5 Great Musical TV Shows Every Fan Needs to Watch

by

TV offers many different genres, and musicals are one of the more interesting—though often inconsistent—ones. Some musical shows try to feel like stage productions, while others use music to tell the story, and some prioritize flashy performances. This leads to a genre with both brilliant, creative successes and shows that struggle to maintain their initial idea over an entire season. However, when a TV musical does work, it’s truly special. It uniquely translates feelings, struggles, and character growth directly into music, and manages to do so in a way that feels genuine and not forced.

We’ve gathered a list of shows that brilliantly integrate music into the narrative, making it feel like a natural part of the story, not just an interruption. These shows strike a great balance between entertainment and consistency, keeping you engaged without losing sight of the plot. If you enjoy musicals, you’ll definitely want to check these out.

5) Daisy Jones & The Six

When Daisy Jones & The Six came out, it quickly became a hit, and it’s easy to understand why. The show expertly creates a compelling story that transports viewers to the 1970s, letting them experience the era firsthand. It follows the journey of a fictional band, detailing everything that led to their eventual split – from internal struggles and messy relationships to the challenges of sudden fame. Essentially, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a band at the height of their success, and the show brilliantly uses music to convey their story.

The show’s songs aren’t just catchy—they’re deeply emotional and explore themes like longing, remorse, and ambition. This gives the music real depth and storytelling power. Many viewers were so captivated that they wished the band was real! The intense connection between Daisy and Billy, combined with their struggles with ego and wanting to succeed, makes the show incredibly gripping. Daisy Jones & The Six feels authentic and immersive—like watching a genuine rock documentary rather than a scripted drama. It’s a major television event and a big gamble that really pays off.

4) Smash

“Smash” is a show made for serious musical theater lovers – those who really enjoy Broadway. That’s likely why it didn’t reach a huge audience. The series focuses on the creation of a fictional Broadway musical called “Bombshell,” which is loosely based on Marilyn Monroe’s life. We see everything that goes into putting on a show – the rehearsals, the arguments, and the competition between the cast and crew – as the production develops. What makes it special is that each musical number isn’t just a performance within the show, but also a way to show what the characters are feeling.

Okay, let me tell you about Smash. It’s not perfect – the quality dips a little here and there – but what really struck me was how much effort went into capturing the energy of a Broadway show for television. Not a single song feels like filler; even the poppier numbers serve a purpose. Honestly, if you’re curious about the world behind a Broadway production and can’t get to New York, this show delivers. It’s a shame it only lasted two seasons, which is probably why it’s flown under the radar a bit, but for musical theatre fans, it’s absolutely worth checking out.

3) Glee

Among musical TV shows, Glee stands out as the most popular and the one that truly captured a wide audience – something few others in the genre have achieved. While it had its ups and downs over its many seasons – some episodes weren’t as strong as others – at its best, Glee was incredibly engaging, thanks to its high energy and quick pace. The show centers on the New Directions choir at William McKinley High, as they navigate the challenges of competition, romance, and growing up, all while performing a mix of contemporary pop and classic musical theater numbers.

The musical performances in this show aren’t just for entertainment; they’re used to thoughtfully examine important topics like identity, bullying, and sexuality. Even when things get over-the-top, there’s usually a clear story reason behind it. This combination of genuine emotion and dramatic flair is a key reason why this show became so culturally significant. It’s an enjoyable, sometimes imperfect, series that consistently connects music to the characters’ journeys. While it didn’t create the musical TV genre, it’s a great place to start, and for many, the show’s versions of popular songs became as famous—or even more so—than the original recordings.

2) Galavant

I seriously think Galavant is one of the most underrated shows ever! It totally proves that musical stories don’t have to be super dramatic to be amazing. It’s a hilarious fantasy comedy that doesn’t take itself seriously at all – it loves to poke fun at classic fairy tale tropes, and the songs are a big part of that! The show follows Galavant, this knight played by Joshua Sasse, as he tries to get his happy ending back, but he’s constantly thrown into ridiculous situations with these over-the-top villains. It’s just so much fun because it flips everything you expect from a fantasy story on its head. Plus, the songs are incredibly catchy, really funny, and surprisingly clever – they do a great job of developing the characters and landing some seriously witty jokes.

The show’s use of music is really effective, keeping things moving and developing characters without feeling drawn out. It’s great to see a series that’s so self-aware and fully embraces its own style. While it’s definitely lighthearted and often silly, it’s also smartly written, with songs that perfectly time the jokes. Ultimately, Galavant is a really enjoyable and comforting show to watch – it consistently delivers on its promise to entertain. Despite being canceled, it remains fondly remembered by its fans.

1) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

If you believe musical TV shows are simply for fun, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend will challenge that idea. The series begins with Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom), a lawyer who seemingly has it all, but she abandons her New York life to chase a past romance. However, the show quickly evolves into a deep exploration of mental health, societal pressures, and finding oneself. Rebecca is a relatable character – humorous, flawed, and realistically human – and the musical numbers beautifully reflect her internal world. These songs aren’t just for entertainment; they’re a way to experience the story from her perspective.

As a huge musical fan, this show really gets it. It’s similar in vibe to Glee, but instead of just being fun, it tackles tough stuff like anxiety, bad relationships, and why we sometimes mess things up for ourselves – but it does so in a way that feels real, not preachy. What I loved is how it taps into why we love musicals – that ability to express feelings through song when words just aren’t enough. But it doesn’t just follow the usual romantic comedy rules; it actively plays with them and turns them on their head. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is just so smart about what a musical is, and it uses that knowledge to be genuinely creative and say something meaningful.

So, have you checked any of these series out yet? I’m really curious to hear what you all think! Jump down to the comments and let’s discuss – the ComicBook Forum is the place to be for a lively conversation!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/7-best-musical-episodes-in-non-musical-tv-shows/embed/#

Read More

2026-04-12 01:14