What To Watch If You Love 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series'
- Photo: High School Musical / Disney Channel
What to watch if: you're interested in what inspired the show
In High School Musical, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), a star basketball player, and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), a brainy newcomer with a knack for science, break the status quo at East High School when they audition for the school's winter musical. Their friends, Chad Danforth (Corbin Bleu) and Taylor McKessie (Monique Coleman), wrestle with their conflicting loyalties amid the unfolding drama. This teen musical comedy-drama, directed by Kenny Ortega, won the Billboard Music Award for Soundtrack Album of the Year in 2006. It explores themes of friendship, self-expression, and challenging societal norms through catchy tunes and captivating dance numbers.More High School Musical- Dig Deeper...All High School Musical Books
- And Deeper...The Best Songs From 'High School Musical'
- #122 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- Photo: Glee2
For fans of: witty shows about musically-gifted outcasts
A teacher tries to reinvent the high school's glee club.More Glee- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Glee' Episodes of All Time
- And Deeper...All the Major 'Glee' Characters
- #232 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- Photo: Camp Rock / Disney Channel
For fans of: shy outcasts grow more confident
Celebrity singers (Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Nick Jonas) coach aspiring musicians at a special summer camp.More Camp Rock- #15 of 100 onThe 100 Best Disney Channel Original Movies
- #52 of 169 onThe 150+ Best Teen Romance Movies, Ranked
- #126 of 185 onMovies With The Best Soundtracks
- Photo: Victorious
For fans of: high school theatre kids hijinks
Set within the vibrant halls of Hollywood Arts High School, Victorious follows the journey of aspiring singer Tori Vega (Victoria Justice) as she navigates the competitive world of performing arts education. With its ensemble cast of talented, quirky characters‚ such as her theatrical sister Trina (Daniella Monet) and eccentric acting coach Sikowitz (Eric Lange)‚ the show weaves together comedic antics and heartfelt storylines. The series garnered a dedicated fan base and multiple award nominations during its four-season run, while showcasing an array of musical performances that contributed to several chart-topping soundtracks. Victorious remains a beloved fixture in teen television history.More Victorious- #229 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
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- #14 of 161 onThe 140+ Best High School Shows, Ranked
For fans of: teens pursuing their pop star dreams
A heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery, Julie and the Phantoms follows the journey of a young musician rediscovering her passion for music with the help of an unlikely trio of ghostly band members. This musical dramedy, created by Dan Cross and David Hoge, boasts a spirited ensemble cast featuring Madison Reyes as the talented Julie, and Charlie Gillespie (Luke), Owen Joyner (Alex), and Jeremy Shada (Reggie) as her spectral companions. Garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, this Netflix original series has become a testament to the power of music and its ability to transcend boundaries, while providing viewers with an uplifting and enchanting experience.- #61 of 652 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #68 of 179 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
- #114 of 292 onThe 280+ Best Supernatural Series
- Photo: Austin & Ally
For fans of: dynamic duos with a flair for music
A musician/singer and a songwriter combine their talents, but adventure is always soon to follow.More Austin & Ally- #22 of 32 onThe Best Kids Shows of 2013
- #243 of 388 onThe Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows
- #9 of 98 onThe 95+ Best Disney Channel Shows, Ranked
- Photo: Netflix
What to watch if you crave: shows about nerdy outcasts coming of age
Exploring the complexities of adolescence, Never Have I Ever offers a refreshingly authentic portrayal of a young Indian-American girl's journey through high school. The protagonist, Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), navigates the challenges of teenage life with wit and resilience, as she grapples with her cultural identity, friendships, and romantic interests. While the series masterfully balances humor and heart, it also delves into heavier themes such as grief and mental health. Garnering critical acclaim and a passionate fan base, this coming-of-age comedy-drama has earned recognition at the MTV Movie & TV Awards and the People's Choice Awards, solidifying its place as a must-watch show for all ages. - Photo: Andi Mack
