Top 10 Greatest Musical TV Shows
#10: “Flight of the Conchords” (2007-09)
In this quirky musical comedy, Kiwi duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie play their fictionalized selves. The show focuses on "New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo a cappella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo" trying to make names for themselves in New York. Many of the songs were interwoven into the story, while others were presented as music videos. The principal cast also included Rhys Darby, Arj Barker, and Kristen Schaal, who would often steal the spotlight as the pair's one and only crazed fan, Mel. Overall, the short-lived series received a positive critical response, and its witty, deadpan humor was beloved by the fans. It garnered plenty of acclaim, including 10 Emmy Award nominations.
#9: “Fosse/Verdon” (2019)
Top 10 Facts Fosse/Verdon Got RIGHT
This biographical miniseries explored the relationship between the iconic choreographer and director Bob Fosse and celebrated four-time Tony Award winner Gwen Verdon. It had everything a musical theater fan could want, from drama, to chemistry, to a compelling storyline. And of course, the soundtrack that had us busting out jazz hands at any given opportunity. The talented cast was led by Sam Rockwell as a perfectly broody Fosse and Michelle Williams as a phenomenal Verdon. Plus, who wouldn’t love a series that features songs from “Cabaret,” “Pippin,” “Chicago,” and more? “Fosse/Verdon” received 17 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and plenty of critical praise. It also shimmied, jazz stepped, and razzle dazzled its way into audiences’ hearts.
#8: “Smash” (2012-13)
Top 10 Best Songs from Smash
This series gave us a peek behind the curtains into the lengthy process of putting on a Broadway show. And there’s plenty of drama. The basic premise is that writers Tom and Julia work to bring a musical about Marilyn Monroe to the stage. However, egos, competitiveness, the all-consuming theater world lifestyle, and other scandalous complications get tangled up in the process. Its captivating plot, outstanding cast, and memorable soundtrack, including the Grammy-nominated “Let Me Be Your Star,” soon drew in a devoted fanbase. And it wasn’t long before audiences fell hard on either team Karen or team Ivy. The series may have only lasted two seasons, but the fans have continued to keep its legacy alive ever since.
#7: “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” (2019-)
Top 10 High School Musical The Musical: The Series Performances
Imagine attending “the real East High” where the “High School Musical” films were created and getting to put on a school musical. Well, that’s the premise for this TV spin-off. And their first production celebrates the school’s connection to the hit 2006 Disney Channel movie. Presented like a mockumentary with plenty of meta references, we follow the students through friendships, rivalries, showmances, and the whirlwind world of theater kid life. Of course, it turned its leads into household names – Olivia Rodrigo, anyone? Anyway, it’s a great nostalgic trip for fans of the 2006 flick, especially given the OG cast cameos. It’s also a great way to introduce new audiences to a timeless DCOM while expanding beyond that universe to create something new.
#6: “Glee” (2009-15)
Top 10 Glee Moments That We Hate Watch
In 2009, this teen series about a group of misfits forming a glee club took the world by storm. It was funny and theatrical, but mostly it helped defy stereotypes and made its audience feel seen. That’s not to say it didn’t have its fair share of cringe-worthy or tone-deaf moments. Every week, viewers would tune in to see what songs and big production numbers the group had in store. There was certainly no genre that was off-limits — even if some were less appropriate than others. “Glee’s” humor, heart, relatability, and soundtrack turned it into a pop culture phenomenon. It won many awards, and the cast even got to perform at the White House.
#5: “Galavant” (2015-16)
An unjustly underrated TV show, “Galavant” was a short-lived fantasy musical-comedy with a fire soundtrack. We initially center on our protagonist’s quest to save his true love from the villainous King Richard. It came from the mind of “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman, and had music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. So it’s rather surprising that the series didn’t get more love. And with just two seasons, it’s totally binge-worthy. Mallory Jansen, who plays the aforementioned love-interest Madalena, reportedly called the show “the bastard child of Monty Python and The Princess Bride.” If that doesn’t push it to the top of your to-watch list, we don’t know what will. If you love a good Disney-esque musical adventure, this series is for you.
#4: “Julie and the Phantoms” (2020)
Top 10 Behind-the-Scenes Facts About Julie and the Phantoms
This hit Netflix teen comedy musical is inspired by “Julie e os Fantasmas,” (EEyohs) a Brazilian show. We follow Julie Molina, a high-schooler with a gift for music who inadvertently makes contact with a deceased ‘90s group and takes on lead vocalist duties. Sure, maybe it’s far-fetched. But it’s undeniably one of the best musical teen comedies around. And with Kenny Ortega of “High School Musical” and “Descendants” fame as part of the team, how could it not be? The series featured 15 original tracks, 3 of which received Daytime Emmy Award nominations, with “Unsaid Emily” snagging a win. Despite its vast cult following, it was canceled following the first season. We’d still love to see it resurrected for a second.
#3: “Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist” (2020-21)
Top 10 Zoey & Chase Moments on Zoey 101
What would you do if you could read minds? What if peoples’ thoughts came to you in the form of musical numbers? Well, you’d have the premise for this series. After a freak occurrence, Zoey discovers she can hear what folks are thinking through song. The show, though brief, was sweet, heartwarming, emotional, funny, and simply great entertainment. We loved following Zoey’s journey as she used her newfound skills to connect with those around her. Its incredible soundtrack and mind-blowing performances were a major draw as well. As of course, was the unbelievably talented ensemble cast. A lot of heart and care clearly went into every storyline and song choice, and we only wish it would’ve stayed around longer.
#2: “Schmigadoon!” (2021-)
Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Schmigadoon!
If you love golden-age musicals, you probably binged this show the moment it came out. Melissa and Josh hit a roadblock in their relationship and go on a camping trip to try and salvage their spark before it’s too late. However, they get lost in the woods and emerge in the colorful and animated town of Schmigadoon. Now they’re trapped until they find true love. It’s a singing and dancing spectacular with more Broadway icons than you can count. The musical numbers and characters parody the likes of “Carousel,” “The Music Man,” “Oklahoma!” and, of course, “Brigadoon,” among several others. “Schmigadoon!” is a loving send-up of the classic musical and a whole lot of fun. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Empire” (2015-20) Drama, Excitement & Great Music, What More Could You Want? “Rise” (2018) A Short-Lived but Heartfelt Series About a Group of High Schoolers Putting on a Production of “Spring Awakening” “Girls5eva” (2021-) We’re Here for the Epic Girl Band Comeback “Katy Keene” (2020) An Entertaining Story About Making It in the Biz Led by “Pretty Little Liars” Star Lucy Hale “Little Voice” (2020) An Endearing Tale About Finding Your Voice by “Waitress” Collaborators Jessie Nelson & Sara Bareilles
#1: “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2015-19)
Top 5 Surprising Facts About Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
This witty and socially conscious musical comedy turned the genre on its head. Created by Rachel Bloom and “The Devil Wears Prada” writer Aline Brosh McKenna, audiences enjoyed a brilliantly witty story littered with hilarious and well thought-out musical parodies. But it also wasn’t afraid to get real. Through the experiences of Rebecca Bunch and her crew, the show tackled subjects like body image, female sexuality, and mental health without a token character in sight. It wasn’t highly rated by any means, but thankfully, it graced our screens for four seasons. Clearly, its vast collection of awards, positive critical reception, and devoted fanbase kept it afloat. The show found an outstanding balance between empathy, relatability, and comedy. The musical numbers were the perfect finishing touch.
