What’s a TV series without a killer soundtrack? Those unforgettable musical moments become characters in their own right, and we’ve gathered the very best. Dive into our countdown of the top ten musical highlights from TV shows that had us belting out the lyrics. (WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!)
Why This Top Ten Musical List Rocks
10 “I Don’t Know Why”
Star was FOX’s gritty musical drama that followed ambitious teen vocalist Star Davis (Jude Demorest) and her two‑girl group as they chased fame in Atlanta’s cut‑throat music scene. Across three seasons the series served up a steady stream of original pop‑R&B tracks and flashy stage numbers, painting a vivid portrait of the industry’s glitter and grind.
The standout moment arrives in season one when Star belts the haunting ballad “I Don’t Know Why.” The song erupts as a raw, soulful response to the physical abuse she endures at the hands of her boyfriend Hunter (Chad James Buchanan), laying bare the turmoil of staying trapped in a toxic relationship and the desperate yearning to break free.
9 “Sanctuary”
Nashville chronicled the high‑stakes world of country music, centering on veteran star Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) and the rising firebrand Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere). The series traced their rivalry, love affairs, and the ever‑shifting landscape of Music City, delivering heartfelt duets and tear‑jerking solos.
In the heartbreaking fifth‑season finale, Rayna’s family gathers at the CMT Awards to perform her signature song “Sanctuary” as a tribute after her tragic death in a car crash. Youngest daughter Daphne (Maisy Stella) starts the tribute, breaking down mid‑verse, and her father and sister rush onstage to support her, turning the performance into a raw, collective catharsis that left viewers in tears.
8 “Galavant”
Premiering in 2015, Galavant was ABC’s tongue‑in‑cheek medieval musical comedy that followed the dashing hero Galavant (Joshua Sasse) on a quest to rescue his beloved Queen Madalena (Mallory Jansen) from the nefarious King Richard (Timothy OmdenÂson). With scores by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the series blended swashbuckling adventure with catchy, anachronistic tunes.
The series kicks off with its infectious opening number “Galavant,” the very first song Menken and Slater crafted for the show. The jaunty melody neatly outlines the plot—heroic quests, romantic entanglements, and plenty of slapstick—setting a playful tone that invites repeat listens.
7 “Let Me Be Your Star”
Smash gave NBC a backstage glimpse into the cut‑throat world of Broadway, tracking two ambitious actresses—ivy‑loving Megan Hilty’s Ivy and pop‑singer Katharine McPhee’s Karen—as they vied for the coveted role of Marilyn Monroe in a new musical. The series blended original numbers with classic covers, earning a cult following among theater buffs.
The pilot’s marquee anthem, “Let Me Be Your Star,” erupts in a split‑screen showdown where Ivy and Karen trade verses, each proclaiming her drive to shine. The electrifying duet perfectly encapsulates the hunger and hope of anyone chasing the spotlight.
6 “All I Want”
When Disney rolled out High School Musical: The Musical: The Series in 2018, fans braced for a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Set at the real‑life East High where the original movies were filmed, the show follows a new generation of theater kids juggling rehearsals, romances, and the pressure of living up to a legacy.
Amidst the familiar tunes, original track “All I Want,” performed by Olivia Rodrigo’s Nini, became a breakout hit. The confessional ballad captures teenage heartbreak—betrayal by a current boyfriend and lingering feelings for ex‑boyfriend Ricky—through earnest lyrics like “All I want is love that lasts… Is it something wrong with me?” resonating with both teen and adult audiences.
5 “I Lived”
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist blended drama and musical fantasy as tech‑savvy coder Zoey (Jane Levy) suddenly heard the inner thoughts of everyone around her in the form of elaborate song‑and‑dance numbers. The series used this gift to explore relationships, grief, and the challenges of a father battling progressive supranuclear palsy.
The most touching moment arrives in the series finale when Zoey’s late father Mitch (Peter Gallagher) appears in a dream‑like sequence to duet on OneRepublic’s “I Lived.” His heartfelt rendition urges Zoey to seize life’s chances, prompting an instant rush to the tissue box for viewers worldwide.
4 “You’re So Beautiful”
Launching on FOX in 2015, Empire exploded onto the scene as a hip‑hop family saga, chronicling music mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), his fierce wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), and their three sons battling for control of Empire Records. Produced by Grammy‑winner Timbaland, the series paired high‑stakes drama with unforgettable original tracks.
A landmark scene in season one features Jamal (the middle son) re‑imagining his father’s ballad “You’re So Beautiful” to come out on his terms, swapping the lyric “woman loves a man” for “man loves a man.” The bold reinterpretation not only shocked Lucious but also celebrated Jamal’s truth, sparking cheers and sing‑alongs from fans.
3 “Unsaid Emily”
Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms reimagined the Brazilian original with director Kenny Ortega’s signature sparkle, following 15‑year‑old Julie (Madison Reyes) as she discovers three teenage ghosts from 1995 who only she can see. Together they form a band, delivering catchy pop‑rock numbers that echo through the neighborhood.
One of the series’ most moving moments arrives when lead vocalist Luke (Charlie Gillespie) performs the soulful ballad “Unsaid Emily,” a heartfelt ode to his estranged mother. The raw confession reminds viewers of the urgency to voice love before it’s too late, adding emotional depth to an otherwise upbeat teen show.
2 “The End of the Movie”
Crazy Ex‑Girlfriend satirized the musical‑comedy format with razor‑sharp original songs, tracking lawyer‑turned‑love‑seeker Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom) as she abandons New York for West Covina, chasing a summer‑camp crush. The show balanced humor with honest portrayals of mental‑health struggles.
In season three’s poignant finale, Grammy‑nominated crooner Josh Groban drops in for “The End of the Movie,” a wistful number that reflects on life’s randomness and the difficulty of tidy conclusions. His memorable line—“never bang your ex‑boyfriend’s dad”—offers both comic relief and sage advice.
1 “Don’t Stop Believin’”
When Glee hit the airwaves in the early 2010s, it quickly became a cultural juggernaut, racking up 19 Emmys and four Golden Globes while championing LGBTQ+ stories, teen pregnancy, and bullying. The show’s eclectic mash‑up of over 700 songs cemented its status as a pop‑culture phenomenon.
Among its countless hits, the pilot’s rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” stands supreme. The ensemble’s soaring performance, led by music teacher Mr. Schue (Matthew Morrison), set the tone for the series and has been revisited multiple times, forever echoing in fans’ hearts.