For fans of: sweet, coming of age tales with an Asian-American lead
Andi Mack, a coming-of-age Disney Channel series that premiered on April 7, 2017. The series presents the life of a 13-year-old girl named Andi (Elizabeth Lee) as she navigates her early teenage years. The show is lauded for its mature themes and plot twists, which includes Andi discovering that her older sister Bex (Lilan Bowden) is actually her mother. This revelation sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and family bonding. The series also broke new ground by introducing the first openly gay main character in a Disney Channel show. It won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Programming.More Andi Mack- #51 of 98 onThe 95+ Best Disney Channel Shows, Ranked
- #15 of 75 onGood TV Shows for 10 Year Olds
- #19 of 71 onGood TV Shows for 12 Year Olds
- Photo: NBC
For fans of: poignant musical shows that tug at the heartstrings
In a harmonious fusion of comedy and drama, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist follows the journey of Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy), who develops an uncanny ability to hear people's innermost thoughts and desires through song. This Emmy-nominated series has been praised for its innovative storytelling and impressive musical numbers, featuring a talented ensemble cast that effortlessly brings each character to life. As viewers follow Zoey's navigation of her newfound powers, they are treated to a heartfelt exploration of human emotions and relationships. With its unique premise, relatable characters, and outstanding performances, this show offers a refreshing take on the power of music in connecting people.- #159 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #53 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #170 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- Photo: Bizaardvark
For fans of: Olivia Rodrigo
Best friends Paige and Frankie create music-comedy videos for their popular video blog. For fans of: teens following their ambitions
Elena Cañero-Reed will one day become the U.S. President but, for now, she's in middle school.- #166 of 179 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
- #28 of 69 onThe 65+ Best Gen Z Shows, Ranked
- #14 of 129 on125+ Movies And Shows With Diary In The Title
- Photo: Big Time Rush
For fans of: the zany antics of musically-gifted teens
Big Time Rush, which premiered on November 28, 2009, is a vibrant musical teen sitcom that follows the lives of four hockey players from Minnesota who are unexpectedly thrust into the glamorous world of pop music. Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos PenaVega, and Logan Henderson star as the titular band members navigating fame and friendship in Hollywood. The show cleverly juxtaposes the boys' Midwestern roots with their new LA lifestyle, resulting in hilarious escapades and heartwarming moments. Big Time Rush's catchy tunes and relatable storylines have made it a fan favorite, earning it multiple Kids' Choice Awards during its run.More Big Time Rush- #309 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #250 of 388 onThe Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows
- #53 of 62 onThe Best Recent Musical Shows & Movies
For fans of: ambitious teens
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Hawaii, Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. is a refreshing dramedy that centers around the life of a teenage medical prodigy, Lahela "Doogie" Kameāloha (Peyton Elizabeth Lee). The series navigates the challenges of both professional and personal growth, as Lahela seeks to find balance between her burgeoning career and adolescent experiences. With a talented ensemble cast, including Kathleen Rose Perkins as Dr. Clara Hannon and Jason Scott Lee as Benny Kameāloha, the show has garnered positive reviews for its heartwarming narrative and engaging performances. While rooted in the medical drama genre, Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. also shines a light on the complexities of family dynamics and cultural identity, offering viewers a well-rounded and enjoyable television experience.- #90 of 179 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
- #390 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #10 of 14 onThe Best TV Shows Set in Hawaii
- Photo: Awkward.14
For fans of: anxious teens navigating the messiness of high school relationships
