Musical episodes have become a sort of tradition among a lot of American TV series. While some can be mega hits, many others fall into annoying TV and Musical tropes that do more harm than good. While the trend can be a bit overdone, it would be more than welcome among a few shows today.
There are tons of series on both streaming and TV today, many of which could be tailor-made to include a musical episode. Anything from sitcoms to high fantasy could technically utilize this silly technique, and pull it off fantastically. But, not every show is suited for it.
Should - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Someway or another, a musical episode could fit just fine. Perhaps it could be inspired by classics of the era like Singin’ in the Rain? It could be a perfect way to decontextualize this era of show business.
Shouldn’t - Barry
Comedies are probably the best genre to hold a musical episode. It just wouldn’t fit well among the likes of most dramas today (could you imagine a Chernobyl musical? Yikes.). But, that doesn’t mean every comedy series could utilize a musical format. HBO’s dark comedy series Barry is a perfect example.
Few series can find a perfect balance between sharp-witted comedy and high-intensity drama. The show is absolutely hilarious, casting some of the best talent in the business. That being said, it tackles issues that are far too dark and would feel tonally imbalanced with a musical interlude.
Should - Black Mirror
While Barry would come across as tonally dissonant if it contained a musical episode, this tonal shift would actually benefit an episode of the dystopian anthology series Black Mirror. Since every episode is different than the last, the worst thing that would happen if the series went this route is that it would feel like a failed experiment.
While it would be considered a failure, it wouldn’t’ be more of a blow than any other disappointing episode of an anthology series. This format allows creators to try new things without consequence. Plus, the second episode of season one proves that musical interludes can fit, within reason.
Shouldn’t - What We Do In The Shadows
Comedies fit musicals best, but sitcoms are perhaps the best sub-genre for this format. There are tons of sitcoms that have used the musical format in the past to great effect. That being said, a sitcom-like What We Do in the Shadows could not carry a musical whatsoever.
That’s not to say that the cast doesn’t have the talent or that it wouldn’t be funny. In fact, this cast would fit that format excellently. But the series is already built of the gimmick of a mockumentary. Musicals have to be utilized as a pseudo fantasy, otherwise, it doesn’t work.
Should - Fleabag
Speaking of breaking the fourth wall, few series have done it as well as Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag. The series is built off the fact that the lead character can talk to the audience. Because of this, the series could really benefit from a darkly funny and raunchy musical episode.
Now, this series is technically finished, with Waller-Bridge stating that it wouldn’t go past two seasons. But, perhaps down the road, the series could return for a one-off special. If this was the case, imagine a stand-alone musical version of Fleabag. Who cares if they can even sing, it would fit perfectly.
Shouldn’t - The Handmaid’s Tale
This one is a no brainer. Out of all the series that are currently steaming or are on air, there might be no show least deserving of the musical treatment. The Handmaid’s Tale, based on Margret Atwood’s dystopian novel, is one of the darkest and bleakest series on TV, which is its strength.
The internet gets mad all the time, the minute someone downplays the importance of this show. Imagine the outcry of anger that would happen if some idiotic executive pitched this. We couldn’t think of a worse idea if we tried.
Should - Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
On paper, this might seem like a weird fit. Why would you turn a high fantasy show featuring an all puppet cast into a musical? The reasoning is right there in the statement. Look at the legacy of Jim Henson’s muppets and creature shop. More often than not, almost all of their properties have feature musical elements.
While this series might be over, perhaps Netflix and the team at the creature shop could collaborate on a similar series more in the vein of Labyrinth? Get a big outrageous musical star like David Bowie and honor this other section of Henson’s legacy.
Shouldn’t - Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty was a decently funny animated comedy, one that riffed off of genres from decades past. But, the fans of the series have had nearly ruined this show for the rest of us. Their annoying behavior online, let alone the shocking display at McDonald’s around the world, has left the worst taste in the mouths of many.
Now, a lot of viewers despise nearly any reference to the show. Imagine how the toxic fans of Rick and Morty would take a musical episode. If Get Schwifty wasn’t enough to annoy you, imagine an entire episode’s worth of dumb songs that will be referenced constantly.
Should - The Good Place
The Good Place is just about to come to a close. After four seasons of laughs and tears, this comedy from Michael Shur has stolen the hearts of tons of viewers. While the chances are low what with the series ending in an episode, it still would have been fantastic to have seen a musical episode.
It would have fit the series too, what with all the powers that Janet, Michael, and other afterlife beings have. A musical episode would have totally fit the mold of the show and allowed Kristen Bell to show off her singing.
Shouldn’t - The Mandalorian
The final entry on this list is actually not as cut and dry as it seems. The Musical genre and Star Wars have always had a hot and cold relationship. Moments like the Cantina band in A New Hope can be beloved by all while at the same time Jabba’s Palace Band from the special editions are pure nightmare fuel.
There might be some way or another to get some musical-like number in The Mandalorian, but we’re not hopeful. It could be a fun side gag, but a full-on musical number has never bode well for the franchise.
