When TV Shows Break Into Song (And Totally Nail It)
Musical episodes are like wild creative bets: they either land gloriously or flop spectacularly. Luckily, when these 20 standout TV moments broke into melody, they made our hearts (and ears) sing. Let’s put on our tap shoes, crank up the vocal warmups, and celebrate some of television’s most memorable forays into song and dance.
Grey’s Anatomy: “Song Beneath The Song”
This one’s polarizing, but undeniably bold. The Grey’s Anatomy cast sang through a medical crisis involving Meredith and Derek. It’s melodramatic, messy, and sometimes uneven, yet fans remember it for its emotional highs and daring shift in tone. Despite the mixed reviews, it showcased surprising vocal talents, and the heartfelt renditions gave iconic songs new meaning during an emotionally charged storyline.
Schitt’s Creek: “Life Is A Cabaret”
When the Roses put on a cabaret show for the town, Schitt’s Creek hit its musical sweet spot. With character-driven song choices and quirky ensemble moments, it blends humor, heart, and catharsis, plus some surprisingly strong musical performances. Stevie’s emotional performance of “Maybe This Time” became a defining moment for her character, making the episode an unforgettable send-off before the show’s final season.
CBC Television, Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
Community: “Regional Holiday Music”
Community brought a gleefully meta holiday musical where the study group is trapped in a basement and forced to sing. It’s clever, referential, and hilarious: a twist on “gimmick episode” done with full love for musicals and sitcom tropes. From Abed’s gleeful enthusiasm to Pierce’s awkward solo, every number pokes fun at musical clichés, making it a witty satire that still feels like a Christmas classic.
NBCUniversal, Community (2009–2015)
Gilligan’s Island: “The Producer”
In this classic, Gilligan and the cast stage a Broadway-style revue to impress a Hollywood producer who finds them stranded. Cheesy and campy? Yes. But the absurdity, old-fashioned charm, and over-the-top numbers make it a deliriously fun oddity.
CBS, Gilligan’s Island (1964–1967)
Once Upon A Time: “The Song In Your Heart”
This fairy-tale drama leaned fully into the musical with original songs tied deeply to character arcs. It doesn’t treat the musical as a novelty, it weaves it into the story’s emotional logic. Charming duets and ensemble numbers explore Snow, Charming, and Regina’s inner lives. It’s whimsical, heartfelt, and gives the series one of its most joyous hours.
ABC, Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)
Ally McBeal: “Ally McBeal: The Musical, Almost”
This legal dramedy flirted with the musical in a dreamlike episode where characters lip-synced and sang to illustrate internal feelings. This whimsical, quirky, and deeply character-centric episode treats music as emotional subtext. Ally’s longing, John’s quirks, and courtroom antics play out through song, capturing the offbeat tone of the series. It felt both surreal and sincere, reflecting the show’s charm perfectly.
20th Television (Disney), Ally McBeal (1997–2002)
Xena: Warrior Princess: “The Bitter Suite”
When war, grief, and betrayal collide, Xena gives us this epic musical that spans dimensions and internal conflict. Fantastical, operatic, and cathartic, it’s a bold risk that pays off with theatrical flair and emotional weight. The episode dives into themes of forgiveness and trauma, using song as therapy. It’s dramatic, surreal, and still one of the most beloved, ambitious episodes in Xena’s run.
NBCUniversal, Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001)
Lucifer: “Bloody Celestial Karaoke”
Even celestial beings need karaoke nights. In this episode, Lucifer blends humor, tension, and character beats through duets and performances. The show leans into its supernatural setting to let the music amplify character revelations. Tom Ellis shines with charisma, and the supporting cast has fun stepping outside their dramatic arcs. It’s goofy, heartfelt, and a perfect fit for the show’s playful yet emotional style.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia: “The Nightman Cometh”
Charlie writes a rock musical (with questionable logic), and the gang performs it on stage. It’s messy, crude, and ridiculous: exactly what Sunny does best. Fans love it for its laugh-out-loud audacity and offbeat charm. With songs like “Dayman,” it became iconic beyond the show, proving Sunny could be both chaotic and unforgettable when leaning into its characters’ bizarre creative instincts.
