Courtesy DisneyABC Domestic Television (2), Sony Pictures Television, 20th Television
Musical episode. No two words strike fear in the hearts of network executives and snark in the minds of critics with greater expedience. But when done right, the result can be a beautiful thing.
VIDEOSThe Flash and Supergirl Get Retro Glam in First Musical Crossover Promo
With two big-ticket musical episodes on the horizon the Supergirl/Flashcrossover airs Tuesday (The CW, 8/7c), whileOnce Upon a Times song-and-dance hourwill air later this season TVLine decided to take a look back at some of our favorites from days (and shows) gone by.
Before you start whining about your favorites being omitted, take our criteria into consideration: * The show must benon-musical. (Sorry,Glee!) * The episodemust have multiple musical numbers, rather than just a one-off song. (Sorry,How I Met Your Mother!) * The songs must come about spontaneously, rather than beingpart of lets say a play withinthe show. (Sorry,Supernatural!)
RELATEDOnce Upon a Time Bosses Preview Mystery Musical Duet
OK, time to get things started
15. Psych: Psych: The Musical (Season 7, Episodes 15 and 16) Im docking points for the episodesunnecessary length 90 minutes? Seriously?! butPsychs brief foray into the musical world is still a relative success.
14. Passions: Spellbinding (2008) Michael Ausiello hates when I bring up Passions, so just know that Im literally risking my job by singing (teehee) this episodes praises. A hilariously shameless Wicked rip-off homage, Spellbinding takes us back to Tabithas early days as a magical student, where she and her black hat eventually abandon the side of good in favor of a self-serving future of evil. The lyrics are kind of meh, but Im givingextra pointsto Kim Huber (aka Young Tabitha) forsinging her damn face off in the episodes title number:
13. Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Mayhem of the Music Meister! (Season 1, Episode 25)Heres something youwontsee on the upcomingSupergirl/Flashmusical crossover episode: a love ballad between Black Canary and Green Arrow. (Sigh.)
12. Clone High: Raisin the Stakes: A Rock Opera in Three Acts (Season 1, Episode 9) Everything about this short-lived Phil Lord/Christopher Miller/Bill Lawrence comedy setata high school populated by teenage clones of historical figures, including emo Abe Lincoln (voiced by Will Forte) ispure brilliance. So, yeah, why not throw in a rock opera about the entire school becoming addicted to hallucinogens?
11. Community: Regional Holiday Music (Season 3, Episode 10) An instant Christmas classic, this wacky little departure from Communitys already wacky little world features Taran Killam as a deranged glee club instructor. (Wait, is that redundant?)
10.Fringe: Brown Betty (Season 2, Episode 20) Of all the worldsexplored during the Fox dramas five-season run, why are we not surprised that one of the weirdest and definitely the most musical comes courtesy of Walters special strain of weed for which the episode is named?
9. Futurama: The Devils Hands Are Idle Playthings (Season 4, Episode 18) Frys desire to master a complicated instrument all part of a ploy to impress Leela, naturally leads him to make a deal with the Robot Devil, triggering a series of unfortunate appendage-swaps. Fortunately, it all culminates in a wonderfully weird opera chronicling Leelas past as well as her future with Fry.
8.Daria: Daria! (Season 3, Episode 7) Unlike the ominousstorm approaching the town of Lawndale, this episode definitely doesnotblow.
7. Even Stevens: Influenza: The Musical (Season 2, Episode 21) Four years before High School Musical bopped its wayinto our hearts, Disney Channel gifted us with this toe-tapping tale of angst, revenge and most importantly Americas history of interstellartravel. (Bonus points for #BabyShiaLaBeouf!)
6. Scrubs: My Musical (Season 6, Episode 6) Doctors! Nurses! Patients! Dead guys! No one at Sacred Heart Hospital can, ahem, refrainfrombursting into song during this Emmy Award-winning episode. And with music from the likes of Jeff Marx (Avenue Q)and Robert Lopez (The Book of Mormon,Frozen), who could blame them?
5. Greys Anatomy: Song Beneath the Song (Season 7, Episode 18) First of all, stop rolling your eyes. This is a gut-wrenching hour of television, anchored by powerful performances from Sara Ramirez whose characters life remainsin limbo after a near-fatal car accident and solid support from the rest of the cast. If it doesnt get you weepy, your pulse is even weaker than Callies.
4. Dexters Laboratory: LABretto (Season 2, Episode 38) This operatic retelling of Dexters birth as well as the birth of his rivalry with Dee Dee, his destructive older sister earned the Cartoon Network staple a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1998.
3. The Simpsons: Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious (Season 8, Episode 13) Remembered fondly as one of the series finest, this episode introduces Sharry Bobbins, a delightful British nanny who after spending just a few days with the Simpson family is driven to alcoholism. (Sadly, given the nature of Sharrys exit, I doubt well ever get a sequel in the vein ofMary Poppins Returns.)
