18 Musical TV Shows That Hit All the Right Notes
Looking for a new show to watch that will also fill your musical theatre cup? From modern comedies to cult classics, there’s so much to choose from! This list includes a mix of well-known series and lesser-known musical TV shows from different genres and eras.
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1. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is laugh-out-lout funny and follows Rebecca Bunch, a lawyer who impulsively moves across the country in pursuit of love and happiness. With unhinged yet catchy songs and four seasons of sharp storytelling, the series is pure comedy gold.
2. Smash
Now a Broadway musical, Smash originated as a TV series that brought Broadway dreams to the screen. Packed with drama onstage and off, it’s full of show-stopping numbers and big personalities, sharing a taste of the high-stakes world behind creating a hit musical.
3. Galavant
Galavant is a musical comedy adventure packed with tongue-in-cheek humor, over-the-top characters, and witty original songs. Blending medieval mayhem with Broadway-style numbers, its two seasons offer a clever and hilarious twist on classic fairy tales.
4. Centaurworld
Centaurworld follows the story of warhorse who is unexpectedly transported to a colorful land filled with singing centaurs. It’s a two-season animated fantasy that’s packed with whimsical quests, high-energy characters, and original musical numbers.
5. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist follows Zoey, a young woman who suddenly begins hearing people’s thoughts through song. With a mix of humor, depth, and chart-topping hits, this jukebox-style musical TV show offers a balance of heartfelt drama and joyful life moments.
6. The Partridge Family
The Partridge Family is a classic musical sitcom from the 1970s. Following a widowed mom and her kids who form a pop band, the series is filled with catchy songs and wholesome charm. It’s a genuine throwback comedy filled with timeless musical numbers.
7. High School Musical: The Musical
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is a playful, self-aware spin on the beloved Disney franchise. Blending teen drama, comedy, original songs, and iconic HSM classics, it’s a mockumentary-style musical that captures the ups and downs of high school life.
8. Flight of the Conchords
A cult favorite, Flight of the Conchords follows two awkward New Zealand musicians who are trying to make it big in New York City. With its offbeat humor, deadpan delivery, and hilariously clever songs, the series is equal parts quirky sitcom and musical comedy gold.
9. Eli Stone
A mix of legal drama and comedic fantasy, Eli Stone follows a lawyer who begins to experience musical visions that push him toward deeper meaning in his life and career. This comedy series ran for two seasons and features plenty of George Michael music.
10. Glee
A cultural phenomenon of its time, Glee follows a high school show choir as they chase dreams, navigate drama, and attempt to make it to Nationals with their covers of pop and Broadway hits. This series became a defining musical TV moment across its six seasons.
11. Girls5eva
Sharp, witty, and endlessly catchy, Girls5eva tells the story of a girl group who attempts to make a comeback many years after their prime. Featuring big personalities and series original pop songs, it’s a clever and laugh-filled ode to music and second chances.
12. Central Park
From the creators of Bob’s Burgers, Central Park is an animated musical comedy that brings New York’s most famous park to the screen. Packed with rapid-fire humor and an impressive amount of original songs, it makes everyday life feel like a Broadway production.
13. Nashville
A soapy and addictive drama, Nashville dives into the lives of country music stars as they chase fame, fight rivalries, and navigate relationships. Featuring memorable performances of original songs, Nashville highlights both the glamour and grit of stardom.
14. Julie and the Phantoms
Julie and the Phantoms follows the story of a teenager named Madison who rediscovers her passion for music with the help of three ghostly bandmates. This short, one-season series delivers standout performances, emotional moments, and catchy original songs.
15. Cop Rock
Infamous and unforgettable, Cop Rock is a gritty police drama that features musical numbers, one of TV’s boldest experiments. With cops breaking into song mid-case, the show was polarizing and short-lived. But it remains a cult curiosity in television history.
16. Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Set four years before Grease the musical, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies tells the previously untold story of how the iconic rebellious girl gang first came together. This one-season prequel reimagines the world of Rydell High for a new generation and era.
17. Hazbin Hotel
Hazbin Hotel is an edgy adult animated musical dark comedy that follows Charlie, the princess of Hell, as she tries to rehabilitate demons in hopes of earning them a place in Heaven. The success of the series also let to a sequel web series called Helluva Boss.
18. Schmigadoon!
A parody and homage to classic musicals, Schmigadoon! drops a modern couple into a magical town where life is one big song-and-dance number. Packed with campy fun and original songs, it’s a celebration of musical theatre’s most iconic tropes and trends.
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