FX, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–)
Psych: “Psych: The Musical”
Psych went all in with original songs and big production numbers. Shawn and Gus, known for their pop culture hijinks, get to belt it out in a mashup of mystery and lyrics. Rated among the top musical episodes, it delivers wit, camp, and meta-humor. It’s a fan treat, doubling as both parody and tribute to the genre, while still feeling like classic Psych.
NBCUniversal, Psych (2006–2014)
That ’70s Show: “That ’70s Musical”
The gang performs in a school production for the show’s 100th episode. With ’70s-era songs, nostalgia, and character reveals, it’s a fun “everyone sings” moment rooted in the vibe of the era. Watching Kelso, Donna, and Hyde sing and dance makes the characters’ quirks shine. It’s silly, joyful, and an inventive way for the sitcom to celebrate a milestone episode with flair.
Fox, That ’70s Show (1998–2006)
I Love Lucy: “The Operetta”
Even classic sitcoms went musical! Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel mount a homemade operetta full of gags, missteps, and comedic timing. It’s a delightful throwback to vaudeville traditions and the episode showcases Lucy’s comedic genius as she bumbles through staging an elaborate performance. It remains one of the most charming showcases of music-meets-comedy.
CBS Studios, I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
The Love Boat: “The Musical”
The ship’s cruises soundtracked with romance, drama, and song—because The Love Boat had room for everything. In “The Musical” episode, guest stars sing their way through relationship drama, using tunes to express what dialogue often can’t. While a bit kitschy, it’s peak Love Boat fun.
ABC, The Love Boat (1977–1986)
Fringe: “Brown Betty”
This sci-fi show took a detour into film noir musical territory. As the story reframes through music, Olivia sings “Don’t Rain on My Parade” in a pivotal moment. It’s bold, surreal, and emotionally charged. Mixing sci-fi weirdness with noir stylings and jazzy performances, it feels like a genre experiment that only Fringe could pull off: both stylish and surprisingly poignant.
Supernatural: “Fan Fiction”
For the series’ 200th episode, the drama club at a school stages a fan musical of Supernatural. Sam and Dean don’t sing themselves, but the tribute is funny, meta, and full of fan service, especially the emotional rendition of “Carry On Wayward Son”. It’s both a love letter to fans and a playful nod to the show’s cultural legacy.
Warner Bros. Television, Supernatural (2005–2020)
Riverdale: “A Night To Remember”
In this teen drama, students produce a school musical filled with foreshadowing, tension, and dark undercurrents. It leans into its soap-opera DNA to turn a high school performance into something dramatic and unsettling. The combination of angsty performances and eerie atmosphere fits perfectly with Riverdale’s campy melodrama, and the music becomes another tool for the show’s over-the-top storytelling style.
Warner Bros. Television, Riverdale (2017–2023)
The Brady Bunch: “Amateur Night”
The Bradys try their hand at a local talent show performance. The episode is wholesome, playful, and emblematic of 1970s TV musical variety shows. Each child shines in a simple musical showcase, adding charm to the family sitcom. While not groundbreaking, it’s pure nostalgic comfort TV that captures the earnest innocence that defined The Brady Bunch.
Paramount Global, The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
The Flash: “Duet”
A crossover with Supergirl, The Flash pairs up for a musical tribute to love, heroism, and comic-book stakes. It’s slick, emotionally earnest, and unapologetically nostalgic—exactly the kind of musical detour fans adore. Grant Gustin and Melissa Benoist’s Broadway roots shine, turning superhero melodrama into heartfelt show tunes. It’s silly but sweet, with genuine affection for musicals and superheroes alike.
Warner Bros. Television, The Flash (2014–2023)
Scrubs: “My Musical”
In Scrubs, one hospital patient perceives the world as a musical (because of a neurological condition). The cast sings their lines, hospital sounds become rhythm, and each song reveals inner fears and truths. The result feels sweet, weird, and heartfelt. The episode became an instant fan favorite, balancing humor and emotion while delivering a concept that’s as fun as it is touching.
Disney-ABC Domestic Television, Scrubs (2001–2010)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: “Once More, With Feeling”
Often called the gold standard of TV musicals, Buffy’s “Once More, with Feeling” forces characters to sing hidden truths under a demonic spell. The songs are original, performances sincere, and the episode weaves musical moments directly into character arcs. Funny, heartbreaking, and epic, it became a cult favorite that influenced many shows after. It set the bar for blending storytelling and song seamlessly.
20th Television (Disney), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
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