2. Xena: Warrior Princess: The Bitter Suite (Season 3, Episode 12)How do you menda broken friendship between two women when eachbelieve the other is responsible for her childs death? Xenagoes the non-Jerry Springer route,sending its characters to the land of Illusia, where their hatred is manifested into a nightmarish enemy that can only be defeated with the power of forgiveness and song, of course. (If Im being totally honest, a part of me really wanted to make this my No. 1 pick, but I didnt feel like getting buried alive by the internet.)
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More, With Feeling (Season 6, Episode 7) Sorry for ending on such an anticlimactic note, but did youreallyexpect another episode to snag the top spot on this list? Nearly every song in this hour-long masterpiece is an earworm, courtesy of series creator Joss Whedon, performed flawlessly orat least with a lot of enthusiasm by the cast. (Plus, it blessed us with I think this lines mostly filler, something Ive since quoted too many times to count.)
There you have it, folks TVLines top 15 musical episodes of all time.
And as a special thank-you for making it this far into the post, heres our No. 1worstpick:7th Heavens inexplicably heinous Red Socks (Season 9, Episode 15). Tone-deaf, both literally and figuratively, this 60-minute torture session finds the Camdens bursting into off-key song, complete with awkward choreography that screams Were all doing this against our will! Unfortunately, theworstnumber isnt available on YouTube, so youll have to settle for this pretty terrible one:
Whatsyourfavorite musical episode? Any we missed?Drop a comment with your picks as well as your complaints about our order below.
See the article here:
TV's 15 Best Musical Episodes, Ranked (Plus the One Absolute Worst) - TVLine
- Anatomy of the Phillips curve - CEPR - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Don't Expect Arizona To Return To Grey's Anatomy Anytime Soon After This Exciting Jessica Capshaw Update - Screen Rant - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Pacers vs. Thunder NBA Finals: Anatomy of a comeback How the Pacers once again did the unthinkable - Yahoo Sports - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy Of A Debacle: How Mayor Adams Went From Visionary to Bully on E-Bikes - Streetsblog New York City - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy of an At-Bat: How Matt Wallner Conquered Kevin Gausman - Twins Daily - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Enhancing anatomy education with virtual reality: integrating three-dimensional models for improved learning efficiency and student satisfaction -... - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season 22 Cast Updates: Just Two Actors Confirmed After Shocking Finale, Though 7 More Stars Have Deals to Return - Just Jared - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- S11E20: 5 Things You Should Know About Tactical Anatomy With Steve Moses - concealedcarry.com - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Airport security held Greys Anatomy star for an hour over snack - Yahoo - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Wine Walk: The anatomy of a wine bottle, its cork and how it is sealed - The Courier of Montgomery County - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- MSc grad reflects on learning and legacy in the anatomy lab - Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo says TSA detained her over sunflower seeds - Washington Times - June 10th, 2025 [June 10th, 2025]
- Cardiac Anatomy & Orientation of the 3D Heart Part 3 - University of Nebraska Medical Center - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Star Chris Carmack Teases Link and Jos Season 22 Storyline: Anything Can Happen - Life & Style - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Star Reveals Her Secret to Flying Under the Radar on Planes - EntertainmentNow - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- None of her preserved anatomy looked like any other fossil. Scientists Realize That A Fossil Thats Millions Of Years Old Was Fossilized From The... - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy star is fighting to get Denzel Washington on the show: 'Im hoping he does it' - GeekSided - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- No, Sandra Oh is not watching Greys Anatomy in her free time - GeekSided - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron the anatomy of a slap - The Spectator World - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Sandra Oh Reveals If She Watches Grey's Anatomy Reruns 11 Years Since Cristina Yang Left The Show - Screen Rant - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Fan-Favorite Greys Anatomy Star Sandra Oh Reveals Whether She Still Watches the Show or Not - Collider - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy: Why Did Sandra Oh Leave The Show? Revisiting Her Shocking Exit & Remarkable Legacy - Koimoi - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Warfare at night, deepfakes by day: The anatomy of a rumour in modern era conflicts - The Indian Express - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Hunk, 59, Turns Heads in Rare Monaco Outing With Wife - parade.com - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy season 22 confirmed to premiere in fall 2025 - GeekSided - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy season 21 finale: Where to watch for free tonight - MassLive - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Showrunner Meg Marinis Confirms Your Fears After That Explosive Cliffhanger Finale - The Hollywood Reporter - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Did Firebomb Just Kill Off Lucas Adams, Teddy Altman, or Miranda Bailey? - TV Insider - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy season 22 will not introduce any major new additions: 'I have a big enough cast as it is' - GeekSided - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- 8 Biggest Unanswered Questions & Mysteries After The Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Finale - Screen Rant - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Only 2 Grey's Anatomy characters are confirmed to be safe in season 22 - GeekSided - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy': Meredith Puts Herself in Harm's Way Once Again as a Hostage Situation Leaves Grey Sloan Reeling - People.com - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- This Greys Anatomy character death still remains the shows most gut-wrenching - GeekSided - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Anatomy Of A Perfect Trip Cybercaf Across The Algarve - Quartersnacks - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Why