Why must every TV show and movie be a musical now?

Musicals have long held a special place in the world of entertainment. For years, I have been reviewing them on Broadway, and my love for this art form has only grown. I firmly believe that musicals are an irresistible genre, one that America has truly perfected. However, as much as I adore musicals, they don’t belong everywhere. Unfortunately, it seems that TV and film directors disagree.

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The Invasion of Musicals in TV and Movies

Lately, there’s been a growing trend of incorporating songs and dance numbers into shows and movies where they’re not really needed. It feels as if directors are stuffing these musical elements into scripts, much like trying to cram a teapot into an already overpacked suitcase. From DC Studios’ Joker sequel featuring a psychopathic clown, to Marvel shows about quirky covens of witches, it seems every production is finding a way to make actors sing, even if the plot doesn’t call for it.

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Musical Overload: Is Hollywood Missing the Mark?

Take Joker: Folie à Deux for example. The film features 15 musical numbers, a dramatic increase from its predecessor, which had none. Critics have expressed confusion about why the songs were included at all. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich mentioned that the musical numbers seemed either too obvious or irrelevant to the characters. Similarly, Kevin Maher from The Times of London criticized the songs as a “random, uninspired grab bag.”

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Musical Elements in Unexpected Places

This trend isn’t just limited to one film. Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, which centers around a Mexican drug dealer who transitions into a woman, also incorporates musical numbers. While some critics have praised the film, many agree that the songs feel unnecessary and distract from the plot. The movie would likely have been stronger without them.

Marvel’s Agatha All Along is another example. While music makes sense in its magical world, the new songs don’t carry the same cultural punch as the show’s original theme, which was a major hit in 2021. The melodies in the spinoff feel more like fillers than essential parts of the narrative.

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Are Musicals Still Relevant in Modern Media?

The obsession with turning everything into a musical raises questions. Has Hollywood run out of ways to communicate emotions and ideas through dialogue? Or are they simply trying to cater to younger generations, particularly those who grew up with High School Musical and Glee?

Whatever the reason, many audiences are left feeling like the music often overstays its welcome. At the end of these productions, the common sentiment seems to be: “That was nice, but I could have used less singing.”

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FAQs

1. Why are musicals suddenly appearing in so many TV shows and movies?

Musicals seem to be making their way into various genres, even when they’re not necessary. Directors may be experimenting with the format, or trying to appeal to younger audiences who grew up with musical shows like Glee.

2. Are the musical elements in these films and shows well-received by critics?

Not always. While some appreciate the effort, many critics feel that the musical numbers are forced and don’t add value to the plot, often detracting from the overall experience.

3. Do musicals work better in certain genres?

Yes, musicals are more fitting in certain settings. For example, a magical world like Marvel’s Agatha All Along can accommodate musical numbers more naturally than a dark and gritty film like Joker: Folie à Deux.

4. Why do some people dislike musicals in non-musical genres?

Many feel that musicals in non-musical genres interrupt the flow of the story. Rather than enhancing the plot, they can feel like unnecessary additions that distract from the narrative.

5. Will this trend of musicals in unexpected places continue?

It’s hard to say. While the trend is currently popular, much of its future depends on audience reception. If viewers grow tired of seeing musicals everywhere, the industry may shift back to more traditional storytelling.

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