Navigating through the turbulent waters of adolescence, Awkward provides a relatable and humorous portrayal of high school life. The series centers around Jenna Hamilton (Ashley Rickards), a teenager who grapples with complex relationships, identity crises, and the ever-present challenge of fitting in. Through its five-season run, the show has garnered critical acclaim, earning several Teen Choice Award nominations. With an ensemble cast that breathes life into each character's story, Awkward strikes a balance between lighthearted comedy and poignant drama, making it a must-watch for those seeking an authentic representation of teenage experiences.More Awkward.- #22 of 75 onThe 75+ Best MTV Shows, Ranked
- #29 of 161 onThe 140+ Best High School Shows, Ranked
- #16 of 151 onThe 140+ Best Romantic Teenage Series
- Photo: Liv and Maddie
What to watch if you like: supportive families
Liv and Maddie is a delightful contemporary sitcom from the Disney Channel series, which centers on identical twins Liv and Maddie Rooney - who couldn't be more different. Liv is a recently returned Hollywood starlet, while Maddie is a hometown basketball hotshot. Their contrasting personalities provide endless comedic fodder and heartfelt moments. The show skillfully tackles themes of identity, sibling rivalry, and adolescent growth. Liv and Maddie remains a beloved series for its charming depiction of teenage life through the lens of twinhood.More Liv and Maddie- #146 of 265 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
- #23 of 26 onThe Best Kids Shows Grown-Ups Should Be Watching
- #13 of 32 onThe Best Kids Shows of 2013
For fans of: sensitive coming of age stories with a diverse cast
Exploring the complexities of self-discovery, Love, Victor is a heartwarming coming-of-age series that delves into the life of Victor Salazar (Michael Cimino), a high school student navigating the challenges of adolescence. Set in the same universe as the acclaimed film Love, Simon, this Hulu original has earned praise for its authentic portrayal of identity struggles and LGBTQ+ themes. With an ensemble cast featuring talented actors such as Ana Ortiz and James Martinez, the show skillfully balances humor and emotion, resulting in relatable storylines for audiences of all ages. Its engaging narrative and meaningful character development have garnered Love, Victor a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.More Love, Victor- #8 of 38 onThe Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #69 of 161 onThe 140+ Best High School Shows, Ranked
- #117 of 166 onThe Best Shows On Disney Plus
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For fans of: teens with pop star dreams
Violetta regresa a Buenos Aires, donde encuentra amigos y descubre su pasión por la música. - Photo: Katy Keene
For fans of: earnest musical shows with flair
In the bustling cityscape of New York, Katy Keene (Lucy Hale) navigates her aspirations in the world of fashion. As a dramedy series, it showcases the challenges faced by ambitious young adults pursuing careers in a competitive environment. With vibrant visuals and a diverse cast, the show delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Alongside Katy, characters like Jorge/Ginger (Jonny Beauchamp) and Pepper Smith (Julia Chan) bring depth to this engaging narrative. Although short-lived, the series earned praise for its fresh take on the Archie Comics universe, leaving a lasting impression on its dedicated fanbase.More Katy Keene- #39 of 69 onThe 65+ Best Gen Z Shows, Ranked
- #72 of 73 onThe Best Live-Action Comic Book Shows of All Time
- #20 of 40 onTV Dramas With The Cheesiest Dialogue, Ranked
For fans of: teenage musicians navigating their careers and romance
An exclusive after school music program where musicians discover their musical identities.- Photo: Universal Pictures
For fans of: earnest musicals about outcasts
Evan Hansen is an anxious, isolated high-school student who's aching for understanding and belonging amid the chaos and cruelty of the social media age. He soon embarks on a journey of self-discovery when a letter he wrote for a writing exercise falls into the hands of a grieving couple whose son took his own life.More Dear Evan Hansen- #59 of 68 onThe Most Rewatchable Movie Musicals
- #31 of 54 onThe Best Social Media Movies
- #25 of 62 onThe Best Recent Musical Shows & Movies
For fans of: wacky musical comedies
Students at Kirin High School of Art work hard to achieve their dreams of becoming stars.More Dream High- #84 of 328 onThe Best KDramas Of All Time
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For fans of: gifted teenagers at a performance art high school
In the heart-pounding rhythm of New York City, Fame sweeps you into the high stakes world of a group of teenagers attending the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts. The narrative follows their journey from auditions to graduation, as they navigate personal and professional struggles. Their stories intertwine through characters like ambitious dancer Coco Hernandez (Irene Cara), talented but dyslexic drummer Leroy Johnson (Gene Anthony Ray), and classical pianist Bruno Martelli (Lee Curreri). This musical drama won two Academy Awards, earning its place in cinematic history with its raw portrayal of artistic pursuit.More Fame- #248 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #22 of 64 onThe Best Movies Of 1980