the Greys Anatomy Hospital Is Facing Another Bomb Threat in Season 21 Finale - E! Online - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Streaming Set Another Record In April, But Greys Anatomy And The White Lotus Prove Linears Reach, Nielsen Says - Deadline - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Boss Answers the Biggest Questions From That Explosive Season Finale (Exclusive) - parade.com - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season-Finale Recap: Explosions in the Sky - Vulture - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Boss Breaks Down That Explosive Season 21 Finale Cliffhanger, Merediths Surprising Decision - TheWrap - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy boss confirms one new star will return in season 22 - GeekSided - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season 21 Finale Review: I Cant Believe The Show Pulled Off This Cliffhanger Reminiscent Of Its Glory Days - Screen Rant - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy Finale Preview: Chris Carmack Teases 'Be Afraid' - Us Weekly - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- ABC NEWS STUDIOS ANNOUNCES HEY BEAUTIFUL: ANATOMY OF A ROMANCE SCAM BEGINS STREAMING MAY 20, ONLY ON HULU - dgepress.com - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- 5 Grey's Anatomy characters who might not return for season 22 after that fiery cliffhanger - GeekSided - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Explosion & Possible Character Deaths: Showrunner Explains Why Shes Doing This to Link & Jo - Just Jared - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' season 21 ending explained: Is Meredith returning to Grey Sloan for good? - Entertainment Weekly - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Finally Resolved Its Most Frustrating Plot In Limbo - Screen Rant - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy Season 21 Ending Explained: Amelia Survives A Near-Death Experience While Tragedy Strikes A Fan-Favorite - Screen Rant - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- James Pickens Jr. Says Every Day Is an Adventure on 'Greys Anatomy' (Exclusive) - People.com - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- The Doctor Is Out: Greys Anatomy Ends Season 21 With a Devastating Death - Yahoo - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season 22 Cast: Only 2 Characters Confirmed Alive After Finale, Though 7 More Actors Have Deals to Return - Just Jared - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Interview: James Pickens Jr. Reflects on Pilot and Reveals Season 22 Hopes (Exclusive) - TV Insider - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy tells fans to "brace yourself" for season finale that's as dramatic as this iconic episode - Digital Spy - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- I Can't Believe Grey's Anatomy Still Hasn't Told Us Who Adams' Mother Is - Cinemablend - May 21st, 2025 [May 21st, 2025]
- Katherine Heigl Shares Why She's Grateful Her Daughters Aren't Interested in Grey's Anatomy (Exclusive) - parade.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Fans Are Just Realizing This Fun Fact About the Series That Affects All but 1 Episode - People.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- In a Nutshell: Turning anatomy education into online sensation - Ohio University - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Gets Musical Again: Link Serenades Jo With Song at the Wedding Altar - TV Insider - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Boss Unpacks Jo and Links Momentous Wedding Song, Teases Bonkers Season 21 Finale - TheWrap - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Generating cervical anatomy labels using a deep ensemble multi-class segmentation model applied to transvaginal ultrasound images - Nature - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes reveals the hardest death she had to write - Yahoo - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Katherine Heigl Reveals What 1 Medical Trick She Thinks She Could Still Do After Grey's Anatomy (Exclusive) - parade.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season 21, Episode 17 Review: As A Long-Time Fan, I Loved This Romantic & Poignant Episode That Felt Like Classic Greys - Screen... - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- As One Greys Anatomy Couple Weds, Another Breaks Up and a Third Relationship Lands on Life Support - TVLine - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Every Wedding on Greys Anatomy , Ranked - Vulture - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 'Greys Anatomy': Link Surprises Jo at Their Wedding, Owen Holds onto the Past and 1 Couple Calls It Quits - People.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Here comes the bride: Where to stream Greys Anatomy for FREE - PennLive.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Preview: Will Link and Jo I Do It Right On Their Wedding Day? Plus, [Spoiler]s Back - TVLine - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy boss reveals the disappointing reason Meredith missed Jo and Links wedding - GeekSided - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Anatomy Of Startup Governance Issues, Funding Zooms & More - StartupNews.fyi - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Shock: Lucas and Simone Split Will Fans Even Miss Them? - Decatur Metro - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 9 Secrets of the Greys Anatomy Sets Superfans Need to Know - Architectural Digest - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Continues to Ignore a Key Character's Storyline (& It's Frustrating Fans) - Comic Book Resources - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Jo & Link's Unique Wedding Set-Up Is Exactly Why Their Romance Works In Grey's Anatomy - Screen Rant - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes reveals the hardest death she had to write - The Independent - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy fans are just realizing clever aspect of 'every episode' after 20 years - The Mirror US - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Did the Success of The Substance and Anatomy of a Fall Finally Teach Cannes a Lesson? - IndieWire - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy fans floored after spotting 'hidden message' in every episode - Irish Star - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Anatomy of an apprehension: Where are you taking the baby? - Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Isaiah Washington Says Sandra Oh Brought Him Back on Greys Anatomy Years After Firing - E! Online - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]