hits all the right notes. While it sometimes veers into cheesy territory, the show's charm and the emotional depth of its musical numbers have secured it a spot on our list.
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Zoey
4. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019)
Bringing a nostalgic franchise back to the spotlight, 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' lands at number four. This Disney+ series reimagines the classic films with a new generation of students at East High School. The show adeptly handles themes of adolescence, relationships, and self-discovery while paying homage to the original movies. It's a blend of catchy tunes, teen drama, and the magic of musical theater that's created a new wave of fans and even launched the career of pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo.
Olivia Rodrigo as Nini Salazar-Roberts in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series smiling at someone off-screen
3. The Monkees (1966)
A blast from the past takes our third spot with 'The Monkees,' a show that transcended its origins as a manufactured band to become a true musical phenomenon. The series, which debuted in the 1960s, offered a blend of music and comedy that captured the spirit of the era. The Monkees themselves became a sensation, with hits like 'Daydream Believer' that are still celebrated today. The show's combination of slapstick comedy and chart-topping music created a lasting legacy that continues to influence the musical TV landscape.
The Monkees
2. Glee (2009)
Taking the runner-up spot is 'Glee,' a show that redefined the musical TV genre and resonated with an entire generation. With its diverse cast and storylines that tackled a multitude of social issues, 'Glee' set a new standard for representation on television. The series combined show-stopping musical numbers with narratives that touched on LGBTQ+ themes, celebrating individuality and the transformative power of music. Its cultural impact was immense, inspiring countless viewers and leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
The cast of Glee dressed in white and black and are singing emotionally
1. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015)
At the pinnacle of our list is 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,' a show that broke boundaries with its honest and nuanced portrayal of mental illness and its innovative musical storytelling. Co-created by and starring Rachel Bloom, the series follows Rebecca Bunch's journey of self-discovery and love, offering a refreshing take on the 'crazy ex-girlfriend' stereotype. The show's clever writing, memorable musical numbers, and sensitive approach to complex subjects earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Its ability to balance comedy, drama, and music while tackling serious themes places it at the top of our list.
Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend 2
