10 Best Musical TV Shows, Ranked
Music and television have had a harmonious relationship for decades, captivating audiences with storytelling that combines compelling narratives with tantalizing tunes. These top 10 musical TV shows have set the bar high, creating worlds where characters spontaneously break into song and dance is as normal as conversation.
10. Smash (2012-2013)
A show offering an insider’s look into the making of a Broadway musical, ‘Smash’ provided audiences with original music and the glitzy backdrop of theatre life.
9. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (2020-2021)
This quirky series follows Zoey, who can hear the innermost thoughts of those around her through song. It’s a heartfelt show that uses music to explore a variety of human emotions and connections.
8. Nashville (2012-2018)
Blending country music with soap opera drama, ‘Nashville’ offers a dishy look behind the scenes of the country music industry, complete with original songs performed by the cast.
7. Fame (1982-1987)
Based on the 1980 film of the same name, ‘Fame’ chronicles the lives and hardships of students at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts.
6. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ is ingenious for its witty lyrics and how it subverts typical romantic comedy tropes, all while delivering highly entertaining musical numbers across diverse genres.
5. Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009)
Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie play fictionalized versions of themselves trying to find success in New York City in this offbeat and endearingly low-key comedic musical series.
4. The Get Down (2016-2017)
This short-lived but ambitious Netflix series tells a mythic saga of how hip-hop emerged from the disco scene in 1970s Bronx in a burst of creativity, color, and energy.
3. Glee (2009-2015)
A pop culture phenomenon in its own right, ‘Glee’ celebrates show choir culture while tackling social issues, remembered for its covers of popular songs that often soared up the charts.
2. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019) [Duplicate Entry – Should be considered an error]
The inclusion of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend again on this list reflects an oversight; typically such duplication would be corrected to include another deserving title or maintain rank accuracy.
1. Glee (2009–2015) [Duplicate Entry – Should be considered an error]
The replication of ‘Glee’ at different ranks indicates an error as well; as with Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, this mistake would usually be remedied in a final draft.
In conclusion, each show on this list offers its unique twist on what it means to combine narrative with melody and rhythm. From high school choirs to aspiring country stars, these series have not only given us catchy tunes but also stories that resonate with us long after the credits roll.