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What makes a great TV show? A fantastic soundtrack, of course! The musical numbers in these shows often become unforgettable moments that stay with us long after the credits roll. Here's a countdown of the top 10 most unforgettable musical moments from TV series that had us singing along. (Beware: Spoilers ahead!)
10. Star – 'I Don’t Know Why'
Star, a musical drama on FOX, followed the journey of Star Davis (played by Jude Demorest), a driven young woman striving to make it big in the competitive Atlanta music scene alongside her two bandmates. Over its three seasons, the show was filled with original hits, R&B ballads, and show-stopping performances.
One of the standout moments from the show was Star’s rendition of 'I Don’t Know Why' in the first season. This heart-wrenching R&B ballad came after Star suffered physical abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, Hunter (Chad James Buchanan). With raw emotion, the song encapsulates the emotional struggle of being trapped in a toxic relationship and the difficulty of breaking free.
9. Nashville – 'Sanctuary'
Nashville was a musical drama centered on the life of country music icon Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton), who faces off with rising star Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) amid the dramatic events of the Nashville music scene. In the fifth season, Rayna’s heartbreaking death following a car accident significantly alters the direction of the series, leading to deeply emotional musical moments.
One of the most poignant moments of the show occurs when Rayna’s family gathers at the CMT Awards to sing her song 'Sanctuary' in tribute to her. Rayna’s eldest daughter, Daphne (Maisy Stella), becomes overwhelmed with emotion as she sings her mother’s song, prompting her father and sister to join her on stage, offering comfort and turning the performance into a raw, emotional tribute. It was a moment that left viewers in tears alongside the grieving family.
8. Galavant – 'Galavant'
First airing in 2015, Galavant was a quirky two-season musical comedy on ABC. The show follows the titular hero, Galavant (Joshua Sasse), as he embarks on an epic quest to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend, Queen Madalena (Mallory Jansen), from the villainous King Richard (Timothy Omundson). With music composed by the renowned Alan Menken and Glenn Slate, the series featured some truly memorable and catchy songs.
One of the most memorable and catchy tunes from the show is the theme song 'Galavant.' As Menken and Slate's debut composition for the series, the song perfectly sets the stage. It kicks off the series by conveying the plot through a lively, infectious melody that you can’t help but repeat endlessly.
7. Smash – 'Let Me Be Your Star'
Picture a TV series about the creation of a Broadway musical. That’s the premise of Smash, a short-lived NBC musical drama about two playwrights putting together a Broadway show based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. The series explores the rivalry between two actresses, Ivy (Megan Hilty) and Karen (Katharine McPhee), as they compete for the iconic role of Marilyn. Filled with both covers and original numbers, Smash garnered a devoted fan base, particularly among theater enthusiasts, and there was even talk of bringing the musical within the show to the real Broadway stage.
Among all the songs, one stood out above the rest—'Let Me Be Your Star.' In the pilot episode, Ivy and Karen each sing competing verses of the song, and it not only establishes the tone for the show but also captures the emotions many aspiring performers experience.
6. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series – 'All I Want'
When High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS) was announced in 2018, it had quite the task ahead of it, as it was seen as a continuation of the beloved Disney Channel High School Musical trilogy. However, HSMTMTS stands on its own, introducing a fresh storyline with no connection to the original characters. Set in the real world, the show follows the theater students of East High, the school where the movie was filmed, as they put on a production of High School Musical, all while navigating the drama and relationships that unfold off-stage.
Though most of the songs performed in the series are from High School Musical, a few original tracks have made their mark. One standout from the first season is the Billboard Hot 100 hit, 'All I Want,' performed by the lead female character Nini (Olivia Rodrigo). Nini belts out this emotional anthem about love and betrayal, as she grapples with trust issues from her current boyfriend while still heartbroken over her breakup with her ex, Ricky. With relatable lyrics like, 'All I want is love that lasts / Is all I want too much to ask? / Is it something wrong with me? / All I want is a good guy / Are my expectations far too high?' this song resonates with teens and adults alike.
5. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist – 'I Lived'
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist was an NBC musical dramedy that followed Zoey (Jane Levy), a young computer coder who suddenly gains the ability to hear people’s innermost thoughts through elaborate musical numbers. While her newfound powers come with challenges, they become a gift, allowing her to connect with her father, who suffers from the neurological disease progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and is unable to communicate.