- #11 of 78 onThe 75+ Best Dance Movies Of All Time, Ranked
For fans of: competitive musical dramas
Soundtrack is a musical drama that weaves a complex tapestry of love, loss, and connection through the eclectic playlists of its Los Angeles-based characters. Each episode unfolds like a cinematic pop album, with music-driven storytelling anchoring the narrative. The show explores the intersecting love stories within a diverse community, revealing how songs can amplify every life moment. The series is notable for its ambitious attempt to blend traditional narrative with music video elements, Soundtrack features Jenna Dewan and Madeleine Stowe among its ensemble cast. Even with its innovative format and heartfelt performances, the series didn't manage to secure any major awards before it was canceled after one season.More Soundtrack- #122 of 202 onThe Best New Shows That Premiered in 2019
- #192 of 758 onThe 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
- #223 of 230 onThe Best Netflix Original Drama Shows
For fans of: inclusive teen dramas
Students encounter common high school issues.- Photo: The Cheetah Girls / Disney Channel
For fans of: tight-knit friend groups empowering each other
Four diverse New York teenagers (Raven, Adrienne Bailon) hope their music group will hit the big time.More The Cheetah Girls- #11 of 100 onThe 100 Best Disney Channel Original Movies
- #107 of 123 onThe Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
- #388 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- Photo: Disney Channel
For fans of: a talented teenager trying to balance her ambition and social life
Teen sitcom sensation Hannah Montana follows the double life of Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus), an ordinary teenager by day and a famous pop star by night. This Disney Channel original series, which aired from 2006 to 2011, garnered multiple awards and nominations, including four Primetime Emmy nods. Alongside Miley are her best friends Lilly Truscott (Emily Osment) and Oliver Oken (Mitchel Musso), who support her through the challenges of balancing fame and adolescence. The show's witty humor and catchy tunes resonate with viewers, showcasing the importance of friendship, family, and staying true to oneself.More Hannah Montana- #163 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #118 of 388 onThe Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows
- #12 of 15 onDisney+ Has All Your Favorite Sitcoms From The '90s And '00s
For fans of: coming of age tales surrounding witty teens
In a heartwarming coming-of-age tale, Lizzie McGuire explores the trials and tribulations of teenage life, resonating with audiences of all ages. The show, which garnered a Primetime Emmy nomination, follows Lizzie (Hilary Duff) as she navigates friendships, crushes, and family dynamics, all while grappling with the challenges of adolescence. With a touch of humor and a relatable animated alter ego, Lizzie's journey is both entertaining and educational. The talented ensemble cast, including Lalaine as best friend Miranda and Adam Lamberg as lovable sidekick Gordo, brings depth and authenticity to this beloved early 2000s sitcom.More Lizzie McGuire- Dig Deeper...What Happened To The Cast Of Lizzie McGuire
- #210 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- #6 of 74 onThe Best Shows You Watched After School in the 2000s
- Photo: NBC
For fans of: zany musical comedies
The members of a girl group reunite to give their pop star dreams one more shot.More Girls5Eva- #153 of 652 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #275 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #15 of 76 onThe 70 Best Current Shows About Women
- Photo: Make It Pop29
Make It Pop
For fans of: empowering female singers
Three girls form a band after being randomly selected as roommates at boarding school. - Photo: The WB
For fans of: wholesome towns
Set in the quaint, picturesque town of Stars Hollow, this heartwarming dramedy follows the lives and relationships of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). With its witty, fast-paced dialogue and an ensemble of eccentric characters, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base. Throughout its seven-season run, Gilmore Girls was lauded for its relatable, well-rounded portrayal of female relationships, particularly the unique bond between a single mother and her daughter. The series also earned critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, proving its lasting impact on the television landscape.