Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Schmigadoon!
#10: The Premise
Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Hazbin Hotel
The show's plot is definitely a compelling one. It's about two doctors - Josh and Melissa - who have been in a relationship for years. But things start to stagnate, so she suggests a retreat in the woods. As they argue through the wilderness, they find themselves in a little town called Schmigadoon. At first, they think the singing and dancing is a production the residents put on for tourists. But oh how wrong they are! Pretty soon, the couple realize they are actually in a musical. What's worse, they can only return home once they “find true love” - something they're surprised to learn they don't already possess...
#9: The Minds Behind It
Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Yellowjackets
When deciding if a show is worth watching, it’s often a good idea to check out the people behind the project. Fortunately, “Schmigadoon!” came from some impressive creative minds. It was created by Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, who wrote screenplays for "Horton Hears a Who," "Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax," and "Despicable Me,” amongst others! With a resume full of comic hits like that, you know the duo's latest venture is bound to be a hit. Plus, they aren't the only notable names attached to the project. Saturday Night Live's own Lorne Michaels is the show's executive producer. Talk about a group of comedic powerhouses!
#8: The Aesthetics
Top 5 Reasons You NEED to Be Watching Killing Eve
There's something extremely charming and idyllic about the musical world that “Schmigadoon!” creates visually. Through the costumes and the set designs, the show transports us from our modern 21st century lives into a whole new universe. The picturesque landscape is dreamy, and the residents definitely know how to dress the part! Plus, the abundance of color creates a lively and quaint backdrop that makes us want to pop in for a visit! The juxtaposition with snippets from Josh and Melissa’s lives before they arrived in town only reinforces Schmigadoon’s visual appeal. In other words, the show’s aesthetics make suspending our disbelief a breeze!
#7: It’s Short & Sweet
Why You Should Be Watching The Afterparty
This Apple TV+ original consists of only 6 episodes. While that certainly is not a lot, it means the miniseries is sure to pack a punch in a short time. With such a limited number of episodes, the plot is undeniably to the point and sharp. Every storyline is crafted with a purpose, which creates an engaging experience for the viewer. Rest assured, you won't have to worry about the writers running out of ideas, bouts of time where nothing significant occurs, or forgotten plot points that make no sense. Things move along pretty fast in Schmigadoon! Once the show grabs your attention, it knows how to keep it.
#6: The Characters
Top 10 TV Characters Hated for Stupid Reasons
Schmigadoon’s residents are an interesting bunch to say the least. As it’s a musical, they embody many of the classic tropes and styles found in the genre’s characters. While that makes them seem one-note at first, it's pretty clear that there's much more bubbling beneath the surface. Who better than Melissa and Josh - who arrive in town as complex individuals - to help peel the layers back? The juxtaposition between these modern characters and their new neighbours is revealing to say the least. The dynamics between the townspeople - as well as their potential for growth - makes us want to keep watching them. Their endless camp and pep doesn't hurt either though!
#5: An Impressive Cast
Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Abbott Elementary
“Schmigadoon!” has a star-studded cast if we’ve ever seen one. Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key embrace leading roles, Alan Cumming masterfully portrays Mayor Menlove, and Kristin Chenoweth brings the conservative Mildred Layton to life with amazing precision. And that's far from being an exhaustive list of the icons that inhabit the town. You'll also find big names like Jaime Camil, Fred Armisen, Dove Cameron, Aaron Tveit, Ann Harada, Ariana DeBose, and Jane Krakowski! Oh, and did we mention Martin Short plays a leprechaun? As you can see, there is no shortage of recognizable faces in Schmigadoon. The abundance of talent is reason enough to tune in!
#4: It Has Heart
Top 10 Reasons You NEED to Be Watching Hacks
You may visit the small town of Schmigadoon because you’re in the mood for some laughs. But odds are that's not the only reason you'll stay. As we settle into this quirky little musical town, it becomes clear that it's not just funny. In fact, the show actually has a lot of heart. After all, its core basis is the quest for true love, which is a pretty deep topic! Pretty soon, we become invested in the mission specifically because it's not all fun and games. The series beautifully weaves emotion and nuance into its plot. That balance between heart and humor is sure to keep you coming back each week for more.
#3: The Music
Top 10 Reasons to Watch The Gilded Age
“Schmigadoon!” is full of satirical and over-the-top musical numbers. What’s more, they are pure fun to watch. Sure, they sometimes invade the characters’ privacy, but that’s part of what makes it interesting! It’s easy to dive in and enjoy the tunes and choreography the townspeople so skillfully bring to life. Not to mention there's pretty much a song for and about everything, so there’s an air for everyone to enjoy! You'll hear melodies about men who can't be "tamed" in one instance and strains about corn pudding in another. If that’s not range, we don’t know what is. This show is full of catchy songs, so don’t be surprised when you inevitably find yourself singing along!
#2: The References
Top 10 Musical References in Schmigadoon Season 2
Fans of musical theatre will be thrilled to know that “Schmigadoon!” isn't simply a sitcom with some songs sprinkled in. It's a clever comedy that's acutely aware of the history of musical theatre, and incorporates it into the fabric of its identity. The show pays homage to some of the most iconic and well-known productions through both its characters and its musical numbers. With clear affection for the genre, it always does so in a thoughtful and intentional manner. If you love musicals like Brigadoon, Oklahoma!, Carousel, and The Sound of Music, you'll definitely pick up on numerous references and inside jokes. This gives the show an extra layer of depth that'll make you love it even more!
#1: The Satire
Top 10 Reasons You NEED to Watch The Owl House
Imagine entering a world full of people who are part of a classic musical and know nothing about what life is like in the 21st century. You're probably picturing a series of interactions that are uncomfortable, corny, and sometimes downright cringeworthy. That's pretty much exactly what happens in Schmigadoon. Yet it’s executed with a self-awareness and purpose that makes it incredibly appealing. The production satirizes the tropes often found in musicals flawlessly. Not to mention it understands how to balance parodying the genre while still paying homage to it. The show taps into an intelligent humor through the exaggerated attitudes and beliefs of Schmigadoon's residents, and constantly has us chuckling. To say it’s an entertaining ride is an understatement!