Zoey’s bond with her father, Mitch (Peter Gallagher), serves as the heart of the show, and their performance of OneRepublic’s 'I Lived' is one of the most touching moments of the series. After Mitch’s passing in season one, he returns in a dream sequence during the series finale, singing to Zoey and encouraging her to take risks. It’s a moment that leaves viewers reaching for their tissues in a flood of emotion.
4. Empire – “You’re So Beautiful”
When Empire debuted on the FOX network in 2015, it quickly became a breakout hit, drawing over 17 million viewers in its first season, as reported by Variety. The series, which features music produced by Grammy-winning producer-rapper Timbaland, delves into the dramatic dynamics of the Lyon family, with Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), a powerful music mogul, at odds with his wife Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson), while they both vie for control of their label, Empire Records, alongside their three sons. Every episode packed a punch with music and intense family drama, offering plenty of memorable moments.
One standout moment from season one is the unforgettable performance of “You’re So Beautiful.” Fans still remember the shock and emotion when Jamal, Lucious’s middle son, performed his father’s song and turned it into a bold declaration by altering the lyrics from “this the kind of song that makes a woman love a man” to “man love a man.” This pivotal moment in Jamal’s journey to come out as gay caused a stir, particularly since his father initially rejected his sexuality. Watching Jamal claim his identity through the song and proudly embrace who he was resonated with many viewers, who cheered him on and sang along with him.
3. Glee – “Don’t Stop Believin’”
In the 2010s, Glee was a television phenomenon that everyone recognized. Its influence was undeniable, and it left a lasting impact on pop culture, inspiring countless shows that followed. When Glee first aired, it took the world by storm, winning 19 Emmy Awards and earning 4 Golden Globe nominations in its debut season. The show’s impact extended beyond its own fanbase, as it was frequently referenced in other shows like The Office, which devoted an entire episode to a Glee watch party. Despite some outlandish moments, Glee became known not only for its music but also for its inclusivity, tackling important themes like LGBTQ+ youth, teen pregnancy, and bullying.
Among the vast library of over 700 songs, there are numerous contenders for the top spot, but the clear frontrunner is Glee’s unforgettable take on Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” This track was the show’s first major success, a song so beloved that it was performed on multiple occasions, including four times in total. The most iconic rendition was the one at the close of the pilot episode, where the glee club, finally harmonizing as a group, hits the perfect note, while their teacher Mr. Schue (Matthew Morrison) looks on proudly. This moment marks the beginning of something extraordinary.
2. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend – “The End of the Movie”
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, a show that cleverly blended satire with musical comedy, featured original tunes in every episode. It chronicles the life of Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom), a quirky lawyer who leaves behind her seemingly ideal life in New York to follow her childhood summer camp crush to West Covina, California, after an unexpected encounter. While packed with humor, the series also explores deep themes like mental health, striking a balance between comedy and poignant moments that resonate with viewers.
One of the show’s most emotional songs occurs in season three, at a point when Rebecca has reached her lowest point after an ill-fated encounter with her ex-boyfriend’s father. Josh Groban, the Grammy-nominated artist, guest stars, delivering a soulful ballad that reflects on the unpredictability of life and how outcomes often don’t match the neat resolutions we expect from a movie. Though tied to a very specific scenario, this song’s message about the twists and turns of life is one anyone can relate to. And, of course, the advice in the line 'never bang your ex-boyfriend’s dad' is something universally wise.
1. Julie and the Phantoms – “Unsaid Emily”
Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms is inspired by the Brazilian series Julie e os Fantasmas and is directed by Kenny Ortega, who is known for his work on beloved Disney projects like High School Musical and Descendants. This musical comedy-drama centers around Julie (Madison Reyes), a 15-year-old girl who is grieving the loss of her mother while trying to rediscover her love for music. Her passion reignites when she encounters three teenage ghosts from 1995 who were once part of a band that used to practice in her garage. Though only Julie can see them, everyone can hear their music when they play, and together, they form a band, treating viewers to a new song in every episode.
Despite its whimsical premise, the show is packed with emotional depth, especially in its music. A particularly moving moment occurs when Luke (Charlie Gillespie), the band’s lead male singer, delivers a heartfelt ballad about his fractured relationship with his mother. In the song, he expresses all the things he never had the chance to say to her before his untimely death. This poignant moment in a children’s show serves as a powerful reminder to cherish our loved ones and share our feelings while we still can.
