Top 10 Most Epic Dance Numbers in TV Shows

“New Girl” (2011-18)
We all know how daunting meeting the in-laws can be. It’s a smidge harder when they don’t even know you’re engaged! So, with Jess’s encouragement, Schmidt—sorry, MaHotMoves Gandhi, pulls out all the stops to win Cece’s mom over. Backed by a full ensemble, he throws himself into the dance, proving just how far he’s willing to go for Cece. And judging by her face, she might love him even more for it too. Max Greenfield looks like he’s having the time of his life, going for it as enthusiastically—if not more so—than everyone else. Cece’s mom might not be sold, but we sure are. Not that Schmece needed our blessing, but they got it anyway!

“The Drew Carey Show” (1995-2004)
If you’ve ever been to a “Rocky Horror” showing, you know those fans don’t mess around. Turns out “Priscilla” fans are just as hardcore! So how do they settle which movie reigns supreme? A dance battle, obviously. It starts with a little “Time Warp,” with Drew and the gang putting their own spin on the iconic moves. Then Mimi’s crew storms in with “Shake Your Groove Thing.” The series was prone to the occasional musical performance, but they truly outdid themselves this time. This mashup goes way harder than it has any right to, and honestly, who knew we needed it? Too bad the cops broke it up—what a drag, and not the good kind!

“Smash” (2012-13)
Marilyn Monroe remains one of the world’s biggest stars, so it makes sense that a song about her transformation would go big! The dance is fierce, throwing everything into an intricate, fast-paced routine. It flows smoothly yet intensely, with fast footwork, dramatic spins, and perfect sync. And through it all, there’s no doubt who’s the star. We first see this number in “The Callback,” where it gets a full staging despite just being part of Karen’s audition. We can imagine the in-show and real-world creatives agreeing this epic number deserves nothing less. Of course, “Smash’s” most elaborate stagings aren’t just for “Bombshell.” We guess that when you live and breathe musical theater, you start fantasizing in musical numbers, too.

“Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist” (2020-21)
The ensemble numbers in this short-lived series were always amazing. However, it’s “Fight Song” that’s really left a lasting impact. Sandra Mae Frank, who you might know from Deaf West’s “Spring Awakening,” guest stars as Abigail, Mitch’s caretaker’s daughter, who’s at odds with her overprotective dad. She performs “Fight Song,” and it hits us deeply. The choice to have her perform it completely in ASL takes the song’s powerful message to a whole new level. Every gesture adds so much emotion in a way that the lyrics alone can’t. What makes it even stronger is when the other Deaf West actors join in, creating this powerful sense of community. It’s an unforgettable moment showing how music and emotion go beyond spoken words.

“Severance” (2022-)
This wasn’t the first time “Severance” used dance in its storytelling, but it’s by far the most elaborate. In the season 2 finale, to celebrate a job well done, Mr. Milchick breaks out into a full dance number, complete with a marching band. The whole thing is so absurd, but in the best way! It totally amps up the show’s already weird and unsettling setting. It’s a perfect way to show how Lumon just runs on its own strange logic, totally detached from anything recognizable. It’s just this really cool moment that we definitely didn’t see coming. No wonder fans are calling for actor Tramell Tillman and this sequence to get award recognition!

“American Horror Story” (2011-)
Oh, how the tables have turned! By this point in the season, Sister Jude’s mind is completely unraveling. She’s ended up as an inmate in Briarcliff, the very asylum she once ran. “The Name Game” happens during a wild, hallucinatory moment, and it’s totally surreal. The whole thing feels completely out of place with the rest of the season’s dark, twisted tone. It’s so jarring how they suddenly break into such an upbeat musical number in the middle of so much turmoil, but it’s quite the moment! Jessica Lange shows off just how versatile she is, and it’s a perfect example of how “AHS” isn’t afraid to take risks. It’s unsettling, but man, it’s impressive.

“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
With Neil Patrick Harris in the mix, it was only a matter of time before we got an over-the-top ensemble musical number. And we may have waited 100 episodes, but it was totally worth it. Who knew an ode to suits could be this catchy, and with 65 additional dancers and a 50-piece orchestra, they sure went all out. Plus, they brought in Zach Woodlee, known for his work on “Glee,” “Step Up,” “Hairspray,” and more, to choreograph. The song even got an Emmy nomination. But what really makes this number stand out is the commitment from every single performer. Is there any wonder it’s still one of our favorite moments to rewatch? It’s legendary!

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2015-19)
This series is full of grand numbers like “Strip It All Away,” “Without Love You Can Save the World,” and “Anti-Depressants Are So Not A Big Deal.” Yet this season four number is more elaborate than all those combined. It’s a playful jab at shows that shoehorn their couples in the style of classic musicals like “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Oklahoma!,” and of course, everyone wants in on the action. At one point, they break into ballet—probably a nod to the dream sequence—although we don’t think Agnes de Mille ever made her stars Dab. Still, it’s totally the kind of performance we’d expect to see on Broadway. By the end, though, it’s clear this wasn’t really about Darryl and WhiJo at all.

“Schmigadoon!” (2021-23)
Speaking of Golden Age musicals, “Schmigadoon!” takes us into a magical town where every moment turns into a full-on musical number. The Emmy-winning “Corn Puddin’” was written in the style of “Shipoopi” from “Seven Brides” and “A Real Nice Clambake” from “Carousel.” It’s definitely an earworm, and while the lyrics don’t make much sense and the song doesn’t move the plot forward, it’s a delight. Choreographer Christopher Gattelli pulled from legends like de Mille and Michael Kidd, with a nice nod to “West Side Story” too. He blends classic styles with a modern twist, all while embracing the cheeky innuendo hidden in the innocent lyrics. We’ve never tried corn puddin’, but after a whole song and dance about it, we’re kind of sold!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Is It Even a Real Rivalry If There Isn’t Some Good Ol’ Finger Snapping Involved?

A Real Testament to the Power of Dance

Who Could Ask for Anything More?

If He Ever Decides to Pack in Astrophysics, He Could Have a Second Career as a Choreographer!

Like Someone Staged How We Talk Ourselves Out of an Anxiety Spiral

“Glee” (2009-15)
Narrowing down “Glee’s” epic sequences isn’t easy, but we had to go with the Britney Spears tribute—because, well, it’s Britney and Brittany! This episode gives everyone their moment, but it’s Brittany S. Pierce who steals the spotlight. Fun fact: Britney (the real one) pitched the idea of using her songs to Ryan Murphy, and while she makes a cameo, the singing and dancing are left to the cast. The “Me Against the Music” number is pure fire, but it’s the “I’m a Slave 4 U” recreation that knocks it out of the park, with nods to the music video and iconic VMA performance. It’s very Britney while still being totally fresh and fun. It’s no wonder the “crowd [was] saying Gimme more!”


Which TV dance routine would you love to be a part of? Let us know in the comments