When it was originally on: 2019-2023

Original network: Disney+

Where you can stream it now: Disney+

Had I seen it before: Yes, I’ve seen the first two seasons and some of season three.

What IMDb says: The students from the school where the High School Musical films were shot stage a musical production based on the franchise.

Why I picked it: This is firmly at the top of the “just because I want to” list. This show sounds so incredibly stupid on paper, but when I tried to hate watch it when it first came out, I was almost instantly converted. The cast is super talented. The show is just self-aware enough to poke fun at the original movie and its inherent cheesiness. It taps into the nostalgia of the movie while also building it out its own universe and characters enough to not lean too heavily on the nostalgia play.

Oh and I didn’t think of this when I was putting the list together but Olivia Rodrigo has a new album out.

What I liked: I like how this show has genuinely good jokes in it that are delivered well.

“I’ve seen the original movie 37 times and the first 15 minutes of both sequels”

“I support the arts, I pay for ad-free Spotify.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen it, it plays on repeat at my allergist’s office”

It strikes a great tone that establishes we’re not just here to watch Disney congratulate itself for a past success.

Miss Jen is also a fabulous comic relief character. She’s essentially “what if Leslie Knope were a theater teacher?” which is such a brilliant idea you wonder why no one did it sooner. Shoutout to Kate Reinders for delivering such a good performance.

I also love the concept of one person who doesn’t like musicals doing one to win a girl. While Nini fits the typical mold of Disney protagonist who’s talented and just needs to come out of her shell, Ricky trying to do theater while rolling his eyes at it feels fresh. It evokes the original High School Musical to a point, but Ricky actively thinks musical theater is stupid in a way Troy Bolton never did.

As much as I love the comedy of the show, I also think the ending moment where Ricky serenades Nini lands beautifully, and is the biggest reason I want to come back for more. From the moment he first puts a spotlight on Nini, you can see the chemistry between these two and how it’s going to get in the way of co-leading a musical while Nini dates someone else (friendly reminder that this is the irl relationship that inspired “driver’s license”). Ricky’s serenade is sweet and sincere. Olivia Rodrigo brilliant sells that Nini’s still in love with Ricky as she looks at him during the song, and also sells Nini’s righteous anger at him for messing up their relationship.

What I didn’t like: 2019 is a little late to still be doing the “black best friend who only exists to say ‘you go girl’ to our lead” don’t cha think? Maybe it’s better since Nini isn’t white, but I don’t know.

Do I want to watch Ep. 2?: Yeah, I could blow through this whole series in a week or two if I put my mind to it. It’s just a fun, warm and cozy nostalgia trip that doesn’t take itself too seriously.